XVI NAM Summit Ends

The 16th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) wrapped up today in Tehran. Venezuela will host the next NAM Summit in 2015.

Photo Credit: ISNA

IAEA Report Puts Israel in a Corner – NY Times

Gen. Martin Dempsey’s warning today that an Israeli attack on Iran would not stop the country’s nuclear program came after the IAEA had announced that Iran has already installed more than 2,100 centrifuges inside a virtually impenetrable underground facility, ramping up production of nuclear fuel. The New York Times, quoting Israeli officials and experts, said today that the IAEA report puts Israel “in a corner,” documenting that Iran is close to crossing what Israel has long said is its red line: the capability to produce nuclear weapons in a location invulnerable to Israeli attack. The report may force Israel “to strike Iran or concede it is not prepared to act on its own.”

“It leaves us at this dead end,” a senior Israeli government official told the Times. “The more time elapses with no change on the ground in terms of Iranian policies, the more it becomes a zero-sum game.” (The New York Times, 31 August)

The U.S., as apparent in Gen. Dempsey’s remarks, is warning Israel, however, that they can’t destroy Iran’s nuclear program on their own, without direct U.S. involvement. The U.S. fears that an unsuccessful Israeli strike would just drive the program more underground. The Times report said for example that the best Israel might be able to accomplish is to close the tunnel entrances around Fordo underground plant, rather than destroy what is inside.

But the debate over an Iran strike and lobbying in the tight circle of decision-makers in Israel have intensified, with many saying that the status quo is not sustainable. The Times quotes Israeli experts as saying that unless the United States issues a clear ultimatum to Iran about its intentions to act militarily, the chances of an Israeli attack this year will climb.

Israeli Attack on Iran 'Would Not Stop Nuclear Program' - Dempsey

U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey said today that an Israeli attack would delay but probably not destroy Iran’s nuclear program. "I don't want to be complicit if they [Israel] choose to do it," Gen. Dempsey said.

Demsey’s latest remarks reinforce Washington’s opposition to unilateral Israeli action. He added that sanctions against Iran should be given a chance to work. International coalition applying pressure on Iran "could be undone if [Iran] was attacked prematurely," the general warned. (The Guardian, 31 August)

Photo Credit: Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA/Guardian

‘To Rely Only on Ourselves’ – An Israeli Perspective

“The record of the U.S. presidents proves that Israel can’t rely on Obama’s promises to prevent Iran from military nuclear capability.”

“Sometimes, it seems that they prefer Israel to do ‘the dirty work’...”

To Rely Only on Ourselves

An Israeli perspective by Dr. Ely Karmon (Ma’ariv)

Translated by Viktoria Lymar (IranEdge)

 Republished with permission from IranEdge.com

Photo Credit: Ma’ariv/IranEdge  

Morsi Calls on Assad to Transfer Power – ‘Regime Has Lost Its Legitimacy’

Syrian Delegation Walks Out of NAM Summit

Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi described the Syrian regime as “oppressive” that has lost its legitimacy. He expressed his support for the struggle of the Syrian opposition and called on Assad to transfer power to a democratic system. He also called on all nations to support the Syrian people struggle against the government. The Syrian delegation walked out of the Summit in protest.

"We should all express our full support to the struggle of those who are demanding freedom and justice in Syria and translate our sympathies to a clear political vision that supports peaceful transfer of power to a democratic system," Morsi said.

Morsi added that the world had a "moral duty" to stand with the Syrian people in their struggle "against an oppressive regime that has lost its legitimacy." (al-Jazeera, 30 August)

Photo Credit: Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi (second from right) addressing NAM Summit. Others on the podium from left to right: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Opening ceremony of NAM Summit in Tehran. 30 August 2012. (khamenei.ir)