Strike on Iran could turn Mideast into fireball, official says

[Ian David]

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- The U.N. nuclear watchdog chief warned in comments aired Saturday that any military strike on Iran could turn the Mideast to a "ball of fire" and lead Iran to a more aggressive stance on its controversial nuclear program.

Mohamed ElBaradei made the remarks in an interview aired on Saturday by Al Arabiya TV. The interview comes a day after reports emerged that Israel conducted an large-scale military exercise that the United States believes is in part a message to Iran that Israel has the capability to attack its nuclear program.

"In my opinion, a military strike will be the worst. ... It will turn the Middle East to a ball of fire," ElBaradei said on Al-Arabiya television. It also could prompt Iran to press even harder to seek a nuclear program and force him to resign, he said.

Iran also criticized the Israeli exercises Saturday. The official IRNA news agency quoted a government spokesman as saying the exercises demonstrate that Israel "jeopardizes global peace and security."

More:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/06/21/iran.israel.ap/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

[Fire Walk With Me]

1. Just as we had to "help" Iraq, and the Chinese had to "help" Tibet, we would then "help" Iran.

[Prefer]

2. The movie "300" just came out on HBO

In this film the Spartans are portrayed as the defenders of freedom and democracy, from Persian invaders.

The leader of the Persians is Xerxes - also known as Haman of the Purim Holiday. He represents pure evil.

Of the recent mock bombing of Iran conducted:
"The manoeuvres, code-named "Glorious Spartan 08," took place on May 28 and June 12, and consisted of aerial exercises and knowledge exchange, said the Greek source, who requested anonymity."

The Poster for 300 reads "Prepary for Glory"