Fresh off a visit to Israel, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey claimed a “closer understanding” had been reached with Israel on the need to keep threatening Iran.
Gen. Dempsey insisted the US was keeping the option “in mind” and that he believes his meeting ended with Israel more confident of America’s belligerence toward Iran.
Dempsey’s Israeli counterpart, Benny Gantz, reported strong cooperation with the US and seemed pleased by what he termed “augmented assurances” about the US plans to attack Iran.
The US and Israel have often publicly spatted about Iran, with Israel condemning diplomacy in general and expressing dissatisfaction with the number of times the US threatens to attack, believing the US should do so much more often.
Up to now Dempsey has been a voice of sanity in refraining from advocating, and in keeping the Administration from initiating or joining in, an irresponsible attack on Iran. I hope the neocons in the Administration are not now boxing him in or compromising him to do something different. Frankly, our bellicose language and threats of a war with Iran are pernicious and foolish.
Meanwhile they are finalizing their military actions toward Iran, Russia and rest of Eastern Europe, but not yet, wait for Hillary Clinton, she will tell you: "what is so good about this mighty army if we cannot use it". After all, Madeline Albright was her teacher and she very much admires her.
Big surprise, another US "leader" grovelling to Israeli demands. Gen. Dempsey had shown some spine in the past. Apparently, it was removed during his trip to Israel.
If General Dempsey made these remarks without the approval of the White House (not a new phenomenon at all) then he must be fired by the WH.
It is much more likely that our ambassador in Israel instructed him what to say. Or even simpler, the General knew all along what that position is. It has been publicly stated several times by representatives of our government. It is the position of the boss, Mr. Obama.
The General does not wish to be fired.
General Dempsey is toeing the Administrations line after getting out of line with Administration with Syria.
Dempsey is just making sure the ‘pacifier’ is still firmly in Netanyahu’s mouth.
That's my view. It's just hot air to keep Israel from freaking out.
Isn't that what Russia is doing regarding Ukraine – keeping military option in mind?
I think that is the US position. If the talks fail then the US will enter another costly war. If war with Iran was easy the US would be in there right now. I bet he probably dazzled them with some things the US would do to the Iranians if talks failed. He has to convince them not to start World War III and let diplomacy take its course.
"close understanding with Israel"
I bet. We do what they tell us to do.