Is This All Cover For Bush Military Deployment For Iran Attack?

[Blackhatjack]

If you were Bush and you wanted to deploy ships, planes, troops to Iran for attack before Nov 7, would this not be the perfect cover to divert attention and questions from what you were doing?

There is no doubt that the orders were given to be ready to deploy, and that certain groups and ships have been deployed, and at least one aircraft carrier scheduled to return home has been held over in the area.

Congress needs to keep their eye on the ball and not let the Foley implosion divert their attention until it is too late do anything about Bush's next military attack on Iran.

[Iwasthere]

1. I agreee

[YDogg]

2. Or an Iran attack might provide diversion from public disgust over Foley.

[Blackhatjack]

4. I Don't Think Bush Gives A Flip About Foley, "It is the House's mess...."

I think Bush is using the public uproar over a sex scandal to move quickly to attack Iran, reiterate he is the war president, and try to convince everyone that he is the only one who can keep Americans safe at home.

What he is not telling is that the military is spent in Iraq, equipment everywhere in disrepair, that there are no available reserve troops to send in, and almost certainly there will have to be a draft of some kind. He thinks everyone will rally to his side once the attack on Iran has begun.

Not this time.

ANd it is not too late for Congress to act if they keep their attention on this, and do not let the Foley affair blind them.

[Raksha]

59. I guess you'd call that the ultimate "Wag the Dog." n/t

[Webster Green]

3. I wouldn't characterize it as "perfect"...

The total collapse of the "Gang Of Perverts" party is imminent.

That's a highly undesirable side-effect to a diversion plan.

[Blackhatjack]

5. What Other Scenario Would Divert More Attention? Attack at Home?

The only scenario I could think of to divert more attention would be a domestic attack in the next 4-5 weeks.

I don't think Bush planned the Foley fiasco to erupt now. I just think he is taking advantage of it to promote his nefarious scheme to attack Iran without Congressional interference.

[aquart]

7. Ah, you still believe in the all-powerful Oz.

This ain't the Emerald City. But if you need the metaphor, think more Wicked Witch, pail of water.

[Blackhatjack]

13. No -- I do not. I believe the NeoCons do. Bush is detached from reality.

He has bought Rummy's lighter more lethal fighting force idea, which has been shown to be a failure in Iraq.

[aquart]

6. What's he got to deploy?

I mean, is he going to leave Baghdad naked? Kabul? Korea? All we have are exhausted soldiers forbidden to leave.

As for ships, are we on the Caspian Sea? With what? If we're in the Persian Gulf, can we be trapped by the Straits of Hormuz if we try to exit?

If we stay in the Gulf of Oman, how much damage can we do, launching missiles and sending out bombers? I'm sure, a lot...but what would be the plan? Lotta Iran airspace to violate before reaching Tehran. How up to date is the Iran oil country military? What is their interception capability?

Basically, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar, all those tiny emirates, have to give their permission. Think Iran will look well on that? Those tiny states have benefited from US support against their large neighbors (Oh, you thought Israel was the only tiny middle-eastern country we propped), but, in our weakened state, could we really stop Iran from doing a mop up job in those palaces? I simply don't know enough about Iran's preparedness. I know that ours currently sucks.

WE HAVE NO ALLIES. WE HAVE NO MONEY. WE HAVE NO ARMY. That really sucks the joy out of a war.

Edit: still looking at the map. Have we been building up airstrips in Afghanistan? Is that the quickest air route into Iran? Turkey won't give us permission. Afghanistan has no choice. Anyone know of air groups being recently deployed there? (And if we were dumb enough to bring a nuke into Afghanistan we deserve whatever happens next.)

[Beelzebud]

8. Exactly. Him and what army?

[paparush]

14. That's the plan..its the Perfect Storm..the Perfect Excuse to go Nukular.

Wait and see...

[Subdivisions]

57. Refer to Post #55. More info there about new deployments...he's

sending the rest of what he has left to throw at the terrists.

[Windy]

9. I live near Selfridge ANG base in Michigan and the aerial activity

was HIGH last night. Large planes taking off every 5 to 10 minutes. This is very unusual as it wasn't the weekend! In light of the naval deployment orders for October 1st, it wouldn't surprise me if the Air Force/Guard received orders also that just didn't make it to the MSM.

[aquart]

10. Thanks. Good to know.

Just the idea of an attack using the backup military as the main force gives me hives.

[louis-t]

16. You're right, there was a lot of activity last night

Didn't occur to me that it was during the week. I'll pay more attention.

[Blackhatjack]

11. Last I Heard There Are 400-500,000 American Troops Worldwide...

... the Retired Generals who are privvy to the war plans have stated that Bush has decided to conduct airstrikes against what are believed to be nuclear sites within Iran, against the advice of intelligence agencies and Pentagon Brass.

Bush does not believe Iran will require significant troop increases, but rather that Iran will simply absorb the attack as a setback of their nuclear development initiative.

Of course this is dead wrong.

The problem everyone recognizes is the Straits of Hormuz. Deployment of naval and marine arsenal to keep the Strait open is the key. Also, the air attack as previously gamed will originate from aircraft carriers(Eisenhower, Enterprise, etc.).

A bad plan. Not supported by Military Planners and Gamers. Someone has to step up and say NO to Bush or we will find ourselves in the middle of this, and the Foley scandal will be a mere blip on the radar screen.

[Yukari Yakumo]

35. Another Problem...

Another problem is China. China's economy is booming, and guess who's oil it's being built off of? If someone attacked Saudi Arabia, do you seriously think BushCo would take it sitting down?

If we attack Iran, there is a possibility, albeit slim, that we risk a greater war with China.

[Blackhatjack]

12. Minesweepers were deployed from Norfolk VA with arrival date Oct 21

to the coast of Iran. Now why would we be sending slow minesweepers to this location to arrive by Oct 21? Only 2 possibilities: 1) Part of a major bluff to Iran; OR 2) Part of a plan to keep the Straits of Hormuz open if an attack triggers war with Iran.

[seabeyond]

15. a story BROKE. it is in the THROES. that is all

not to cover bush. not a rove plot. geez.... how long do you need to see this is in NO way a plus for bushco or election, what so ever

[Blackhatjack]

The Only Plus For Bush is Pulling Off Attack on Iran BEFORE elections

... because he is sure to run into opposition once Dems retake the House. Remember, even after the election results are anounced, the new members of the House will not take their seats for months.

[seabeyond]

25. we are war wary. we dont trust bush in war. majority doesnt

like war in iraq. people are aware bad going ot afghanistan to iraq. now to go to iran with iraq and afghanistan?

i think that will be the end. i dont think it will fly. i would not say bush wouldnt do it though.

[Orsino]

17. No, it's not.

No more than everything else happening in the world is. It is guaranteed to distract us, however.

BushCo move ahead with their plans no matter what the weather.

[Imagevision]

18. Bush needs a vote to attack Iran, After 11/07 he's lost majority vote

because Dems will own the power

[Blackhatjack]

23. ..If Bush follows the Law. But, he believes he needs no further authoriz

.... from Congress. He has already stated that he believes the vote giving him authority to use force against Iraq, gave him the authority to fight "terrorist" wherever they may be found. He already labelled Iran a supporter of terrorists. Don't see him going to Congress for an authorization to attack Iran, cause that would tip them off and would give aid and comfort to the terrorists.

[chill_wind]

29. Precisely what gardiner says in his document. And that was before IFSA.

Which contains support for both Iran sanctions and "regime change" language. House bill thread.


http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=2534654&mesg_id=2534654

[EVDebs]

56. Sept '01 and Oct '02 AUMF's language

embed the War Powers Resolution of '73 which requires truthful ("clear") 'situations' and 'circumstances' before putting US troops at risk. The "...as he (Bush) determines..." wording is the most offensive part of this litany of fiascoes.

Congress illegally abdicated its constitutional duties to review these pretexts for war in order to give delusional fantasies a pretext to commit troops...

Congress is responsible for this. We need a Democratically controlled Congress come Nov 7th or sooner.

[LunaC]

32. Dems won't own the power until January 3

That's when the new Congress gets sworn in.

[louis-t]

19. Oil prices figure in this somewhere.

An attack on Iran right after the election will give shithead the perfect excuse when oil prices skyrocket on Nov. 10. "See, oil prices goin' up 'cause Iran is evil. Heh-heh."

[chill_wind]

43. "And we didn't manipulate them. Shit just happens!" nt

[oc2002]

20. WAG THE DOG WAG THE DOG.

if Bush bombs iran, its wag the dog, not war on terror.

[cnlst8]

21. hmmm.

I kinda doubt that Bush would foolishly order an attack Iran before the elections because of a number of factors.
1. The Iraq war is pretty unpopular and another attack will not help that image. It will just drive more moderates/independents away from the GOP this election through more images of violence in the Middle East. The only group it may influence is fellow neocons, but those ppl have already made there minds up this election.
2. As previously mentioned, U.S have a lack of resources to start another war with another country. The U.S. army is stretching thin already and won't have enough troops to fight Iran unless he calls for a draft, which would be political suicide. He would also need billions of dollars from congress in a special hearing, and adding more dollars to the national debt for the war in Middle East will not go over well in congress as well as the public.
3. Although attacking Iran will drive attention away from the Foley scandal, it would create more negative images of the Bush administration and his GOP supporters (something they can't afford to close to election.)


For October, I expect more fear/smear tactics as well as quelling the attention away from the Foley scandal. I expect to see the Terror Alert to move once or twice (especially on Nov. 7) on "credible" evident of an upcoming attack on the U.S.

[oc2002]

22. Bush would have to go before congress to get authorization?

like Clinton did?

[Marr]

24. Really, I think the neocon foreign policy is completely separate from

these political scandals.

If they decide to take military action in Iran, they'll do it. Period. They won't bother with "distractions" or "cover", unless it's a bogus attack on some US asset to drum up fake patriotism.

There were millions of people right here in the states protesting the imminent invasion of Iraq back in 2002, and that didn't stop them. Do you really think they'd even bother offering you a little sex scandal diversion simply to distract you?

And besides, even in terms of domestic politics, the idea of Foley as a Republican *diversion* is ludicrous on it's face. This makes the entire Republican congressional leadership look like utter slime. This only weakens them domestically, and when it comes to foreign polciy, they simply don't care what we think.

[Blackhatjack]

28. They did not plan Foley, they are just using it to further their goal...

....just like they cannot create a moonless night to use for an attack, but they sure as heck can take advantage of a moonless night to carry out their attack.

Here they are taking advantage of something that they did not plan to erupt at this time. But while it is there, they are taking full advantage of it.

[chill_wind]

34. That's my opinion too. No WAY do they engineer this Foley mess!

No way did they need the devastating fallout and potential loss of control of GOP Congress. It just happens to keep it all the more under the radar, which had been their intent.

And that's what's happening. And that's real scary.

[bdamomma]

26. could be because they are hellbent to start another war

October surprise perhaps.

[chill_wind]

27. Gardiner report-- (pdf): "This will not be shown on CNN."

I really urge everyone, especially rationally thinking skeptics, to read this-- it came out very recently. He dismantles the comfortable arguments of rational thinkers in a rather detailed and very compelling way-- see especially the 7 key things driving the Bush/neo admin's thinking and policy.

Gardiner talks about a two scenarios regarding coverage in the American MSM. The initial one-- What all will be "below the CNN line". (cable news media blackout/ extremely low-key )

The End of the "Summer Diplomacy"

http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/14347

Gardiner's paper- Assessing US Military Options in Iran 26 pages pdf How he thinks they are gaming it.
http://www.tcf.org/publications/internationalaffairs/gardiner_summer_diplomacy.pdf

[Blackhatjack]

30. This was the link I was searching for... and still looking for CNN spot

... where Gardiner said in no uncertain terms that the decision has already been made to carry out an airstrike attack on Iran --against military intelligence recommendations, and that it is a mistake.

[EVDebs]

58. But the AUMFs let the "Decider" make all decisions....nt

[LunaC]

31. Bush has until January 3 to do his dirty work.

The new Congress won't be sworn in until then. When the Dems sweep Congress, Bush* still has time to screw us over.

[Blackhatjack]

33. Starting a War With Iran Is Like Casting Dye, Hard To Rectify....

...Bush knows once we have struck Iran there will be Iranian attacks on US, and there will be no easy way to withdraw from the conflict.

He is counting on the fact that once the dye is cast, we cannot get back to where we were even if both houses of Congress go Democratic.

[Individualist]

37. If the cabal attacks Iran this month

and then trumps up a reason to implement martial law, there will be no November elections.

[LunaC]

41. They need to maintain the appearance of playing by the rules.

They're hoping Diebold will pull it off for them in November but there's so much public disgust with this Admin, that will be hard to do without being overtly obvious and exposing their vote fixing scam.

They'll wait to see how the election plays out, knowing they have two months leeway until January. When the Dems sweep Congress, I wouldn't be surprised if they convened an emergency session of Congress during the holidays while the GOP stll holds power. The Dems would then be stuck with the mess afterwards.

[glitch]

47. I agree with you, these are their logical moves.

However, cornered rabid animals aren't necessarily logical. I view these people the same way as I have the crazy people I've run into in my life: don't expect their actions to be rational and until you can get completely away from them don't take your eyes off them.

[Fierce]

36. Y'know what? FINE.

If the Democratic Party can't get back into power after being handed a wag-the-dog sex scandal meant to hide a troop-stretching invasion of a country with an army that has its shit together, then game over. I'm done. Bring it.

[chill_wind]

38. Reid had a *HOLD on IFSA * until after recess. Instead it steamrolled

right through! He dropped it at the last minute without public explanation and I am still asking you all why.

So who got to him? What was the carrot and/or the stick-- and what was the hellfire urgency?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=2290323&mesg_id=2293157

[chill_wind]

39. This thread seriously needs 2 more recommends.

We've got the Foley saturation amply well covered, as well we should.
I've got a sick feeling about the rest of this.

[Blackhatjack]

42. The Iranian War Threat Is Cruising Below The Radar ....

...while everybody else in the MSM is fixated on the Foley scandal.

The arrival date for most of the ships and planes to the Iranian staging point has been reported to be Oct 21. It is no secret that troops have been deployed. Gardiner pointed out that you cannot stay at the Prepare To Deploy State indefinitely, and that is where so many of the military resources are at today.

I think the idea of a unitary theory of presidential power, and skewed reading of the power conferred by the US Constitution is all Bush thinks he needs to launch.

This will be the time period people will look back on and put in perspective, saying why did we not pay more attention to the Iranian attack buildup. Sex scandals by Repubs have been going on forever. Attacking Iran is another whole different ball game.

[chill_wind]

54. Everything you said. I could not agree more.

To a large degree it is crusing below the radar right here at DU as well, which is also rather scary. Understandably we are mesmerized with Foley. Thank you for this extremely important thread. I hope it keeps climbing up the page and more into everyone's consciousness.

[chill_wind]

40. War Signals - (The Nation)

I posted this a couple days ago but it sank like a rock in an instant.
I'm posting it again.


By DAVE LINDORFF
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20061009/lindorff

As reports circulate of a sharp debate within the White House over possible US military action against Iran and its nuclear enrichment facilities, The Nation has learned that the Bush Administration and the Pentagon have issued orders for a major "strike group" of ships, including the nuclear aircraft carrier Eisenhower as well as a cruiser, destroyer, frigate, submarine escort and supply ship, to head for the Persian Gulf, just off Iran's western coast. This information follows a report in the current issue of Time magazine, both online and in print, that a group of ships capable of mining harbors has received orders to be ready to sail for the Persian Gulf by October 1.

As Time writes in its cover story, "What Would War Look Like?," evidence of the forward deployment of minesweepers and word that the chief of naval operations had asked for a reworking of old plans for mining Iranian harbors "suggest that a much discussed--but until now largely theoretical--prospect has become real: that the U.S. may be preparing for war with Iran."

According to Lieut. Mike Kafka, a spokesman at the headquarters of the Second Fleet, based in Norfolk, Virginia, the Eisenhower Strike Group, bristling with Tomahawk cruise missiles, has received recent orders to depart the United States in a little over a week. Other official sources in the public affairs office of the Navy Department at the Pentagon confirm that this powerful armada is scheduled to arrive off the coast of Iran on or around October 21.

more on Iran page: http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/14275

[Blackhatjack]

44. chill_wind could not be more right !! I read this too and wondered....

...how can there be this much verifiable information out in the public view this time, and people still do not get the fact that war with Iran is just over the horizon?

If nothing changes and it happens, it will change everything. EVERYTHING!

[mopinko]

45. i hope the generals say NO.

make him get a declaration of war, or refuse this illegal order. please.

[Blackhatjack]

46. According to Gardiner, they already said no but Bush refused to accept

that answer, and told them to plan the attack anyway.

Gardiner says they "war gamed" Iran every which way possible and reported that there is not a military solution to Iran. That the only solution was diplomatic.

It is going to take someone really close to Bush, another deep throat, who has the goods on him to prevent this I fear. I just don't see where that person is going to come from.

The only person who could have sunk Bush was Colin Powell, and you can bet that Bush has something on Powell to keep him quiet all this time.

[LunaC]

51. The Plan: stage a “Persian Gulf Incident"

Originally posted May 15, 06

Remember the Maine? Remember the Maddox? US military leaders now fear that a copycat Cuban or Tonkin Gulf incident will be either faked or provoked sometime soon in the ship-clogged Persian Gulf.

Once an Iranian attack on a US-flagged tanker or warship is announced, US commanders could be ordered to “counter-attack” with all available force—including nuclear weapons. Even if they suspected a ruse, no serving soldier can fail to protect his or her comrades. Any grunt or general who refused such a “go” command would risk immediate courts-martial, and charges of treason in a time of war.

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/LunaC/40

[mopinko]

61. i think we have heard enough of revolt to know

that if any of it is true, there is a general out there who has thought it over, and is ready to end his career by saying- sir, no sir, this is an illegal order.
i think there is a distinction between stepping into power in the civilian government, a real coup, or even a mutiny, and a simple, sir, i cannot follow that order. i will not commit an act of war without a declaration of war.
or at least i can hope.

[Virginia Dare]

48. No, this is a genuine shit storm...

brought on by years of lies, corruption, and cover-ups. They simply pushed th envelope too far. Once the dam breaks, that's it. It was inevitable, the pukes are self-destructing.

[Lilith Velkor]

64. Could it be...the Perfect Shitstorm?

:hide:

[progressoid]

49. NO eom.

[malaise]

50. Anything is possible with these goons

but the way they're scurrying like rats suggests that this was not on the agenda. Further they might have told Fux News.

[Swamp Rat]

52. Nope. Bushler is a dictator now.

If Bushler wants to attack Iran, it doesn't matter what we do or what distracts the public conscience.

If you're in Tehran, get the fuck out NOW!

[Blackhatjack]

53. We have had forces inside Iran for the past year ....

... and Iran knows it. So when the attack comes, no one will be surprised.

[Subdivisions]

55. USS Eisenhower Departs Norfolk Today --->

http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=112038&ran=207726

Other DU discussions:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=2539716&mesg_id=2539716

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=364&topic_id=2289751

[chill_wind]

60. Thanks for the digging. Shit Storm gathering fast/ nt

[Blackhatjack]

62. We heard in NC that the families of those assigned to Eisenhower not happy

... supposedly they were to remain at home for at least another month or two before being deployed again. The Prepare To Deploy order changed a lot of plans, and the significance of it being issued to this group was not lost on the families given the their specialty and makeup of the force to be deployed.

While not official, it is evident that they are headed for the staging area near Iran. Deployment of mine sweepers almost guarantees that they are headed to the Straits of Hormuz.

[FogerRox]

63. Carrier & Marine deployments & more, re: Iran

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x2301544

Please recommend.

Roger