People in the US forget that Isreal is the size of New Jersey. and that a single nuclear warhead would destroy a huge percentage of their pop. This is life or death for them, not political... they must ensure their enemies (at least the ones who openly preach their destruction) don't obtain even 1!

Clayton, Colonial Heights, VA, USA

Why is it ok for Israel, the US and the UK to have WMDs or nuclear weapons but not for any other country?

John, Atlantis, FL, USA

Wow ! What a hypocrisy, I don’t know why people don’t understand the simple reasoning behind a neighbouring unsecured country (i.e.: Syria) of Israel, The same country who has a disputed past and a full support (especially in weaponry) of the Western block ( declared nuclear power of the world).

Tom, London, UK

now I love people who speak of Israel's 'land acquired by aggression in 1967'. Im not sure if that comes from not knowing or not understanding the events of the 1967 war. The other countries Israel took the land from started the war.

Jim, Lindenwold, NJ, USA

look at what Israel has used military might for, and look at the types of activities Syria and Iran have supported. Israel has earned the right to a double standard by the way they have conducted themselves. I cant imagine what moral code someone could have which does not support this.

Jim, Lindenwold, NJ, USA

Israel's unilteral attack on a sovereign country to maintain it's regional nuclear weapons monopoly must be condemned. It is naive in the extreme to think this helped the regional problems in any way at all. Israel needs to be brought to book.

Simon, San Jose, USA

don't fall for their lies...

Mpampaskos, Athens, Greece

In answer to the statement that Jesus preached peace the writer should read what Jesus said for Himself. "I have not come to bring peace." "If my kingdom was of this world then my servants would fight.." God requires righteousness and justice. The peace Christ preached was a peace with God.

Mike, Fort St John,

The best of us in the free world have one glorious thing in common, our maddening degree of hope. Israel's air response to N Korea's & Syria's most anti-social plans were logical, honorable, and hopeful. In this case, Israel's response was not only neccesary, but extraordinary. My God, well done!

Paul Irons, Chicago,

Jesus preached love, peace, forgiveness and charity. Not hate, war, revenge and greed. Such is opposite and anti Christ. Those same teachings have led to hundreds of thousands of civilian deaths in Iraq, many of whom have been children. Those teachings are what led to Christ being tortured to death, right after he warned us of the impending self-destruction of mankind due to his greed and love of money.

Remember, in 300 AC the Romans revised the scriptures of the Bible, all in order to serve their political agenda, which was to recapture the power over the people they had lost due to Christ's original teachings of love, peace, forgiveness and charity. And then they burned people alive who refused to submit to their "Christian" policies, and pillaged those people's land and possessions, and in doing so they went on to become the richest and most powerful organization that has ever existed on this planet. And people say they're "God Blessed", just like the Americans.... nuf said.

Steven Johnson, Calgary, Canada

If Israel had been an aggressor state, she'd never have stopped with a single air strike. Sane people the world over know that Israel is surrounded by her traditional enemies and must therefore be ever vigilant. If the world knew how many times that the US persuaded Israel not to take more aggressive action against her enemies, they'd be a LOT more grateful.

E. W. Sumner, Cleveland , Tennessee, USA

Syria is committed to the destruction with Israel - right in step with the radicals in Iran. Israel possesses nuclear arms (it is widely believed, but not confirmed) as a DETERENT. Syria and Iran want nuclear weapons to USE THEM.

Iran has the right for PEACEFUL development of nuclear technology - heck, the US should bid on the contracts. But their radical leadership cannot be trusted and in my opinion Israel should target their facilities next. With China and Russia in the way, diplomacy has completely failed.

Randal, Seattle, WA

It appears we have a double standard when it comes to Isreal. If Syrian planes had violated Isreali airspace and bombed a nuclear weapons facility, can you imagine the outrage this would have created in the US?
Israel is a known nuclear power and not a party to any non-proliferation treaties. It has used pre-emptive strikes against its neighbors as a matter of course, and still has not relinquished land acquired through aggression in 1967. One wonders why the US has been so supportive of this type of behavior for so long.

Todd, Philadelphia,

Has anyone studied a map lately? How DARE Big Bad Israel have the fortitude, strength, manpower and God-given good sense to once again take care of business and not just sit there surrounded by enemies who want to push her into the ocean? The tiny State of Israel is a work of art - a work of art in progress - and may she continue to show us how to do the right and swift thing instead of debate, debate, debate. Be proud Israel - so many of us around the world who would never consider ourselves Zionists, are proud of you.! Brava!

Colorado Brit, Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Jews are the earliest settled people in the area we now call Palestine; the aboriginal people. They have had a presence in the region for 5000 years and have had their lands stolen from them many times, only to fight back to regain them. Many Arab Muslims live as citizens in the modern State of Israel today, about one fifth of the population. Whereas those Jews who lived for centuries in neighboring Arab States were either killed or sent packing in 1948.

Israel is today a vibrant free, democratic State and has once again proved that it will defend itself against threats from its autocratic neighbors.

trewalt, Kingston, Canada

I'll bet Mr. Jones from Vancouver, is to young to remember the unprovoked attack of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese or the death marches they forced the American and British prisoners during WWII. Now he's crying that the US was irresponsible in using this bomb?

You can't be stupid enough to think Iran, Syria and No. Korea are trustworthy. Or the Saudis for that matter.

I'm willing to bet that anyone comes after you, threatens to kill you and your family, you're going to defend yourself. Or maybe you're just dumb enough to hide under your bed and hope for the best.

R Grant, Scarborough, ME

God bless Israel for having the fortitude to do what needs to be done!

Duane, Fort Worth, U>S>A/Texas

That's because the USA is a civilised nation.

Joan Pinter, Bergen,

Israel, we are with you.

Good job! Congratulations!

Ricardo, patagonia, argentina

Iran and Syria want these weapons of mass destruction so bad why? because once they get them like they said before they want to wipe out Israel off the map! sure they can do that but do you think Israel will seat there and do nothing....no way they will defend they nation at all cost and by destroying these secret sites they are preventing greater damage !!

Blaise Ngarukiye , WASHINGTON, DC

The connection of North Korea with Syria is especially sinster while North Korea is supposedly involved in closing down its nuclear program. This deception and alliance is evidence that Arab countries want nulcear weapons to be used on Isreal. It looks as if a largr war is imminent.

Michael - www.michaelhansen.us

Michael Hansen, Portland, Texas

Andy from Waynesboro, VA: Kool--dude you said it right!! The world is playing with fire. Iran and Syria will continue to try to wipe Israel off the map till Isaiah 17 is fulfilled. Then the people will see that God is watching over His Nation. But the ones that are crying foul will still be calling for Peace not KNOWING of: Peace, Peace, Then Sudden Destruction. And sad to say when those that were killed at Va. Tech were hiding under desks(much like the world) when the insane killer( like Iran, Syria) walked into the classrooms and shot them as "fish in a barrel". Those sad people that died "trying to protect their lives by hiding" could have stopped that guy, IF they had not been fearful of dying (like the Israeli's). Yes some may have died trying to stop that guy but many would have been saved (as we have been saved by this heroic action by Israel).
Israel- Go for all of it! God and we are with you! I'll be praying day and night for you'll! Blessings to IDF/IAF!

Frank Cox Jr., Starr, USA/ SC

Revelation 18:19 says: "And they threw dust on their heads and were crying out, weeping and mourning, saying, "Woe, woe, the great city, in which all who had ships at sea became rich by her wealth, for in one hour she has been laid waste!"
(The "Great City" is the land of Tyre, or Syria. Damascus to be exact. So it's not inconceivable that nuclear weapons will be used soon.)

Selena Hancock, Pittsburg, Illinois

How can the USA and their allies have nuclear weapons & other nations cant?? Only the USA has used this bomb in WW2!!

San-G, Drammen, Norway

What are you on? Would you be complaining if Britain bombed Nazi Germany? No. Do you even know how hard it was for the Americans in the pacific war, the japanesse would fight to the last man on the islands.

Syria cannot have Nuclear weapons and if Israel destoryed anything from that narcasiscal AQ Khan, then the world is a better place.

The thing is has Britain, France, Russia and China used Nuclear weapons? No, will they? No. Will a middle east that hasnt had peace in 20 centuries use it, Yes. Has Israel used them? No, when Mahmoud Ahmadinejad yesterday said that he wants to destory Israel, do you really think a partner country of his should really have Nuclear weapon.

Paul Langley, Wolverhampton, England

To: Jones, Vancouver, BC

Apparently you do not know your atomic history. Do you know why Truman went ahead with the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki over the protestations of Leo Szilard and Neils Bohr? Do you know who spared Kyoto from Nagasaki's fate? Do you know how many Americans were saved from Japanese brutality due to the dropping of Little Boy and Fat Man? Do you know what Guadacanal and Iwo Jima taught the US about the fanaticism of the Japanese and the consequences of invading the Japanese homeland? Do you know why Truman refraimed from using the bomb in Korea? Do you know that the Japanese were pursuing fission research and would have been sure to have used it if they had conquered it? Do you know how close the Germans came except for intervention by the Norweigian underground?

Do you know that US incendiary attacks had killed 100s of 1000s in single raids far before the atomic bombs were dropped?

We don't want this to happen again. Iran can't have a nuke.

Thomas, Atlanta, GA, USA

"Could the bombed sites contain the missing IRAN nukes?"

Jim A, New Bern, NC

Yes they do - including Saddam's WMDs- the ones capable of hitting London in 45 min

Shathani Batoloki, Gaborone, Botswana

free world ,for who? only whites and jews apply!!

cuniverse, sidney, canada

If Israel and US can have nukes... so can Iran, so can Syria, and so can North Korea. Lets not forget, USA is the only irresponsible country to have actually used the weapon.
As much as you guys would like to deny it...but Israel DOES have Nuclear weapons!

Jones, Vancouver, BC

We can debate and quibble all day with our postings about what was bombed but the fact remains that Israel felt strongly enough about the situation that it decided to take military action. Whatever it was, it was deemed a serious enough threat to warrant the risk.

It is extremely interesting to see the incredibly muted response in the international arena. Let's not kid ourselves and think that we, and the media, are privy to the highly classified information that heads of state and their military forces have access to. The Syrians were obviously caught with their pants down and their North Korean friends foolishly tipped their hand to their involvement with their lonely expression of outrage over this mission.

Syria and their Persian masters in Iran are at war with America and the West, even if we are too politically hobbled to summon the courage to admit it to our citizens.

Publius Hamilton, Tulsa, OK, USA

Everyone who doesnt understand how blowing up nuclear material works should stop commenting about the risk of nuclear fallout.

When you use a conventional weapon to destroy a nuclear weapons cache, there is no dispersion of radioactive materials in the atmosphere. The particulate created from such an attack would be far too heavy to be carried by the wind and the explosion would not be nearly powerful enough to launch material any significant distance. Radioactive fallout occurs when a nuclear reaction is acheived, which is impossible to do without a very complex ignition system. Thus Israel did not risk nuclear fallout in the region if they were indeed destroying a nuclear weapons cache.

Nick, Los Angeles, California, USA

I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you. GEN 12:3

Enough said!!

John, San Antonio, USA

Nuclear warheads in the arsenal of any Arab nation could be the beginning of a worldwide nuclear very brief disasterous unimaginable nightmare.No matter what the cost,Israel has the moral right and obligation to prevent this from taking place

Ben Eliazer, Dimona, Israel

Once again, Israel took care of what needed to be done. It is a strong, brilliant country, fighting on the side of good.

Lori, Long Beach, USA/CA

regardless, the Syrians are embarrassed enough to restrain their rhetoric - perhaps something did get bombed, or Israel exploited holes in their air defenses - either way it's in the Syrians interest not to publicize the details. so we're left with neither side talking - which opens the door to unamed officials (see...Cheney's assorted underlings, et al) to work behind the scenes to fan the flames of hysteria. everybody run! it's an existential threat!!

DC, UK, UK

I can hardly wait to hear what the democratic president-aspirationalists will say about the Israel attack on a nuclear weapon site in Syria. Next Israel will attack the locations of all the WMD that Saddam trucked in before the U.S. went into IRAQ, hopefully before the 2008 elections in the U.S.

We do live in interesting times.

ROBERT, OXNARD, USA/CA

Mindful that (1) the Commandos were on the ground illuminating the target, and (2) that the reports stipulate the buildings' roof had a nice hole punched through it, I wonder (3) how many hills there are near the site that would have accommodated the Israeli troops with their laser, and (4) if that was indeed their reason for being anywhere near an enemy site that would soon be buzzing with actvity...it makes one wonder why the attempted destruction (which could not have been confirmed (unless a soldier was there to see for him or herself)) was tried in lieu of a snatch and grab? The only certainty is that Israel knew that this was a huge priority in their minds-eye. Considering the speculative nature of the event I can only surmise that the focus of this exercise has been acomplished in part, if not in full. Israel has diverted the (un)United Nations attention to this small corner of the world.

Coburn, Westfield, Indiana

hey seth, you obviously don't know your history very well, or perhaps you should go further back in your studies and you will find that it is indeed their land and its been taken from THEM several times. To "pre-emptively" strike any trite comments from your small brain, I am neither Jewish or American and I have no "connection" (whatever that means) to the sovereign nation of Israel.

Greg, Fond du Lac, WI

I find the anti-liberal, pro-Israel rant ironic...Israel being a 'liberal' country! i

John, Vancouver, Canada

As a matter of fact, the jews in Palestine wanted to share that land in 48 - Partition -, but not only the arab palestines, but the arab countries around there decided to throw the jews into the sea instead.

Fortunately they failed. Moreover they stopped in there times, since then, in old medieval governments, taking a lot of misery to their peoples.

Shalom Habibi!

Jaques, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

It won't be Iran, Syria or North Korea that start an all out war in the middle east-it will be the BULLYS of the world........U.S.A

Robert Hudson, Lancaster, England

Great job Israel. You did to Iraq in '86 and now Syria :)

On a side note, belief in Peace is proof of a delusional mind.

David, Seattle , Washington

Just out of interest, i wonder how many of you folk that have posted here are either : 1. Jewish, 2. Have some kind of link with Isreal?!!!!! Really, your short term memories are a dead give away! THE LAND KNOWN AS ISREAL WAS TAKEN BY FORCE AND DECLARED AN ILEGAL STATE! It therefore can NOT be considered as a 'Soveriegn Nation' entitled to defend itself!

Ooooops - that's torn it... i guess i will have the JDL knocking on my door now claiming a pre-emptive strike!

seth taylor, Durham,

" When palestinians overwhelmingly choose to cultivate their land..." Not much of their land left to cultivate, is there? That said, characteristically courageous work by Israel and her military in this instance.

David Masu, Zürich,

Israel, we are with you.

Good job! Congratulations! I feel a little safer now because of you!!!

Alex, NYC,

Hopefully the rest of the free world will follow Israel's lead and destry the forces of evil

Murray of Montreal , Montreal,

Radiation Dispersal? No, sir. You mean Radioactive material dispersal. An attack on a facility with nuclear material, or nuclear weapons are not likely to cause any appreciable radioactive material disperal, other than the immdediate area. No nuclear reaction occurrs. You would find radionuclides in the immediate area, but no fission occurred, thus no nuclear "explosion" most are accustomed to believing would occur, and no increased radiation readings outside of the bunker area. You just scatter it in the bunker, rendering it useless until collected and purified once again. The massive energy of the fissionable material is never released.

Snow, Sunnyvale, USA/CA

Now if our military and Mr Bush could follow Israles example 0n syria. Every body would line wp single file! Israles example
should be followed. Forget the UN.

Bless you Israle.

vincent campellone, garden grove, california, USA,

Iran, Syria and, N.Korea, keep it up.

Mark, Green Bay,

It sounds like sour grapes as the writer stated that "Israel imposed draconian military censorship and no news of the operation emerged until Syria complained that Israeli aircraft had violated its airspace." Hooray for Isreal for using sound military tactics. The U.S. should be doing the same in Iraq, instead of fighting a war based on media crticism and world opinion.

Mike, Tulsa, OK

Thank You IDF/IAF. I hope to one day visit Israel. What a country! It has given so much to the world. Please, know that you are not alone.
Psalm 115:1

Pedro Renteria, Anaheim, , USA

Interesting. Has anyone geigered the attack site?
A North Korean nuke is a popular spectre but the one they tested was a dud, remember. The attraction of a nuclear deterrent for North Korea was well nigh irrestible given the attrition of their conventional military capability since the end of soviet supplied arms. They gave it up in some part because they couldn't make it work.
Pakistani or former soviet equipment at least has the virtue of probably working.
Speculation of this kind is on a par with the story that Saddam Hussein had shipped his WMDs out on a couple of freighters - a story printed by most newspapers in the world, and obviously bogus because of the naval blockade "Operation Enduring Freedom" that was interdicting attempted oil exports.
Lets have a few more facts before we form conclusions about this action.

stuart munro, seoul , korea

It's nice to read some good news for a change about a western democracy who is unafraid to defend itself and competent in the execution of that defense. Contrast Israel with America, whose invasion of Iraq is a case study of incompetence and with Europe, who prostrate themselves before the third world and are afraid of their own shadow. Soon politics in America will change and Americans will elect a president who through high taxes and protectionism, will dismantle the most successful economy in the world and American foreign policy will revert to European-style appeasement which works no better with Islamic Fascists than it did with German fascists 70 years ago.

Jim Silberman, New York, NY USA

go Israel!!!!!!!! the tiny country of god has had a mighty raid against the syrien people who wanted to destroy the apple of gods eye. Ha ! Let the Syrien people who tried to harm Israel keep trying!

dkfu, James Town, U.S

The latest in a long line of flagrant violations of international law by Israel. This is why Israel will probably never enjoy peace, because it keeps antagonizing its neighbors and attacking innocent civilians with impunity. Israel's chief backer, the US, is sinking in a military quagmire in Iraq and and bleeding economically at home. The writing is on the wall, and the era of such naked neo-colonialism will soon come to pass. Israel should know by its own experience, as well as by its sugar daddy the US, that starting wars will never bring peace.

Not a Zionist, New York,

"There is no doubt, however, that North Korea is accused of nuclear cooperation with Syria..."

This is surely one of the strangest sentences ever to appear in The Times Online. It points up just how short on facts and long on speculation the piece is, speculation which incidentally is fomented quite deliberately by certain parties who hope to justify future actions by appealing to the widespread ignorance that equates unsupported allegations with undisputed facts. Did people learn nothing from the cynical way in which accusations of WMDs were used to manipulate public opinion to support an already decided-on invasion of Iraq?

George W., Vancouver, Canada

First off I want to say that if this story is true..Then great numbers of kudos to Israeli intelligence and military. (Way to go guys!)

Next we can assume that the "nuclear materials" was not a war head since North Korea has never really developed a successful nuclear reaction and secondly it would NEVER fit on a Scud missle.

Syria is simply a proxy for Iran. I have little doubt that if Syria recieved nuclear material from N. Korea then that material was destined for Iran. Iran would love to have some enriched Uranium and detonate a bomb and show the world they are a member of the Nuclear Club. I am sure they believe that would scare the US and Isreal enough to back off the sanctions and sabre rattling.
This could also be a form of strong handed Diplomacy on Israels part. They showed Iran that they can overcome the stronger anti-air defences of Syria at will, so Iran anti-air poses no problem for their air force. So Israel may be just asking Iran to have a second thought.

Lance, Atlanta, Ga

Having been deeply envolved in Israeli defense aircraft suppot requirements during the crisis in the 73 war and having the honor to train some of their pilots in our latest airborne tactics in the desert in 80-84, I salute the Israeli's refusal to be intimidated by despots. i only wish the American populace could rise up to their high standards. I am deeply concerned that someday, someplace, sometime, we would have wished we as a country had their courage to do what they know is right and is right. Ken, Portland,TX

Kenneth W Langford, Portland, USA/ Texas

Hold onto your hats. This is probably going to get VERY ugly.

Stephen, Canada,

Bravo Mossad and IDF. That's what I call true intelligence with an iron fist. Hopefully, this incident will raise flag and heighten security around the world.

Henry Mourad, Los Altos, CA

It's great to hear all of the Pro Israeli congratulations. They are the best. No doubt about it.

Jim, Dallas, USA/TX

Jackson writes "..then we come to Israel - the unrivalled millitary power in the region and backed/bankrolled by the US, and now since late 70's/early 80's acknowledged to be a major nuclear power - but hush! we're not supposed to talk about that. So remind me again why doesn't that awful Iran need nukes?"


Jackson, has Israel ever threatened anyone with their nukes? Which country did the leader of Iran say should be removed from the map? Which country has a leader that engages in holocaust denial?
Do you still need yet more clues, Jackson?

Stuart W., Honolulu/Hawaii,

Cracking article!!!!! and many nails hit on the head.
To my friends from Isreal outstanding result !!!! .
Watch your six ! We have around us supposed friends that have shall I say, complicated interests?.
Best Regards
D

Denis Tighe, Glenrothes, UK

It seems there are a large number of people who relish the pre-emptive attack but for those in the USA remember so was Pearl Harbour. Such actions are aggresive acts of war which were condemned at the War Crimes tribunal in 1947. So it seems that if you are the US or Israely government you can go about the globe killing whoever does not agree with you. I am revising my notions of where the axis of evil realy is - In the land of Dr Strangelove I think

Citizen Payne, Thetford, England

To Ruth -- So how is life in Kuwait treating you, much better now I'm sure since you have your country back --courtesy of those horrible Amercians you speak of... Good job IDF -- I just got another roll of quarters for the next video game---Iran

US Marine, New Jersey, United States of America

Peace, Make Love not War..oops, well Israel was pretty small anyway...
Peace, Make Love Not War...oops, well Poland, it's only Poland you know, not London...
Peace, Make Love not War...oops, well Somalia, after all, it's only Africa you know, they don't even have skateboards, they don't even care about Brittany Spears, so, you know...
Peace...Make Love not War...oops well you know it was only 3000 people, whats that out of 300 million and they shouln't be living in New York anyway, see, it's the victim's fault! Right Jane Fonda? I mean, you know...
Peace, Make Love not War...oops, freedom of religion, that's old stuff, you know, it's not whats happenin', you know...
Peace, Make Love not War...oops, democracy, hey man I got mine, that's what counts, hey...don't do that...get outta my house..leave my mom alone hey! Don't do that! What do you mean I'm too late?


.

Andy, Waynesboro, VA (United States of America)

BRAVO!

Bravo for Israel!

Ed Gass, Castle Rock, USA

This story can't be true, their are no WMDs in the Middle East.

Paul, Atlanta , USA/GA

Syria hasn't complained about the strike. I wonder why :-)

k Piper, Watford,

Syria helped the USA out in 1991 fighting Saddam. Syria has taken 750,000 iraqi refugees the the USA created with the 2003 invasion.

It seems that in the case of israel, the USA is biased. they allowed israel to pound Lebanon even though Fouad Sinora is a USA ally, and now they are allowing israel to bomb Syria even though Syria is assisting the USA in the iraqi refugee crisis.

Steve Savage, Tulsa, OK, USA

Some people will believe anything they are told.

Any country that had to fight a war of Independence, revolution or use terrorism for independence, will always be at war.

Bernardino, West Palm Beach,

looks like 1914 over again. only the players have changed and the game is more deadly.

fred, ajax, canada

"World War Three has started then..."

(Zened, London)

No Zened ! WW 3 started 9/11... You forget it ??

Michel Jutharat, Marseilles, France

I know they dont have the money, dont u know whats going on? N. Korea is being forced to shut down their nuclear testing sites and ian wont be allowed to continue with theirs either which was only an attempt to get US attention anyways. These countries are now going to start testing sites in Syria which is why N. Korea was sending materials over. Now N. Korea can say they're no longer developing Weapons grade uranium when the inspectors come. They'll just do it in Syria, and Syria will then benefit by taking whatever N. Korea gives them for cooperating. N. Korea was pretty close to developing nukes to just all of a sudden give up on it...Think

ryan hall, lake villa, USA, Illinois

Whatever Israel thought it was doing, Israel must have thought it was pretty important. Demonstrating that they could compromise Syrian air defenses means that the Syrians will next fortify them. Israel wouldn't play that card unless they had very good evidence and the stakes were very high. Food for thought.

Barry, San Diego, USA/CA

This is funny that this report comes out a few days after the USAF stated that they "accidentally" violated 135 levels of top knotch security protocals and potentially allowed the compromise of a nuclear warhead (and today the security guy was found dead). I think this is the setup for the US government to Nuke Americans and justify a brand new war with Iran.

Jim, Houston, TX

Great going, Israel!

Don't make the mistake the USA did, and react rather than act!

Shiny Brass, Jacksonville, USA

Congrats to The Times for scoping the American media on this critical issue. This article highlights many significant issues that will effect our children and grandchildren. This trifecta of North Korea, Syria and Iran is serious business. I hope world leaders, especially Russian and China, realize that this is the most potentially catasphophic situation since Russia aimed Cuban missle towards the US mainland. I hope the eradication of this problem does not require much arm twisting, By now, any objective analyst should clearly understand the potential the change history of western civilization.

Jay Hussey, Metairie, LA, USA

Isreals back bone may be back. GREAT.
The rest of the worlds hand wringers will be cowering in the corners crying and critizing loudly.
Those that DO will always be critized by those who DO NOTHING, except critize of course.
Teddy Roosevelt noticed that in the early 1900s and it is still the case today, 100 years of "enlightenment" later.

Phil, Phnx, USA/AZ

The world-wide insanity continues and continues until that fateful and unpleasant moment of nukes flying every which way.

S. Williams, South Point, Ohio

The warmongers won't let off on their imperialist conquest. Voices of sanity in Europe, if not quelled, should have us withdraw from NATO, dissolve NAFTA and loosen diplomatic ties with the US as well as its aggressive satelite state Israel.

Jon, Norway,

I don't get it! Who'll question the raiding countries about their deadly arsenals (nuclear and all)? What gives them the right to possess these, and not the neighbors?

Juan, Tel Aviv, Israel

This isn't "big news" in the popular American press today. A shame. Nuclear weapons will eventually be used against the West; it is simply a question of time. Enemy governments have the will and resources to hasten their deployment. We must war against those governments, but we must do so on our own terms. Kudos to the Israelis. They still understand the ugly necessity of war. I suspect that life on their narrow strip of territory has a way of instilling perspective on such life and death issues. And kudos to the Americans for lending assistance.

Daivd Anderson, Miami, Oklahoma, USA

Great Job Israel! Iran next...

Sam, Yorktown Heights, USA/NY

The sooner Gordon Brown separates Britain from the US-Israel war machine the better. Declaring war on 1.4 billion Muslims is not the smartest move. Russia and China aren't exactly on side. Welcome to WWIII.

Andrew Milner, Yokohama, Kanagawa

Given this story, why does the world's largest proliferator of nuclear technology to rogue states, A.Q. Khan, still live in palatial splendor in Pakistan, called a "national hero" by General Musharraf.

Why?

Matt

Matt Dubuque, San Francisco, California

Thanks for the scoop! Where are American journalists on this story? I did suspect that more then "gas tanks" were jettisoned last week over Syria. Will anyone else report the details of this significant story? Will Syria? Will Iran? Will North Korea? Do your job journalists ferret out the truth and broadcast it to the world. Thanks, Israel. That is how it's done!

David Williams, Mount Airy, USA/Maryland

Excellent article. This has brought together several threads that have appeared in multiple places on the 'net; I also appreciate the informed summation(s) of what it all means.

Denny Gill, Chugiak, Alaska

Kent, It is sad that there are those like you still around believing Sadam had WMD's but never used them. Of course Sadam kept WMD's just so that he could move them to another country when attacked. Kent, please enter reality. Bush lied. End of discussion.

Greg Pease, Denton, TX

I'm glad that Israel is the only country in the Middle East that has nuclear capabilities. They have a proven track-record of non-use. They're less reliable, though, on non-propagation of other weapon systems to interested buyers.

That said, unlike the Arabs and Persians, everyone in Israel has a stake in avoiding confrontation because everyone in Israel has a wealth and liberty stake. The Arabs and Persians have a lot of have-not's that the small group of rulers keep in a constant state of hostility towards outsiders to keep people from focusing on gross inequalities that the leadership benefit from.

David, Dana Point, USA

Tariq: do you have any *proof* that Israel has nuclear weapons?

I don't know about "allowed", but I do feel far safer with nuclear weapons in Israeli hands than Iranian or Syrian!

Artemis: Despite being British, I actually found this article through a link from a US news site (although I'll probably get a link to it in my daily e-mail from the Times as well, later) - and this raid certainly hasn't gone unreported there, despite the shortage of hard information.

TampaJoe: Seconded - whether these were conventional weapons for Hezbollah or nuclear material from North Korea, we're better off with them destroyed. We all owe the IDF a debt of gratitude for this!

James, Perth, Scotland

well, when the countries seeking these kind of weapons make no doubt that they want to destroy Israel, and when the Jewish people lost a couple million to genocide not that long ago and terrorism attacks on their citizens happen every day, a certain degree of preemption is prudent.

josh, ashland,

It is irrelevant who actually owned the nuclear arms cache. What concerns me is that any country would indicriminately bomb an area where nuclear weapons are said to be hidden. By blowing them up the nuclear material is let loose into the air, no matter what form it takes, and becomes a pollution for those around the world via the weather systems. Israel is so close to Syria did it not even think about any possible damage these nuclear arms being blown up could to their own country and people? Are they so stupid, so intent on their own petty grievances that they would risk the health and lives of their own people just to win a childish argument? For that is all it is, a childish bullying view of life that is destructive to all even themselves. And the rest of us have to put with such childishness risking our lives just so someone can get one up on another, and think they are the greatest. How petty, and how dangerous.

Carol Noble, Bedlington, UK

Of course the USA and Israel are the bullies in the region (never mind that Syria and Iran are among the most vicious abusers of human rights in the world. Political correctness has made way for the condemnation of the nations which give their people the most freedoms. The U.N. and other organizations have become a forum for oppressive dictators. That Syria and Iran are only "pre-conceived" as enemies of freedom-even by their own people is a terrible joke. They are just that and we would do well not to make them out to be anything else.

Charlie, Sacramento, USA/CA

If someone were repeatedly saying, and acting out, his desire to kill me, I would be a fool not to kill him first. The national level is not dissimilar. There are so many threats of attack from arab and muslim quarters that one would be foolish not to expect dire results. Furthermore, there is something never discussed: It is odd that a country so militarised, with an atmosphere of being backed up into a corner, has not yet let loose it's own blitzkrieg on the world. One should not expect reason to prevail indefinitely. The last example of this situation was nazi germany. Also, If national entities do not take control of their countries terrorist sanctuaries we shall find the concept of national sovereignty disappearing as a standard to maintain. The complicity of the local citizenry with terrorist groups will soon make it feasible to indiscriminately bomb entire provinces in order to liquidate the terror threats. Those under threat are capable of the most heinous acts.

Bernard Ross, St. Anns Bay, Jamaica

No surprise from Tariq. Heaven forbid the only country which allows gay Arab men to marry, to vote and to serve openly in the armed forces - and not incidentally shelters the Jewish people and affords freedom of worship to Christians and Druze - should be armed to defend itself. And heaven forbid every petty satrap, Dark Ages religious zealot and dictator be prevented from owning nuclear weapons.

Flea, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

I think it's obvious that we shouldn't believe a word of it. Nothing anyone says in the present situation is likely to be true. The US are trying to build up the case for an attack on Iran, the Israelis will go along with it (they're the 51st State of the US anyway), the Syrians aren't going to reveal what happened. If the intelligence services managed to be so wrong about WMD in Iraq when UN inspectors were there actually hunting for the things they aren't going to have much chance of getting anything right about Syria. The idea that the North Koreans could be so daft as to send a ship to Syria with nukes on board without it being spotted is dubious. There are ways to conceal these things. The whole thing looks like a dry run on Iran, build up the temperature, test the air defence systems and fool the public.

John Small, Faversham, UK

Good move, Bad move.

The good news is that Israel took out the syrian site. The bad news is that now Iran will know their air defences can be defeated. Why is that bad? Now iran will bolster their defences making then even stronger. When dealing with more than one enemy one should stike the strongest enemy first with devestating force therefore making the weaker enemy delisional and run in fear. If iran had been defeated before now syria would have been too afraid to make this move. They won the battle but now iran will be stronger to win the war. Bush made the same mistake by attacking the weaker iraq first which has convienced iran and north korea to become stronger. When dealing with the axis of evil one can take out the weaker spoke and the axsis can still roll. If one takes out the strong spoke the axsis will crumble and be unable to roll.

Travis Hamlin, Taylorsville, NC

There's been quiet chatter for years that Saddam's nuclear program results that had evaded sanctions enforcement were shipped to Syria. So long as we're speculating in an information free vacuum, Iraqi Baathist material from 2002-3 has to go on the list. But that's an uncomfortable speculation. It would provide an entirely new lens through which to look at proliferation (a much scarier one) as well as the Iraq war (was Bush right all along?) and that would be unpleasant. Our policy elites would have to actually earn their bread in such an environment and no more cheap and easy outs left to them.

TMLutas, Munster, IN, USA

Well done Israel.

It's time the western world woke up to the reality of islamic terror that Israel has had to face for decades, and we are beginning to experience now (and not just in Europe and US - they are causing havoc in Thailand, Philipines, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia....etc)

Israel knows when diplomacy no longer works, whereas here in Europe, we talk, talk, and talk some more. Nothing more than appeasement, and in the meantime, the Islamists grow stronger and use our own laws of freedom against us.

I support Israel totally and wish this government would acknowledge the threats we face and deal with them once and for all.

Izzy, UK,

Did you catch this? Did you even hear of it? There is one very important nugget that was left to the next to last paragraph, but the entire article is worth reading. --MOM

Ruk, Naples, FL

tariq, in the world of nuclear proliferation and with an enemy that wants you annihilated, pre-emption is the only rational action. All else is pie-in-the-sky wishful thinking that makes a losing bet the survival of your country.
Thank you, Israel, for doing what needs to be done, not only for you, but for the rest of the Middle East and the planet.

John, Union Lake, MI

In response to Tariq: those are legitimate concerns, but:

1) There is probably more knowledge and less speculation within Israeli and US intelligence circles than in the press.

2) Israel carried out a surgical strike, not wholesale invasion and regime change. Quite a different story from the US invasion of Iraq.

MK, Rockville, MD/USA

Israel has one of the largest Air Force and one of the strongest Army in the world still they are scared of even an unproved, hypothetical attempt by Syria to acquire nuclear weapons ! It just shows how coward the Israelis are !! and by the way, doesn anyone know about the Israeli nuclear weapons ?

Salman, London, UK

Israel is said to have nukes too, but they are not being used to hold its Arab enemies hostage the way Arabs would do to Israel. Because so far Israel can protect its homeland conventionally without the need for those nukes. In this way, Israeli nukes don't create political instability in the Middle East the way Arab nukes would. Could the same be said if the Arabs got hold of nukes? Doubtful. In a worst case scenario, the Arabs, in their frustration, would use those nukes to do what they have failed to accomplish conventionally. In the best case scenario, those nukes would be used to hold Israel hostage politically and would create tremendous instability in the region. That is unacceptable. Thus Israel cannot afford not to play it safe when it comes to the nuclear issue.

David, Boerne, TX

I find it comforting to know that Israel has capabilities, and is not afraid to use them, and at the same time, the IDF is careful to keep its cards to itself. The Syrians, Iranians, and Russians must be extremely concerned with the ease with which Israel carried out this mission.

Alan Drury, San Diego, USA / California

Apparently Syria is either embarrassed at how easily her defenses were penetrated or of what it was that the Israelis bombed - or more likely both. They know that if they complain to the world community or retaliate it will expose both their weakness and their malfeasance.

MArk in NY , New Rochelle, Newy York, USA

"We all know Israel is the only country allowed nuclear capabilities..."

Obviously that's not true, as the Pakistanis and N Koreans have been peddling nuclear materials and expertise. And soon the toothless UN will watch Iran's programme bear it's poison fruit.

Perhaps you could admit Israel's nuclear programme has been less problematic for the world? Except, of course, for the people that want to destroy Israel.

Owen Kinney, Saginaw, Michigan

My hat is off to the Israelis. Great job!! Excellent planning and coordination on their part. America please take notes, and quit chasing your tail.

Danny Seibert, Mill Valley, CA

To tariq I would say - pre-emption is a good idea, rather than waiting for the bomb to go off, and then deny, 60 years later, the nuclear hollocast happened.

I think it also shows how good Iraeli intellegence is, compared to the CIA and MI6.

I'd agree that there is a strong possibility that Iraq's nuclear material is now in Syria, or was - so maybe the CIA and MI6 are not so bad, after all - maybe there is just a lot more going on behind the scenes than we know about - on all sides.

David Williamson, Tucson, AZ USA

Of course, that this may be a cover story and that the "materials" may have been Saddam's WMDs transferred to Syria before the 2003 invasion for safekeeping would be roundly denied.

Chris Hollins, Charlotte, North Carolina

No one is claiming the Syrians had nuclear weapons, they had nuclear MATERIALS. Evidently Isreal does not want to wait to find out what the Syrias intended to do with the materials. Why should they?

Bob, Orlando, FL

God Bless Israel... and I say that as an American Soldier in a combat arm who doesn't even believe in God. They've earned everything that they have, on the field of battle. They're surrounded by those that don't even think that they have the right to exist. They're unbeatable because to lose even once would mean the end of Israel. Again, God Bless Them, and if I get called to defend them, I will do it proudly.

Adam, St. Robert, Missouri

My prayers are with the IDF and the nation of Isreal, Do you really believe that Isreal would bomb a empty bunker in Syria without good intel. They wouldn' t waste there time. Why didn't the syrians mention the bombings ? or why didn't they show the damage like when Isreal bombs the wrong building and civilians are killed . Why wasn't the damage shown across the world media?They only anounced that Isreal violated it's airspace. There were also reports that Turkey assisted Isreal with allowing them to enter Turkish airspace. You don't defeat Syrian air defences by fling straight lines between point A and point B. You have to find the gaps in there radar coverage. Isreal is fighting for survival not the political tug of war that we have here in the USA

brydge, Baltimore, USA< Maryland

Mike from Tampa--your argument is absurd. Israel wouldn't goad Iran into attacking themselves--because Israel wouldn't be willing to absorb the casualties. A small country like Israel, doesn’t play with the lives of its citizens because it cannot afford to. Israel is not afraid to take pre-emptive action and will do so anytime they feel like the safety of their country and citizens is endanger. They do not need to engage in phony antics over Syria to strike at the Iranians. Apparently you know absolutely ZERO about this region and your comments reflect ever bit of that knowledge.

Scott Pritikin, Chicago, USA

Well done, Israeli Air Force. Syria not involved in clandestine weapons traffic with N Korea and Iran? Rather more difficult to believe than the opposite.

Michael Lyster, Riverwoods, il

The president of Iran says he wants to wipe 'israel off the the face of the map'. That is an act of war and Syria is all too ready to assist. The West must realize that there are those who wish to destroy our civilization.

Mike Tr., are you really that naive to not take Iran seriously? Maybe a better explanation is a quote from former governor Jesse Ventura to Bill O'Reilly: "Well, you know, Bill, there is nothing in the Constitution that says you can't be stupid".

Jim S, Orange County, CA, USA

Well done Israel! Thank God this brave little country surrounded by others wishing for its destruction and death to all its citizens does not dither in the face of evil.

One of my biggest disappointments has been the conduct of President Bashar al-Assad whom I really thought and prayed would be a progressive modernist but instead is a slave to the old-school Government of his father and a poodle, yes, a poodle, to the Iranian regime and Hussein before that

LH, Warminster,

I find this amazing. Spies know who rides trains from China to North Korea. Supposedly secret deals that are somehow known. This is encouraging in a way. Maybe the 'intelligence gathering community' really does work.

Mary C, Decatur, USA

Where is the PROOF??!!

I can't fathom why so many people have posted support for Israel's actions here.

We have been provided no real actual physical proof for these allegations of nuclear materials, whatever materials means.

All we have is the word of some Israeli government officials who are saying "trust me".

How many times do we need to hear government officials of any country saying trust me when they in fact turn out to be lying before we all demand PROOF for every claim that is made.

I also find it ironic that the Syrians are being called "Jihadist terrorists" when Israel is the one who bombed them and Israel is using FAITH to get the backing of others to believe their claims when they are providing no PROOF for their claims.

Bob Francis, Manchester, CT USA

Glad to see Israel is taking care of business. In the US, our headlines are on OJ Simpson.

Eric, Florida, USA

too many war mongers here. more innocents will die.

David Zetland, Davis, USA/California

Excellent! Isreal has once more boldly attacked the cowardly tactics of the bad guys by destroying something real. John Wayne, Chuck Norris and Teddy Roosevely should be proud. Men of integrity are hard to come by, but Israel is providing hope for the world.

TimClarke, La Porte, Texas

Tariq: Maybe the invasion of Iraq was a mistake, maybe it wasn't, though you can not deny that Saddam Hussein was a thug and at one point he did use WMD against his own people. If Israel has "nuclear capabilities" at least they are being managed by a stable, democratic country. And, if the Israeli air force did drop ordinance on Syria as the Syrian government claims, why haven't they shown the evidence of this aggression? The only pictures that have appeared are of discarded fuel tanks.

Ira Allen, Rutland, Vermont, USA

Israel and America (the real evil doers) are not going to be happy until we have 500 dollar a barrel oil coming out of the Muddle East.

Harry, Dartmouth, Canada

I hope some day Israel and the USA would stop their crimes against the rest of the world.

Andrés Mc Cormack, SN, Argentina

U.S. troops are losing their lives in Iraq so that Israel can launch attacks on its neighbor. This is only an escalation of the problems in the region, for which retaliation will come against Israel.

Shlomo Goldstein, New York, NY

Its funny how this same newspaper refused to run the story on how Israel was caught selling predator drone technology to China, thus backstabbing USA in the back. Like to see if Israel would help america if it came to China and Russia starting trouble...Isnt it hypocriitical Israel can have nukes and not be part of any treaty? Ten u wonder why its neighbours seek nukes too.

Stop being so one sided.

concerned australian, Melbourne, Victria

It is very difficult to say exactly what is going on--except to say that Israel and presumably the US approved of the disclosure. It seems reasonable to assume that this news was supposed to be known. Knowing the players as I do, it is equally plausable that both Neocon leaders (Olmert --who announced yesterdsay that he is going to throw 10,000 settlers out of Judea, and is going to give the Arabs--and Chney) have decided that this move is in both their political interests. Both Olmert and Cheney are on parallel political paths: Both are plannning to further control of their citizens. Both want to avoid disclosure. Cheney wants martial law. Olmert has the equivalent of marshall law and has obligations to CSF and to the Vatican, which owns almost all of the temple mount, and who just announced that he is giving the squatters a "Palestinian state" and East Jerusalem as the capitol. This attack on Syria's nuclear capability will be a "disclosure" and a distraction from true intent

Moshe Posner, Fresno, CA

It's time to help Israel complete the job and destroy Iran's nuclear capabilities. The Iranian president is as crazy as Kim from North Korea and needs to be closed out....now....let's not wait for the democrats to sluff this off when our lives and the lives of our children are at stake. We need to be as tough as our WWII leaders.

Dan, Tempe, Arizona

well, if Israel has achieved such a big success why it is quiet about it? and why is Syria quiet about the aggression by Israel/USA. what are they gaining by this. there is political mileage to be made of this action if the facts are correct.
If it is real nuclear stuff then Syria should store it next to Israeli border so that both could share the fall out !
if these are the missing WMD then Bush should be jumping up and down and justifying the prosperity he has brought to Iraq so far ?

aejaz, salford,

about time! playing the hypersensitive sweepstakes dealing with wmd-deranged Islamist states is like finding yourself in a realtime realworld 'deer hunter' situation. go for the gold! & keep hitting 'em before they hit israel & us! next up, iran. oh yes.

stephen carter, georgetown, penang, malaysia

The dominos are ready to fall - N.Korea - Syria - Pakistan -Iran. Once these dictatorships are cancelled Communist China will go the way of the USSR and Putin's Russia will be very lonely.

Tianmeiguo, Moscow, Russia

And so the world inches closer to the precipice of a nuclear war...

Amy, Stigler, OK

Most Canadians stand for Israel's right to defend itself. That is especially important at a time when almost the entire world seems to be against the Jewish people. There can certainly be no tolerance for nuclear weapons or nuclear "material" aimed at Israel. Unlike Iran, Israel cannot risk being hit with even one bomb.

Jim Christian, Halifax, Canada

Re: Israelis ‘blew apart Syrian nuclear cache’
"But why would nuclear material be in Syria?

Alternatively, could it be hiding equipment for North Korea, enabling Kim Jong-Il to pretend to be giving up his nuclear programme in exchange for economic aid?"

How soon the World forgets. Saddam shipped his nuclear material to Syria too, lest we forget or don't want to recall for PC reasons. There is ample evidence that Iraq disposed of its nuclear materials by shipping them to Syria. Now, North Korea figures it has outsmarted the USA and Israel by doing the same.

To bad the Saddam material site in Syria wasn’t targeted too…

Al Barrs, Greenwood,

Way to go IDF! And ditto to the preceding comments.

Ed, Fairbanks,

I second Artemis' comment on the quality of the article.... very informative, well written and easily read and understood.

It raises my continued concern about North Korea. Their past success in hoodwinking the clinton Administration must not be forgotten. I am very much at unease about any negotiations and agreements with the rogue leader of North Korea.

All of a sudden they deal logically and in agreement with the West about their nuclear program. I am far more suspicious than I am thrilled with what that little weasel has agreed. Something is going on, and I promise you, it's not to the advantage of the West.

Does anyone see how well Bush (or whomever wrote his State of the Union Speech) did in identifying the "Axis of Evil?" Those three are not to be trusted in any negotiations, and must be stringently restricted from activities threatening the world.

HMichaelH, Vienna, Austria

Nice job. Well done.

Andy, Paoli, USA

opening of a long dance we will all get to go to.
sooner than later

Macko, Harlan, USA

My friends, even though America where not able to find WMD, they did a good thing by getting rid of Saddam. Regarding Afganistan, well its the Taliban that are hopelessly killing their own people for whatever dumb reason. Israel may a small tiny winy country, very kindly don't underestimate it, if they show their true colors even the triangle combination of NK, Syria, and Iran won't be sufficient to quiten Israel.

Sumith, Chennai, India

I am very happy that Israel is not paralyzed by political correctness. A nation must defend itself no matter what the leftist (the West is always wrong) crowd has to say. Bravo!!!

Roger Roddy, Angola, USA, IN

Why should Israel be the only country in the middle east to be allowed to have nuclear weapons? They're no better than any other middle eastern country from a human rights standpoint. Syria and Iran are certainly not occupying any foreign populations and treating them like second class citizens. You all need to stop believing everything the mainstream media feeds to you and search for the real facts.

Hans, Berlin, Germany

Way to go Israel! Way to report United Kingdom! Thanks from all of us.

Glinda, vandalia, MO USA

So Iran is having North Korea do R&D in Syria, that way when it gets messy, it not in thier yard...

uncle silver, bloomington,

Very nice to read an informative column about what¨maybe is really happening.

Hence what is maybe happening we cannot be sure of as journalist or civilians.

I read many different news pages with different adaptaions of the news to find some truth.

One thing I am sure of is that the USA is drawing Iran methodically via press items and presence near to Iran borders into war or agreement of suspension of nuclear enrichment.

Poor Gordon Brown hoping to pull back troops.

BJB, Stockholm, Sweden

Good Job .

Nill, Hull, uk

Wouldn't it seem logical now, for Syria to bomb the Israeli nuclear plant regarding which there is no doubt of its existence? Wouldn't this be reasonable, just and fair or is aggression permitted only to certain people? In which event who decides who are permitted to be aggressors? Or is it that if you can do a thing you go ahead and do it whether you're allowed to or not? Odd circumstance, that it was Nazi Germany which epitomized that attitude!!

David Ross, Stockbridge, GA, USA

In response to Tariq in Ashford, the point is that Israel would not willingly use nuclear weapons against its neighbours. The same cannot be said about the other Arab countries.

John, London,

Well Kent Saddam had chemical and biological weapons. We know this because America gave them to him. It's whether or not those weapons were destroyed that's debatable. He didn't have nuclear weapons, or we'd have seen Israel take a similar action as this. And don't get me wrong, I think Israel did the right thing.

Still it's likely that Bush dragged us into war on lies.

A Miller, Chicago, USA/Illinois

If it's true that Syria had Korean nukes, then Israel has done the world a great service and saved hundreds of thousands of lives.

Andy Gill, London,

It's a good start. I'd like to see them head to Damascus next.

OutaBounds, London,

This is why Israeli's say "Kol Ha Kavode Le TZHAL" which means give the IDF its respect .
Maybe the rest of the world will believe that the Axis of evil is not telling you the truth and maybe they will wake up and smell the danger that swells with lies and see that these threats are for real .
Stop hating America and join this battle against evil. Lets face it people if you don't take the threat against you as a reality , you should know your enemy does .
I still can't believe after so many bombings across the globe and so many failed plots to kill so many innocent people that people still let thier hate for America and of course George Bush blind them to this threat .
I am willing to bet that most of those blinded still would like a "Green Card " to live in America .

Ariya Gothelf, Gedera , Israel

When government leadership knows their own butts are on the line after a weapons launch they respond as any normal person seeing an immediate thrteat. Wish we had some here in the States.

Joe, Katy, TX

the world will be thankfull to israel one day, israelis dont risk there lives for nothing think again.

rafi, hawai, usa

Go for it Israel....the only other country that has the guts to stand up to the growing threat of Islamofacists...Those with vision can see..those that do not, are destined to goosestep like most of Europe did not to long ago. Mike from Florida and Michel from Canada..get your heads out of the sand eh !

bill, Pittsburgh , USA

If US forces can cause the formidable Iranian air defense systems to 'go dead' like the Syrians, the Iranians are going to lose a hefty chunk of their infrastructure when Bush illegally attacks that country.

Rocky, Santa Cruz, California USA

Whether or not the WMDs spirited out of Iraq to Syria in late 2002 are recognized among the destroyed munitions isn't the most important matter. The Left will simply "move the goalposts" yet again, and continue with their campaign for the beatification of Saddam Hussein. Whatever their provenance, the weapons' removal from Syrian control is the best news here. Congratulations to the IDF.

Greg, Eureka, CA, USA

Bush right? Ha, what a joke. Go back to your bunker Mr. McNeil.

Joe Average, Waco, Texas

Israel did what it had to do to survive. What's the alternative? Wait for the turtle-paced U.N.and it's nuclear agency to negotiate? That would never work with the anti-semites who roam the halls of the U.N.

Billy, California, U.S.

How sad, the Americans seem to hate America even more than the enemies do. What country can survive that?

A.J., L.A., CA

Mike, if you actually KNOW all that, then maybe someone should come talk to you. However, I think you are blithering.

Good on the IAF and IDF for popping these thugs early on, just as they did with the Osiric nuclear reactor in Iraq decades ago.

Kent, more insightful than most. And thamnosma has good points - how would that stuff get to Iran? No, it was for Syria, whether old stuff from Iraq or new stuff from the Norks. Either way, it had to be done away with, and glad the Israelis did it.

Rickvid, Seattle, USA

It was about time the Holy Warriors from Israel put some in the Middle East in their places. Make no mistake, when push comes to shove, the right people make the right choices.
If you look at the situation very closely........why haven't the nations in the Middle East started making a ruckus over the bombing? Think about it !!

John B. Ciochetty, Delaware, United States/Ohio

Thanks so much for giving us the straight poop Mike, I feel so much more secure now. By the way, do Islamic radicals present any danger at all to the West at all or is that just more propaganda? Bush really just wanted Iraq's oil, right?

James Price, Montgomery, USA/Alabama

If anyone thinks Syria's air defenses are the equal of Iran's they are dreaming.

hp, austin, tx, usa

President Bush was right???? My sides..........and the world is flat...only a die-hard republican (and an ignorant one at that)could see through this administration's failures and corruption

Mike Johnson, Redford, MI

How quickly we forget our history, we have seen the rise of the facist-muslim state with only one goal and that is to rule the world which means Israel must go as well as the US. I too wish for peace and there are many good muslim people in this world, but they have not stood up against the terrorist that want to take this world back to the dark ages, and rule by murder under the guise of religion.
The Russians having failed more than once in taking Israel down using the Arab states as it's proxies, and is once again back in the game and in bed with the Iranians, supplying them with nuclear fuel and weapons.
Freedom and peace unfortunately comes at a price, this world has been to war several times to preserve freedoms and regain the peace. This is not a matter of turning the other cheek and complying to the other sides demands. The other side is looking for total subjugation and nothing less.
Israel has once again shown the world what must be done, and we must continue the fight.

KDO , Indianapolis, IN

This is how it's supposed to be done!! Covert and to the point. No media attention, such as in the US "look, terrorists, this is where i'm coming after you. Be scared! Be very scared!" Enough of fighting with white gloves on!
Go IDF!

Alya, new york, NY

Tariq

Israel does not repeatedly threaten to incinerate its neighbors with nuclear warheads or deny their sovereignty, despite the fact that21 Arab states were contrivances of the British Foreign Office in 1922 and are essentially groups of tribes with flags ruled by a variety of despots and clerics and desert dynasties. In deed, the only "real Arab state" is Egypt by any definition of geopolitical and historical depth.

Jack, San Francisco, CA

With no obvious economic base, where does N. Korea get the money to fund research and development of missile and nuclear weapons. It would seem a reasonable possibility that China is helping with this funding. Let's not be so gullible to think China isn't using this type of strategy to gain ground in their attempt to be a world leader.

I would love to see an article detailing N. Korea funding. Thanks for giving Americans real news stories.

steve, Tucker, USA/TX

Pakistan which is now acknowledged to be responsible for N. Proliferation and is an "unstable" country politically ought to have been a target 15 years ago. it only shows that America had encouraged it and prevented the Israelis from similar action.

Ravinder Jain, Mumbai, India

All this nonsensical speculation about what damage the Israeli bombs did in Syria is familiar. Why during the Vietnam War years ago Kissinger bragged that a satellite camera could take a picture of a postage stamp on the ground. Sometime later American troops raided a North Vietnamese prisoner of war camp and found it had not been in use for sometime. In fact the place was overgrown with grass as high as an elephant's eye. Obviously, whoever sent the raiders already knew this. With this thing in Syria I am surprised someone hasn't already downloaded pictures from Google.

Carlanca, Queens, N.Y.

I think if the Syrians get there nose bloodied the Iranian may stop and think

stan, hollywood, usa florida

It's amazing how blood-thirsty people are and quick to support use of force. Speaking of countries with nuclear weapons, only one to use it is US, Israel's main ally - therefore hardly a pinnacle of morality.
These unprovoked attacks (as its based on simillar intelligence that led to Iraqi invasion), are hardly acts of a peace-loving country. Even if they had imported nuclear material, these sort of attacks will not solve anything. All they will achieve is to harden Arab stance towards Israel.
I wonder how these things will play out as US might deteriorates (economicaly as well as militarily), and Russia, China and India take driving seats and shape their foreign policies without blind support for aggressive regimes such as Israel.
Anyways, it's sad to see how many poorly informed people foam at the mouth whilst congratulating bombing raids. I would be surprised if they knew what it's like to be bombed.

Denis, London,

GO ISREAL!!!!!

Dont worry about all the "poltical theory". The reality is the same people who want to restrain you with fancy moraility ideas are the same ones who want you dead.

Just get out their and defend yourself as needed and hopefully the USA will back you up as needed.

Ryan, Houma, LA

Israel, anyone who fights against you is fighting against the apple of Gods eye. What shall little Israel do, wait passively and be attacked? They have the 600 million reasons to be pro- active against countries that want them dead and gone. And yes, we do know where it's all going and how it will end and Israel not only stands, they will be exalted.

Sealight, Davenport, Iowa / USA

Looks like more disinformation from Mossad to me. They are extremely good at it.

Menachem Begin, Jaffa ,

Yes, good to do these things before Hilary gets elected...

Jose La Peanta, Naples, FL

To Ilona who says:"The Israeli army is the best army in the world!!!". You obviously were not paying attention last summer when a few hundred guys with nothing more than guns and minscule explosives sent the Israeli tanks and fighter jets packing from Lebanon with their tails behind their legs.

jack , london, uk

Once again the IDF is a crystal clear reminder that surgical strikes are absolutely required for their national security and survivial. Pay attention WORLD............the future rests with Israel. Watch closely, whatever happens in Israel will effect te rest of the world!

Jason Bowers, Riverside, ca.

The Mullahs can not be happy that what ever it was Israel was up to, Syria was unable to do anything about it. Iran's anti-aircraft protective net is older than Syria's and this would lead one to believe Iran is not as secure as it thought it was last week. Look for lots of fresh petro dollars moving into Swiss bank accounts.

Daniel Roll, Jacksonville, USA

I don't blame Israel, but they need to do their own work, as in IRAN

nikolai, chandler, AZ

To the reader above: Syria is a signatory to the NPT treaty, thus they are legally obligated to refrain from the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Israel is not an NPT signatory, and that is why they do not have such restrictions. It is not a matter of "Israel [being] the only country allowed nuclear capabilities", but rather an issue of treaties that each country has or has not signed.

Jim, Paris,

Ladies and Gentlemen. Let's not forget that back in 1985 the USA fired at and destroyed Iranian targets in the gulf that were threatening the region with Chinese made Silkworm (Sea Eagle) missiles. We closed them down in a day. We know that Iran had and many times used WMD's (gas and possibly bio) against the Iranians in their war and against it's own citizens in various parts of the country. They've threaten Israel and Turkey with them. If you don't believe they had WMD's you're not doing your homework. The world knows. Americans are easily sold made up history by big brother, the liberal owned print and broadcast media. Please do your research and form "YOUR OWN" opinion. Not someone else's. Look, like it or not, IRAN is going to kill many many people. So is Al Queda. We are going to see many more die in America. Soon. So, hit them now and hit them hard. The Russians, French and Germans did not join us because of they were doing business with them during the embargo!

John Stevens, Warren, RI

No matter how you feel about Isreal they get the job done!

Roger Stright, Amesville, Ohio

Given the overt rise of anti-Semitism allied with racism in leftist circles, both in the U.S. and overseas (as if the UN ever held any other views), we hope and pray that America in 2008 will elect a half-way decent realist as Chief Executive.

That emphatically excludes MzBill, Obama-banana, or oozing effluents such as Edwards the Tort. Of candidates not sophomores in Clown College, we'd support Fred Thompson because his is not a pretty face.

John Blake, Shrewsbury, NJ

Perhaps if Israel would merely abide by the outstanding United Nation’s ruling and stop it's never ending expansion into the long establish nations of Lebanon, Syria and Palestine all the middle eastern violence would rapidly subside. For now Israel is striving to reclaim the biblical “promised land” and continues building illegal settlements, militarily occupying sovereign countries, while at the same time humiliating, displacing, torturing, killing and imprisoning their populations. As it is now the Arab violence against Israel will never stop. These people are legitimately defending their own countries and their people who are being pillaged by uncompromising Israeli forces. Most American’s can easily recognize a venomous snake when they see one. The problem is the Jewish lobby’s has passed around big money in Washington and has successfully enlisted the support of American politicians and media. This Israeli investment has prevented the American people from getting the real story.

SacrAmerican, North Highlands, California, USA

I simply must shake my head in wonder at the total naivity of the left wingers on this site. Is it really poaaible they could be so ignorant of the danger we face from the fanatics who view death by allahs will a privilege?

More amazing is these liberals actually believe negotiations are possible with these fanatics. This despite it never happening in our recorded history.

Joseph J Vialonga, Brewster, MA

How long is the rest of the world standing by and merely watching Israel and America, it's supporter and protector terrorizing anyone with a different view or stands in their way ?
When talking about state sponsored terror organizations IDF and CIA are at the fore front.

John, Dresden,

Gotta 'Love it'. The North Koreans and Syria..got caught with their 'pants down' and got their 'butts properly kicked'. And on top of it, they are in no position to shine a light on what was REALLY destroyed. BRAVO!!!

The gathering of intelligence which lead to this attack is what Hillary and her ilk would have us/US abandon. Israel has become our intelligence agency and enforcer, by 'default. By de fault of the weak defense positions of the democrats! Another reason that the 'dems' are 'dem wrong' for America.

Carry on Israel...This Gentile understands that we have to take the battle..OVER THERE...

JP, Shawano, USA

Why is this latest activity a surprise to anyone? As a student of history, the Pershian region has always lived and died by the sword, for thousands of years. In the age of technology nothing has changed. Absolutely nothing. Like the barbarians anciently, these cultures still treat their women like 3rd class citizens and their tribal factions rule with an iron fist. All of their new found oil wealth has stayed within the privileged class leaving the majority in complete poverty. In this environment any military action against this region is never preemptive but rather defensive. Just read their Koran. These people live by death.

Maximus, Reno, Nevada

For those of you whining about the strike. I wonder what your attitude would be if you were surrounded by several countries who, time after time, have publicly stated that it was their intention to practice genocide on everyone in your country.
As for that Cuban, his comment is just what one would expect.

Wait for world opinion? Thats a sick joke as many prople in the past have found out the hard way.

John Sukey, Tucson, Arizona

So, riddle me this USA. If this article is true and North Korea has been supplying nuclear weapons assistance to Syria, how do you continue your 6 party diplomatic effort with North Korea? Are you going to close your eyes to this? Are you going to reward North Korea for this? If so, wouldn't that type of appeasement further diminish any credibility you have on this topic?

Nigel, Burlington, Vermont USA

Why would 'American air force codes [be] given to the Israeli air force attaché in Washington to ensure Israel’s F15Is would not mistakenly attack their US counterparts'? Were US warplanes flying around right in the middle of the attack? And did that "Shaldag airforce commando team" arrive via a highly risky insertion by air, only to be extracted that way at even higher risk? Or did they arrive and depart overland from nearby Iraq?

Ted, Dallas, Texas, USA

As an Israeli, I'd like to stand up and applaud our boys in the IAF. We don't wage war unneccessarily, if we did there would be no Syria or Lebanon or Iran.

Here's to Israel. A country with true grit and high moral values that stands tall and proud amongst the family of nations.

Shalom to you all!

Gil, Tel Aviv, ISRAEL

Great information. Please keep the facts coming!

Bill, Frisco, USA/TX

Say, Tariq, Israel is not the "only country" allowed nuclear capabilities...I suspect you meant to say "only country in the region". Your own country, the UK, has had them for over fifty years. Given the nature of Syria as regards it's neighbors, and the way it treats it's own people, I think Israel might have just done the world a favor. Israel, for all of it's faults, has never been known to export such material or even publicly acknowledge it's existence.

Imagine if Iran used some of that reported Syrian-based nuclear materiel against UK troops in the gulf region...would you be upset by it? I would, even if no Americans were harmed.
It surely can't be good for the people of the region, regardless.

Corey K, Santa Cruz, CA USA

The U.S. could learn lessons from Israel: strike fom the air, be precise, get the job done, leave. No ground forces needed.

Jeff Heston, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Nice to see some illumination of the behind the scenes... not all is as the media tells us.
Seems everyone in the Middle East wants nukes... to what end?

Sleepers Awake!

Blades, Houston, USA

And this is how Israel might have just saved the world - once again. For the time being, that is. I am grateful that someone does not sleep at the switch, as Bush did in 2001.

It's beyond me why so many people don't see it. Must be the golden rule of the Internet: Israel is always wrong.

To Andrei from MA - the aux tanks ARE needed if you fly to Syria via the sea route. It's more than 1,000 nm round trip from Israel.

David, Denver, CO, USA

The Israelis are simply playing with the Syrians. Intelligence analysts should examine a document that predicts that a great leader from Syria will lead an attack against Israel. This leader will do this in conjuction with Lybia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran Turkey and Russia. The timing of this attack will be when Israel has built a temple on the Temple Mount. The countries are known, the general timing is known, but analysts are ignoring the document. It is the Bible. The Mossad Intelligence Agency has used this book to predict correctly when Saddam Hussein was going to use Scuds to hit Jerusalem *January 18 1991 for example). Israel is playing with the Syrians and their Electronic Warfare debacle with Hezbollah last summer will not be repeated. They are now the world's leaders in EW technology; sadly the US is not anymore.
Syria and the other Ishmaelite countries would be wise to leave the Israelis alone. Politics play a secondary role when survival is first & foremost.

Les, Salisbury, Md

The aim in Irak was and maybe still to disarm Saddam of WMD...or was it not the case?
The same lies are still working...even about the Israeli army...Happy new Attack!

AE, Adel , Austria

It's amply apparent that the world has long forsaken the nation and people of Israel, as they will continue to do. There is far more to this hatred than reason. Why wait again for "muslim" extermination camps? Israel's salvation lies in God alone and their own self-defense. Israel will soon recognize her messiah, Jesus Christ.

Kenneth Binkley, Oklahoma City, USA / OK

Well, this is the first time I learn that 'Israel blew apart Syrian nuclear cache' . However, it is not the first time we hear of the never-found nuclear weapons..!!!! Other sites report that the planes emptied their tanks to for a fast escape ??!!!

EG, Surrey,

Sounds to me it was actually a warhead, not materials. Israel moved quickly, striking the target within 3 days of arrival. Forward observers were in place on the ground within 2. That means they repositioned their satellite and verified target location on day one. Very rapid and extremely efficient. Syria lacks the means to turn 'nuclear materials' into a bomb and would not have required the immediate response that occured.

William Erdmann, Denison, TX,

The Israelis bombed something. What it was is not known, even to the Israelis, who,
though once well sourced in the middle east intelligence arena, are much less so
today. Indeed, this mission seems to have been concocted on the strength of some
spy satellite photos, accompanied by strong
distrust of anything Syrian and egged on
by an Israeli government trying to shake
off its image as militarily incompetent.

rkerg, oakland, USA/CA

Yes, Tariq, it's really sad.
But on the other hand, Israel shows since few decades she's able to use the resources in a responsible way. Ahmadisoandso, Assad? Responsible? Good joke, that.
Good job, IDF, and go on.

Jamal Al Monajjed, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Excellent research and commentary. It may quite a while until we know all of the details, but there is enough here to reall raise my concern regarding the possibility that Iran will have nukes.

Keith Sorem, Glendale, California, USA

Once again Israel had demonstrated that democratic states always triumph over those tyrannical states and dictatorships.

Jc chiu, sunnyvale, ca

Isreal allways has been surrounded by danger, those who wish to destroyed them forever, bravo on your success ! Keep your eyes and ears always vigilante.

Mike, lAF, Louisiana USA

Consider the Bush's speech right after 911 - where specifically defined the axis of evil at Iran, Iraq, Syria, China and N. Korea. When China vehemently objected to being his hit list he withdrew the name - publicly only. N. Korea won't be the push-over that Iran and Iraq are. Syria is a non-issue. Greenspan in his memoirs has stated that it's always been about oil.

Cheney muttered that in a news conference several years ago. And yet at the pump, everyone pays WAY TOO MUCH for fuel after the war was supposedly "won?" What the he11 is wrong with everyone? Has the entire world turned spineless and become beaten animals? Or is this the true human condition?

Ted Twietmeyer, Rochester, USA, NY

It is a dangerous world.

Never again!

Q A Wagstaff, Durham, NC

I have no problem with Israel being the only country in the Middle East to have nuclear weapons as Israel has not been the one to continually threaten her neighbors with total annihilation. Israel's possession of nuclear weapons forces her neighbors to pause and think before engaging in major aggressive acts. Go, Israel. And no, I am not a Jew.

Bob Phillips, Clarksburg, West Virginia

very interesting article, with obviously well placed connections. Once again the moussoud proves they are a team to be reckoned with. You'd think that after 50+ yrs of Israel defending herself against these antagonists, the would reconsider the value of attempts to attack her. But hate runs deep, and the culture of lies taught in Arabia about the Jews is only continuing it to the next generation..

dave, columbia, sc

Israel has the right to defend itself, and I salute the brave IDF, and a government willing to act decisively.

Bobby Coggins, Franklin, North Carolina, USA

Hey Cameiros, Santa Fe, Turtle Island, Actually, the earliest records of slavery show that Africans started it. The "white man" actually ENDED slavery. And, I dont know if you realize this, but Native Americans were committing genocide between tribes long before the Europeans got here. The tribes known as the Great Plains tribes, were actually eastern tribes that removed the original inhabitants of the Great Plains from the face of the continent. So, sure, nobody is innocent, but get a grip and realize you cant compare people of 150-400 years ago to people of today.

sean, Atlanta, GA

Anyone who wants electricity would use thorium.

You get more electricity, it's cheaper and it's much, much safer because it's almost impossible to detonate.

India's used it for decades. In fact, they even converted old uranium reactors to use it.

With modern technology, anybody who insists on uranium or plutionium obviously wants it for bombs.

Ugly American, Las Vegas, USA

"Does anyone think that some of the nuclear material the Isaeli's destroyed could have come from Iraq before, during and after the initial war?"

The correct answer is: NO!!!
However much the Rethugicans would have loved this to be true, It still is the same as it was before the "war", which the UN inspectors verified over and over, no evidence of any WMD period.
Only neo-con shills and the deluded 18% still believe otherwise.

Seeker of truth, Dallas , Texas

From an enty I posted 9/14/2006 on a blog...

I give Iran 6 months to one year to effect the purchase and transport of enough
enriched uranium from North Korea to complete the device that will take out
Tel Aviv, London, NYC or Jerusalem compliments of their subsequent "gift" to Hezbollah, Al Quaeda, Hamas and the rest of the Islamofascists. As it will be the act of “stateless terrorism, the Western civilizations will be in a quandary as to who to strike back at, allowing Iran and their allies (who he is lining up now) time to consolidate their victory. This will ignite the third world war that will make all of the current blather a moot point as it won't matter anymore because isolationism will not be an option. It will be the final proof of the Bush doctrine, either you are one the side of the people who love and who have died for the cause of freedom, or you will be on the side of those who will annihilate millions to deny the rest of us ours. The choice is ours to make, even now...Good luck and God bless us all.....

F. Caba, USA,

Tariq - Dr. Khan of Pakistan and his cottage industry of selling nuclear components to fanatics is well know to all intelligence agencies. There is no mystery here. This war is about averting a nuclear catastrophe brought on by these fanatics, be they in North Korea, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Al Queda, whomever. By the way, the Israelis will hit Iran next and they will be successful. Iran is asking for it and the Mullahs will realize what a mistake it was to install that nut job Ahmadeenijad. Hezbollah will then recede, Hamas will become even more isolated and Al Queda will lose relevance.

jj holmes, nyc,

It is incredible how some Americans feel America and Isreal can never be in the right, no matter what they do. It is sad and does not inspire confidence for our future. For once, i would like to see some real ideas on how to improve the world from the left that do not involve me giving up some of my personal freedoms, starting with the money I work so hard for.

Larry, Pasadena, CA

Could the bombed sites contain the missing IRAN nukes?

Jim A, New Bern, NC

Israel doubtless has nuclear weapons, but has never used them (in 30+ years), even when threatened with annihilation. Iran has reapeatedly stated that as soon as they develop nuclear weapons, they will use them to destroy Israel. Is there any doubt Syria would not do the same? Israel destroyed Iraq's nuclear weapons facility just weeks before they produced their first nuclear weapon. I'm thrilled that Israel destroyed this joint Syrain/Iranian/North Korean nucear weapons facility before they produced and gave such weapons to Al-Queda or Hezbollah. Is there any doubt Osama Bin Laden would attack the United States, Britain, or elsewhere the moment he had the ability to kill millions with one bomb?

Dan Shiner, Mill Valley, CA

Israel must make peace gestures similar to the ones it made to EGYPT.Remember that Israel is 100 miles by 50 miles and can win all the battles but it has yto lose ONLY once to be wiped out.The NEW Israeli generation is almost the3 same as the American one LAZY and Spoilt,i must add they are NO MOSHE DAYANS>Israel must go out of its way to be nice to Syria and Jordan etc and as Jesus said the the rest will follow.Aggressin and brute force is no answer to solving any dispute?TIME WILL TELL,and it may be too late.

Arif Kahn, Los Angeles, California USA

The window of opportunity to strike is small before bleeding hearts , agents of terrorists ,the general Islamic world middle opinion which silently endorses the successof terrorists but yearns for western freedom steps in and criticises US-israel viewpoints.UK is run over by pacifists and peace plesure at all costs,and those that devise arguments to halo-sheen commercial opportunism as liberalis. well done Israel

Ajit, Lucknow, India/u.p.

Wow, seems that Americans really LIKE war, looks like they would like to start another one. One would have thought they would have learned by now, but as Seneca said, those who do not learn from history are condemmed to repeat it...

John Claro, Clifden, Eire

"Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand."

No more to be said

Hanna, London, UK

That Syrian President looks like the bloke from Taxi - but not as funny.

Another White Anglo Saxon Protestent (in UK this time).

Martin , Bath,

Is it possible that this whole situation is a coy ploy by Iran to to incriminate North Korea at a time when some are calling for war with Iran. Wouldn't an axis of evil member covertly supplying nuclear technology to Syria possibly distract those planning for war and give Iran more time to develope their own nuclear weapons program? I wonder how many double agents there are over there anyway.

Borden Nantais, Windsor, Ontario

" We should trust the Syrian government. Forget about Hezbollah, they're harmless little murdering fascists. The Syrian government just wants peace and understanding with Israel. "
Mike Henry, Ft Washington, PA USA

And you base all this on what exactly, Mike?

viv, london, england

You can count on the British to frequently denounce Israel's pre-emptive strikes (see the 1st comment from London, as a typical example). Years ago, if the IRA had access to nuclear materials, what exactly would the British have done? Israel is the "canary in the mine" of chaos. What happens to the Israelies is prologue to what will happen to the larger industrial countries (like Britain), so we should all take some lessons from this and reflect on its potential for world destruction. I am not surprised by this typical British reaction, because there really is something in the British DNA that makes many of them anti-Israel. And for those who know British history it would not be unreasonable to smell antisemitism under their patina of "civility".

Stephen Cohen, San Francisco, USA

Fortunes & profits of war and terror for arms sales by military ware suppliers, e.g. U.S. The 21st century new adage 'Let terror reigns, I profit", may well be attributed to these suppliers.

Right Elbow, Brampton, Ontario, Canada

To those who say WW III has started with this incident I would say it actually began on 9-11 six years ago..

Marie Oseguera, Arroyo Grande, USA/CA

Martin "Israel is our front-line. Someone please tell Europe before it is too late"

forget it. 60 years ago they put 6 million Jews in ovens. They don't care.

Stuart, Honolulu/Hawaii,

What? Another pre-emptive strike on a middle-east country suspected of having weapons of mass destruction? Cool stuff.

Brian in Parker Co, they say ignorance is bliss....what makes you happy?

D Bliss, Omaha, NE USA

Good on you Israel.......defend your people and country against terriorists.

B K, Brisbane, Australia

When rockets fall in israel, its good.
When rockets fall in gaza, thats bad.
See? Its very simple (I;m a simpleton)

Ben , Philly , Pa.

Why did Israel have to go and do that? Nancy Pelosi would have been more than happy to go back to Syria again and to speak with its president on behalf of Israel again! Why all this hostility when Nancy can solve these problems so peacefully and effectively?

Mike, Divide, CO, USA

I wondered about the dropped (empty?) fuel tanks. It does not seem like they would have been necessary. Attacking Iran would generally require these and a refuel, I believe.

Israel has a strong military, but does not seem to be using their Nuclear Weapons offensively, nor have I ever heard that other sovereign countries should be allowed to exist.

Many people forget or overlook that WMD's were found. However, they were hidden/stored poorly, so the 100+ Chemical Warheads were considered to be (most likely) inoperable. The Security Council did determine that Saddam was expected to pursue WMD development after sanctions were lifted (with Iran as potential enemy #1, followed by Israel).

However, I do agree that the war was botched on so many levels that it would have been far more successful to invest the numerous billions of US$ in alternative fuel investment (including Nuclear Power planets, probably)

Pete, GA, USA

Bravo, Israel! (And Thank You)

Marsha J. Faulkner, Honolulu, HI, U.S.A.

All the major intelligence agencies believe that the Russians enables the movement of WMD into Syria shortly before the war.

The nerve gas attach in Jordan which was pre-empted, had sarin gas with Iraqi earmarks. This is generally accepted.

Spare parts for Iraqi missles that indicated breach of armistice agreements showed up in Dutch recycling yards. This is generally recognised.

A senior Iraqi air force general (Sadr?) wrote a whole book about Iraq's activities in this regard and specifically detailed the movement of WMD into Syria by airlift and convoy.

What is difficult about this? Those who say "Bush (and everyone else evidently) lied" completely ignore the evidence.

Facts are difficult to extinquish

The nail, urbanna, virginia

The World community must come to an understanding that diplomacy is an option that can work ONLY IF the parties involved demonstrate to a large degree, interested in finding consensus and resolving matters peacefully. This is obviously NOT the case with IRAN, SYRIA, and N. KOREA. Nations which continue in defiance of international regulations and increasingly continue to pursue weapons or mass murder. Under such circumstances, we are forced to take preemptive action to avoid them from taking the World community hostage.

Fabricio Sanabria, Miami, Florida, United States

Forget the transparency. That's what happened with Saddam Hussein's WMD. He had plenty of transparency, and collusion from French, UK and German sources that allowed him to ship out his weapons to other countries (Syria included, as stated by a former General in Saddam's army).

Pussy-footing around will kill the West, but at least they can have that unstained honor in their head when they are immolated. I prefer to be proactive and take out those weapons the enemies of our people would prefer to use against us. It would've been better, had the North Korean technicians and politicians been there, too.

David, Qumran,

Great going! No wonder they are the "Chosen People".

G.Sreedhar, Bangalore, India

Maybe I say maybe these were WMDS that Saddam had
that were shipped to Syria before the US Invasion?

bobbyd, avenel, new jersey

I don't know anything about the strike, and I really don't know what to believe. However, it is plausible that the strike was a 'combo' to try and find a route to Iran, plus destroy Syria's nuclear cache.

Like Jonathan (hey Jonathan, I live in Kfar-Saba too!) above, I'm interested to see if this event indicates a change in Israel's policy, and possibly in the US's policy, if they approved this attack.

I can't take the European efforts for peace at all costs; they sicken me because the Europeans have already experienced what happens when you try to reach peace at all costs.

Again, whatever the purpose of the attack was, I am quite glad to see our government finally acting and doing something positive, and they can be counted upon.

Tal, Kfar-Saba, Israel

Its very interesting that other Arab governments have not condemned the attack.... it could be a sign that they have drawn closer to America, and indirectly Israel, perhaps out of a fear of an ascendant Iran...

John Yoo, North Tonawanda, United States / NY

I weeped knowing Israel's action did not have UN approval. What is the world coming to?

Robert Burnett, las Vegas, Usa Nevada

Michel Tr of Montreal suggests that Israel has committed "an act of war that should be decried the World over just like Irak and Afghanistan." Let us inquire of Michel, when is the last time that the firing of rockets from Gaza at Sderot, Israel (more than 1,000 by now) were found by him to be "an act of war that should be decried the World over".

Wallace Edward Brand, Alexandria, Virginia, USA

The stupidity/ignorance of some of your respondents is typical of people who have done no "due diligence" on researching what is happening in this world and have bought the *@^! v" being proliferated by the Ultraleft media.
1. WMD's not found in Iraq were moved to Syria (where they STILL are). The movement was completed (6) months before we invaded Iraq for the 2nd time.
2. Syria, Iran and North Korea are all supporting, arming, training and aiding/comforting terrorists for insertion everywhere (ncluding Iraq).
3. The rest of the Arabic and adjacent countries are placating, not eliminating terrorist (read radical Islamics) with money and supplies.
Wake up and start finding out the truth-not media fiction.

Don Riley, Prescott, AZ

The syrians must be held accountable for their propagation of terrorism.

FRITZ VON ERICH, TEHRAN, IRAN

When it comes to countries like Iran, Syria, North K, and others, we should never have to wait for permission from the world community to act when it comes to nuclear weapons. You might as well be giving dictators the veto vote.

John Paterson, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

I believe the difference between someone like Iran that has spoken out the intention of wiping Isreal off the map and India which has never made such statements speaks volumes. Rational language usually results in rational actions.

Lou Faulkner, Honolulu, Hawaii

Israel continues to cause problems and stir up trouble. The media barely covers it. This is why Israel is hated. End the support of these terrorists.

Alex, Dallas, Texas

Kent, I love it. To so many, the thought of Bush being right about anything just can't be. No matter what Bush is wrong, and even if he is right he is wrong.

Jose Sanchez, Miami, USA/Florida

Thankfully Israel is on the ball...........no one else seems to be.
Is it not about time the rest of the world woke up and supported Israel?

Carol Collier, london, uk

Mmmm, Israel violating the integrity of sovereign Syria? I'm neither Israeli, nor Arab, but this being the same Syria that has already tried and failed to crush Israel more than once, it's a good job that Israel doesn't take much notice of some of the drivel that I read on this and other comment boards.

Tony Adams, Deal, UK

the one sided war has started ..

nabil, Dubai, UAE

IDF forces took action that was necessary to inderdict purported nuclear materials bound for Syria or Iran. If the world wants to condemn them for their actions so be it. I really don't think they give a rip. Somewhere, someday, one of these radical religious groups like the Muslim fanatics of Iran or Al Queda will set off a nuclear divice. EVERY step should be taken to ensure that this NEVER happens. US Naval forces should have intercepted that ship long before it could have unloaded it's cargo and sent it to the botttom of the sea. Wake up people. Stop worry about being so politically polite-when someone tells you they want to kill your family are you just going to sit there and do nothing until they do? I'm sick of hearing all the whining about spin cycles and warmongering lies. If the Iranian Government-not it's people would simply open itself up the the world and PROVE they are not making a bomb, then they world would stand down and breathe again. Morality? Right.

Uncle Sam, San Jose, CA

Roger that Tampa. This is what needs to be done. Time for talk is over.

NCBoy, Charlotte, USA

And this reduction in weapons of mass destruction (which according to the yellowbacked left do not exist) is "all George Bushes' fault".

Dick Tuck, Warwick, RI

Funny, how the Jews were able to infiltrate Syria, but not defeat Hezbollah... Hmmm...No proof, just propaganda....

gigi, al kud, palestine

Congratulations to the IDF for a job well done.

S. Raiss, Monroe Twp., nj, usa

Kent,

You're thinking exactly what I'm thinking!

Dave, Nazareth, PA

if I were an arab or persian leader, I'd be thinking that the only time israel is likely to use its nuclear capability would be if there were a serious danger that its enemies were about to get hold of the same weapons.

on the other hand, if I were an arab or persian leader, I'd probably be more concerned with making life better for my own people. hey, maybe I would even take in some displaced palestinians and give them a better life instead of tutting and allowing petty local disputes to fester and sour the whole world.

it's good to see that there are always plenty of keyboard warriors ready to cheer bombing and killing, though. keep up the good work. you're all making the world a nice place to live.

for the benefit of our american friends, there may be an element of sarcasm in that last paragraph. the only element of this story worth cheering is that the israelis didn't shoot any brits.

jem, london, uk

They will be back north korean and Iran have more Scud missle inside in Iran 7 days a week ready to prepare to strike anytime .Hey wake up! Israel why not go get their target at Iran Its more less problems and not to be worry coming to your home and have freedom life to live on ! I am proud of the pilot and thet are brave men to do it ! That is great! God be with you forever !

eddie a . smith, hamilton , usa,Ohio

It seems the nuclear material the russian diplomatic convoy snuck out of Iraq in the early days of the war was being prepared for use. The russian "diplomatc" convoy consisted of more than 10 large trucks and claimed diplomatic immunity when stopped by US forces. Saddam's missing WMD smoking gun... Many analysts claimed the refined Uranium was smuggled into the Bekaa valley with "Diplomatic cover"

John Hennessy, Torrnace, CA, USA

Welcome news! Congratulations to the Israelis! Following Olmert's & Company's incompetent fumbling of the incursion into Lebanon, this development bodes well even for Olmert's otherwise fast-fading future in office. I believe the materials and/or equipment destroyed will prove to have come in-part from pre-invasion Iraq, much too from a duplicitous Pakistan, and the rest from North Korea, with some filtered through to Iran, with the connivance of Iran, Pakistan and a resurgent Russia at one. Yes, Bush and cohorts were right, although they did not know it until public opinion had turned against whatever it might assert. But this situation speaks to a greater need to remove the influence of Iran (and background supporter, Russia) entire, by like means as just employed by Israel, though the politicians probably will not allow a commonsensical military strike, not making our futures anywhere sanguine. If radical clerics possess such weaponry, all are equally unsafe everywhere!

Edwardian, Bar Harbor, USA, ME

Dollars to donuts these materials originated in Iraq, were moved by the Russins into Syria (see reports at from October 2004) and were on their way from the Bekka Valley to a new destination near Turkey believed to be more tricky to attack. This story is under heavy cover but the truth will out.

Mason Jahr, Sacramento, CA, USA

Artemis and Kent A. comments above are right on the money. Can't add too much except to say that Israel was surprised in 1973...caught unprepared. Thay cannot EVER again be caught; the world is too dangerous. Israeli journalists...for the very survival of your nation, you MUST NOT allow yourselves to turn into what the United States media have become. These people are anti-American and adamantly anti-Israel. God bless Israel, the defenders of Israel, and God please let them choose their leaders wisely. Great article!

John S., Cincinnati, Ohio

If we had a decent and even handed foreign policy in the middle east these problems would'nt exsist.

Michael S. Stumm, Battle Creek, MI, US

Israeli army is so good, that they should be redeployed in Iraq to restore peace ,tranquility and order !

aéjaz, salford,

If true, excellent job by the Isralies.

StuBill, new york, usa

Why is it that when Israel is attacked they are told they should show restraint, but when they fight back it's considered an act of war. Is not the firing of missiles into Israel an act of war?

Dan, Hanover, PA

Regardless of what the "mass media" in America may claim, the majority of Americans are quite okay with the use of American military power to defeat our enemies. We spent the past 200 years sending US Marines into various parts of the world to protect American business interests. We've sent our forces across the globe to beat back tyranny and hatred. Al Qaeda, Communists, Nazis, etc. are all the same. And the Forces of Western Democracy have stood against them. Now, Radicalized Islamists are just another variety of the same evil we've fought for over 100 years. And for Israel to stand vigilant on the front lines is no small task. For all you anti-Semites and anti-Americans out there... the majority of America will stand up and support the use of all available military might to stop these villains. No amount of media-manipulation will prevent that. So keep hating. If you can justify the evil done by Radical Islam, then you are no better...

Scott, Houston, TX

"leading some diplomats to cast doubt on the likelihood that Kim would cross America’s “red line” forbidding the proliferation of nuclear materials."

I can guarantee the only reason they are standing down on their nuclear activity is because they are exporting it elsewhere, they had success in the field but now they are too isolated to continue. Im sure Iran/Syria will gladly continue developing the material though, politicians really arent that stupid I hope.

Paul Sampson, UK, Birmingham,

The Israelites were once befriended by Cyrus the Great, I wish there could be a new spirit of openness and understanding between all nations. These actions were just...for the Syrian weapons cache should have been neutralized , However, conflict is not the appropriate first step in Israeli-Iranian relations at this point. Now must be the time for Iran to make peace with their neighbors. Also, America should now reach out diplomatically to Iran for cooperation in Iraq! May all sides be patient and ask God for guidance and wisdom to find the strength to create the new peace, The FINAL PEACE. The American people desire peace and fully respect all of these great nations, their peoples, and their sacred religious heritage.

Casey O. Cofer, Cleveland, Tennessee

Good job Israel give Iran the moral authority to nuke your country!

Raymond, Hungary,

Funny how liberals don't care about the Israeli children that are murdered by the Iran/Syria connection nor do they care about the 4+ million people starved or murdered by Kim Jong il. Just like they didn't care about the 2 milion Cambodians murdered by Pol Pot or the 500k murdered after the defunding of the South Vietnamese. FDR called Stalin 'Uncle Joe' and said he liked him (although Stalin killed more than Hitler), this coming after Nevil Chamberlain secured peace with Hitler. They hate Bush, Israel, Capitalism and Republicans more than they love innocent people.

Name Withheld, Dale City, Virginia

I proudly stand with Israel in their brave pre-emptive attack against the Syrians. Good fighting, Israel! You've still got it!

Dan, Boise, USA / Idaho

OK, people, before we all condemn Israel, let's keep in mind that Syria, Iran and North Korea aren't three little misunderstood kids. They have a long history of either supporting terrorism or lying about weapons they shouldn't have.

And let's also keep in mind that other countries and others, including the U.N., believed that Saddam had WMD and provided that information to the U.S. It just wasn't the U.S. saying Saddam had them.

Getting back to Israel, assuming they really did blow up nuclear materials for weapons, they did a great thing. No one in their right mind would want Syria or Iran to have something like that. Especially after Iran's president has said in the past that Israel should be blown off the map.

I have written about some of these topics before at http://timesobserver.blogspot.com/

Anthony, Philadelphia, USA

Michel Tr. - Montreal - You are correct that the proof is not seen by the public and most politicians. For obvious reasons, the proof comes to light at a much later date. Do some research on attacks that occured 20-30 years ago and you will now see some of the proof you require. Thank God for the morality of the West and Isreal.

Chris , Milwaukee, WI, US

The IDF, and Israeli policy are rock solid when it comes to these types of pre-emptive moves. They move with precision and with dignity. American actions should mirror these thought processes and execution techniques.

Gregg, Acton, USA

The USA does not seem to be learning any lesson from her military adventures. Her Israel interests comes on top of the world security. Israel will eventually cause a third World War.

The Crusaders colonized the Syrian littoral and Palestine about 300 years, eventually they were kicked out mainly due to their failure to assimilate with the inhabitants

America refuses to live in peace with the Islamic world .The intense hatred of America is increasing daily, all of this to please the Zionist state and the Zionists who run America.

Congratulation America.

John Marina, Ottawa, Canada

Punch 'em hard IDF!
-From a White Anglo Saxon Protestent in Dixie.

Darrel Wilson, Calhoun, GA, USA

Pure propaganda. This is an attempt to goad the Iranians into defending Syria.

Mike, Tampa , FL

Thanks to IAF for a good job. Keep watching the Axis of Evil.

Norman Cone, Longwood, FL,USA

Well Done Israel! Just because Europe and some Americans ( democrats ) are afraid to make a stand in this world, you are brave and tackle the threat immediately! America stands by you and will be your ally until the end

Ian, Hampstead, United States/ Maryland

Yet another reason for supporting Israel! Thanks to the Israeli intelligence, the brave men and women of the IDF, and a government with the tenacity to act, a would be terrorist state has been denied access to nuclear materials.

Don Michael, Atlanta, GA, U.S

@Kent. No, no one thinks that but you. Iraq had no WMDs.

Dave, Houston, TX

Israel is without a doubt the bravest and most courageous friend that the US has in the middle-east. Thank you for the will and resolve that you show in keeping the tyrants and despots around you from trying to impose their evil in the region.

Dave H., Belmont, USA

First, congrats to the Israelis for a job well done. Second, Tariq why would you object to Israel (which is a democracy) preventing Syria (which is an Alawite-led dictatorship) from obtaining nuclear weapons. Given that you enjoy the benefits of living in a democractic country shouldn't you be applauding democrats when they prevail over dictators?

Vince M, Los Angeles, USA

Thank God for Israel. Between the dithering EU, becoming progressively but ineffectively Islamaphobic, and the crusading US, a paradoxical situation has been created whereby the free world has to rely on a tiny country in the Middle East which has been threated with annihilation for the past 60 years and rose from the ashes of the Holocaust, as the last bulwark of free humanity. And Israel has not become Islamaphobic, or crusading, has a 1 million Israeli Arab minority of its own, well represented from Parliament to the Supreme Court, and is bravely pursuing a peace process with the Palestinians, despite the Hamass brutal takeover of Gaza - which took place just a year after Isrel evacuated its population from there and handed every inch over to the Palestinians who responded with a daily barrage of rockets which continues today and which Israel shows incredible restraint. Why are we eternally criticizing them? For being Jewish?! Yes, my fellow British academics?!

Kevin Edwards, Kent, UK

Israel was testing Syria's air defense for Cheney's invasion of Iran coming in a couple of weeks leading up to around a month. Cheney and Bush are about ready to attack Iran at least 2,000 sites they say , so you know there are many more. And Gen David Petraeus, Mr Bush's senior Iraq commander, denounced the Iranian "proxy war" in Iraq last week as he built support in Washington for the US military surge in Baghdad. Looks like there is no one attached to Cheney and Bush that isn't a person lack in the ability to tell the truth to Americans.

Pete, Laruel , Md

Barak is back! And back with Israel's former top commando has come the traditional Israeli way of doing things...precision, skill and economy of force, all sadly absent in recent years

Whether the intelligent exercise of military power will be matched by an intelligent approach to negotiations remains to be seen. I don't recall Barak being particularly statesmanlike last time around.

volov, Auckland, New Zealand

At least ISRAEL don't wait until too late... Hope USA will follow same path. Both will get a great ovation !

Michel Jutharat, Marseilles, France

Isreal was techically correct in taking a pragmatic descion .It has been seen in the past that diplomacy doesn't necessary usually bring Russia and France on side who are influential in the region. Israel needs to keep reminding its neighbours(and Russia) that any conspiracy againt Isreal will be met with an extreme response.I commend the brave pilots and navigators in the IDF.

Chris, Vancouver, Canada

" Does anyone think that some of the nuclear material the Isaeli's destroyed could have come from Iraq before, during and after the initial war? Many US intelligence Agencies believe Sadam moved his Weapons of Mass Destruction to Syria with the help of the Russian special forces. "
The article states that Israeli intel believes
the material was shipped from N Korea.
It also stated that Israel had been watching
these shipments for some time.
After this action by Israel it is clear that had
nuclear material been moved from Iraq to
Syria they would have taken it out at the
time.
There is no evidence what-so-ever that
nuclear materials were moved from Iraq,
or WMD of any nature. I always thought
that theory was advanced to excuse the fact
that Bush invaded for nothing and could not
find the 'stockpiles of WMD'.

Pete, Macon, GA

It's only a question of time before the Israeli army will have to send troops into Regent Park and other infested areas in London. It's gone out of control. Totally crazy.

bil, london, uk

The target was obviously something that Syria didn't want to admit it had or it would have screamed bloody murder instead of keeping mum as it did.

And if Syria >did< develop a nuclear weapon, what would be the only country in the Middle East that they would possibly target? Israel had no choice but to prevent that just as they have no choice but to prevent Iran from building one.

It's like the Great Gipper said, "If they can't see the light, let them feel the heat."

Josh, Lexington, KY, USA

May God bless & protect Israel!!!

Professor Howdy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Thank you to Israel, the IDF, and all of her soldiers! Keep on the side of what's right, even when others decry your actions. We who remember history know that appeasement has never worked, and that the UN is a failure. Bless Israel, and Bless those who support her!

Talya D, Oak Park, Michigan

Its interesting as an observer afar to read the comments here heralding 'God' 's on your side, and espousing how 'right' the US and Israel are, and how weak and spineless Europe and the rest of the world is in the face of rampant Islamic fascism. This sampling might indicate that the language of the war on terror has been well and truly crafted in Tel Aviv, semingly ignorant of other events in the world over the last 6 years. I'm also at pains to understand how India and Pakistan were allowed to declare as nuclear powers with hardly a whisper against them; then one (India) gets rewarded by the US and the other teeters closer to the edge of becoming a first Islamic nuclear power. ......then we come to Israel - the unrivalled millitary power in the region and backed/bankrolled by the US, and now since late 70's/early 80's acknowledged to be a major nuclear power - but hush! we're not supposed to talk about that. So remind me again why doesn't that awful Iran need nukes?

Jackson Stubbs, Tianjin, China

I am amazed to see so many hypocrites writing who seem to think it is fine for Isreal to bomb either Syria and /or Iran (even though we know that they haven't currently got nuclear weapons) but fail to mention Israel's dangerous arsenal of at least 200 nuclear warheads. If I was Iranian or arab I would be justifiably more terrified of the Israeli nuclear threat (they have after all threatened to use weapons we know they have and have invaded other countries on a fairly regular basis) than I would be concerned about allegations of North Korean involvement in Syria. I suppose that I too will now be accused of antisemitism!

Andy Gregg, London, UK

It is reassuring to know there is at least one military force the civilized world can rely on!

Hellen, NY, USA

It's about time the USA starts taking some lessons from Israel. We need to stop being so worried what the rest of the world thinks, and get the job done.

adam , Parma, idaho

I wonder how the West, and the US in particular, would react if Syria launched a pre-epmtive aerial strike on Israel, destroying some of its facilities.

Paul, London,

So it's be "Way to go Israel", "USA, USA, USA" and "Good verses Evil" ad infinitum, no matter what, like football teams....

Mrs Jessop, Freemantle,

Israel has every right to bomb Syrian nuclear stock piles. People are complaining that Syria is a sovereign country and Israel should not bomb them, let me remind you that the two countries are still technically at war with one another. Israel is surrounded by enemies, they have one of the best intelligence agency in the world, and by the way they tried to tell the US that Iraq was not the problem, it was Iran and Syria. It looks like they were right and now this little country is trying to defend itself alone. The US could learn a thing or two from Israel. Bomb the enemy strategically, eliminate the threat of WMD and trust your intelligence, don't cook the books.

Carl, Albquerque, USA/New Mexico

It's important to note how much is left untold in this article. The important facts are simply that 1)Israel carried out a successful mission in Syrian airspace, and 2)apparently destroyed something of interest that the Syrians had, and weren't supposed to. This is obvious from their silence.
It will be interesting to see where this leads in the coming weeks.

Zev, College Park, MD

It's been a long time since the Six Day War and Entebbe. Israel needed this in more ways than one.

Ron Kean, St. Louis, MO

Further proof that the US needs to support Israel 100%.

Nick Hale, Naples, , FL

So word filters out through carefully-approved sources that US commandos and aircraft struck a site in British Columbia suspected to have materials to be filtered to Mexican drug dealers in Mexico. Do we shout "Bravo, we have been protected from bad guys!" or do we ask for more specific information, including evidence the raid actually took place and that the "materials" indeed constituted something threatening.

These kinds of vague stories filled with unsubstantiated allegations are repeated and repeated, eventually being accepted as real, a kind of urban legends version of intelligence work. As someone long involved in intelligence analysis there are so many holes in this story that it smells like a disinformation effort.

Martin, Washington, DC, USA

One might surmise that if the target was really cement, Syria would have invited the press in to survey the damage. The fact that they have not yet done so implies they are working hard to clean up the radiation before they open it to outsiders, no matter how sympathetic they are. Bless Israel.

wizzid, Austin, Texas, USA

Lets face the fact that we are sheep among wolves. Why wait until it's too late when you know you're going to be someone's dinner sooner or later? As for the "Mother of all Wars", I say we introduce the "Father" to the "Mother" and lets start procreating some body. We are the World's last Super Power, and we need to start acting like it. We need the support of the people of this country as we had it when Pearl Harbor was bomb, as when the Towers fell. Nothing has changed. So why did we?

Ian Van Houten, Bend, OR

Syria hasn't invaded Israel too many times in the past. We should trust the Syrian government. Forget about Hezbollah, they're harmless little murdering fascists. The Syrian government just wants peace and understanding with Israel.

Mike Henry, Ft Washington, PA USA

glad the Israelis are GOOD guys & OUR guys- let's keep the world a little safer from all these renegade countries who are trying to be somebody by shilling for the powers of evil who use them to sow chaos.

Matts, Georgia, USA

Iran and Syria must feel truly impotent !!! I am glad Isrial is on the side of freedom. I can only hope the Iranian people can rise up and cast out the warped Muslum leaders that have taken them to the brink of disaster. Way to go Isrial!!!

Galen, Beaumont , Kansas

Israel is our front-line. Someone please tell Europe before it is too late.

Martin, Welwyn Garden City,

Joe Texan "Fallout" Blowing up a nuke does not leave fallout. Fallout is from detonation. The bombing probably left a dirty 50' crater that 3 guys in suits can clean up with a dumptruck.
Yay Intel over Rhetoric!

Pleased, Boston,

No need to give this much details in Press abt preparation and all!
Greetings to IAF on the mission..we need to do much(and talk less) to remove terror axis in this world and free it from fanatics.

Jacob, DOHA, QATAR

G_d bless Israel.....surrounded by the enemy since their independence....they also save American lives when they defend themselves.

Solomon, Bangor, Maine

That took pure guts, well done IDF!

Dan, Portland, Oregon, USA

When the leader of a country says: "we will use neuclear weapons to destroy you (Israel) and America, both Israel and the U.S. should both be taking "necessary steps" to take those threats away.

dan, waco, tx

Les from York stated:

"This is extremely worrying. I have no doubt that if action was take it was for good cause, however if these things are done with a lack of transparancy and without the support of the world community it will likely increase instability in the area."

It's called operational security. You can't maintain it while, at the same time, trying to obtain the support of the world community. I'm sure that Israelis doesn't put much faith in the opinion of the "world community " anyway. If they did then Israel would cease to exist in fairly short order..

Ross, Lander, Wyoming/USA

The Shepherd of Israel ' .......neither slumbers nor sleeps.
Psalm 121:4

sheila bowden, katoomba, nsw australia

Once again the IDF shows its true commitment to irradicate terrorism. No bowing to media, no military actions through the PC filter, no letting the vocal minority dictate policy, etc
IDF bombed an Iraqi nuclear facility in the early eighties and now again they are on the offense. For them it is a matter of life and death;for us, a matter to be regulate to and dictated from the polls of popularity and public opinion. Israel, you will always have a friend in me.

Alan, Olympia, WA

I think the US should get a little more credit, where do you think Israel got the bombs and F-15's from?

I love that Israel knew what had to happen and got the job done, we are far to worried about being sensative to everyone here in the states. Especially since we are involved in the "War on Terror."

Dwight Cogdill, Sacramento, USA, CA

Hell yeah! Finally Isreal acts in self defense. It is about time.

Barney, San Jose, CA

Obviously, even the Arab countries support this raid. Way to go Israel.

Gary, Toronto, Canada

"It's pretty much a "given" that Israel has nuclear weapons. However, Israel has never used - or threatened to use - them. I have no doubt that should an ARAB or PERSIAN culture obtain nuclear weapons, they will not hesitate to use them against Israel. "

Excellent point, and one that I've heard former Israeli PM Netanyahu also make. There is no moral equivalence between Israel and its enemies. Israel only seeks to live in peace; its enemies are bent on destruction.

Ross, Lander, Wyoming/USA

Israel needs no justification to attack Syria, regardless of whether the reason is nucleur material or conventional arms. Syria helps supply Hezbollah so is a just target for military action by Israel. The poster from Kuwait is astonished Israel attacked Hezbollah when Hezbollah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers. There is nothing difficult to understand about that...Hezbollah should not have done it.

Quartz, London, UK

It is highly likely that the Americans have got the Israels to do the dirty work for them. Nevertheless it is a dirty job but somebody has got to do it. Any way some times we must play dirty when dealing with dictators and terrorists but the real test will be Iran!

Wing , Poole, UK

Thank you IDF!!! While Europe is subordinating itself to the islamic unculture, Israel takes the stand. Knowing that my tax money is used by the german government to "help to develope" Syria, makes me so ashamed and angry. Every sane human knows what this money is used for. I wish I could pay my taxes to Israel, it would be way better spent.

Volkmar, Berlin, Germany, Germany

This to Anis,
When radical muslims learn to live peacefully and when palestinians overwhelmingly choose to cultivate their land, develop into a more civilized people, live in harmony and take off their explosive laiden jackets, they will realize that Israel is a peace loving nation looking to share with its neighbors help spread happiness and wealth. Enough tears for the palestinians. Why don't moderate msulims rise up and denounce terrorism and extremism. It's easy to balme others...Hitler did just that.

Ryan, West Palm Beach, FL

im happy to read all these comments in favor of Israel in an saxon newspaper, i do not believe it,the hope is not lost.

fabiosaja, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Raul Capablanca, Havana, Cuba wrote the following...

Israel and the Western world, especially the US, should mind their own business. They have no right to destroy other people's lives and properties. God is watching everything, and all these culprits will one day suffer. Suffer greater than anyone can imagine with their mind alone.

I would think those people jumping to their deaths in the WTC collape where thinking the same thing about our peaceful Muslims.

Skypilot, Reno, NV

so many comments here reflect how ignorant many are on the middle east. Those refering to syria as an islamic extremist country. Syria is very secular & has crushed islamic extremists in the city of hama in a brutal way back in 1982.
Those congratulating the IDF forget that its the same body that botched up big time last year & couldn't retrieve its 2 captured soldiers.
What i am witnessing here is the same irrational zealous that hizbullah supporters displayed after the end of hostilities in 2006. I find it a load of hollow bravado flamed by prejudice.

S Ahmed, Cairo,

Thank you, Israel. As an American, I'm almost ashamed to admit a tiny country in the Middle East is doing our dirty work for us and doing it better than we could do ourselves.
Many Americans such as myself support your country wholeheartedly. Don't pay attention to what our ignorant media says. We love you guys and have your back.
Oh, and great story. What a refreshing piece of journalism.

Sean, Pocatello, Idaho

We all know that the UK is allowed to have nuclear weapons. So is France and a host of other countries (including the US). None of these countries are under constant attack. There is however, one (and only one) state whose right to have nuclear weapons is constantly debated. The foes of that state have stated (last week) that they would dance in the town square (presumably in London since there will be no Gaza) once Iran launches its nukes at this state. That state happens to be a Jewish state. And 80% of the inhabitants of that state have lived under unremitting persecution from the same people who day in and day out question whether the Jews have any right whatsoever to defend themselves.

Inna, Sacramento, CA/USA

South African Apartheid was also a military might and it eventually crumbled, so was the Soviet Union, far more advanced and far more capable. This century should be the century for fall of all forms of Apartheid, including Zionism. That does not mean violence and loss of a lot of lives as was suggested by one of the commentaries, it can be done very peacefully. Peace and Justice for all.

Al Raji, Berkeley,

I want to know why we weren't in on the strike, As an ally it would have been within our interests to have participated in or aided such a strike, especially since we have a large amount of troops that were at potential risk nearby in Iraq. I agree with Israel's action, not that my opinion will matter to them,nor will yours. Israel is an independant and soveriegn state, with full control over their own affairs, just like any other throughout history. It would be silly for us to whine and complain about,or to criticize and judge their actions as we sit on our computers at home here in the United States, and then log off to watch "American Idol" or "Survivor" and complain to our friends on the phone about Bush.

Chris, Newport News, VA

I tired of the whining from the left and the pacifists who are constantly crying in their coffee and herbal teas about the U.S. and Israel "Violating Sovereign Nations". They have to defend themselves and the best defense is always offense. Take some time to really study world history and you will see how cyclical it all is. Names, places, weapons, etc. change but human nature doesn't.

C.A. Piper, Rapid City, South Dakota

Many are tempted to claim conspiracy on Israel's part and deny their explanation. However, note how Syria is not saying much of anything. If this were not a strike on a nuclear weapon depot, then why is Syria being so mum? Have they ever been known to ignore a great publicity opportunity?

Kyrux, Dallas, USA

Hmmmm..... Maybe Saddam's stash..... Whatever didn't make it to Libya.....

Ken Jackson, Dallas, TX

That took pure courage, well done IDF!

Dan, Portland, Oregon, USA

I agree. Way to go Israel. I hope America can one day realize that enemies need to be crushed!!

Alan, Evansville, IN

Interesting... when Israel blows up non civilian places and things, no one complains. Perhaps that would be the way forward, rather than blowing up buildings near people who throw stones... with not a care in the world for collateral damage.

Raymon, London,

(Isa 17:1 KJV) The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.

When does this happen? We know Damascus is still a city.

Billy Tyn, Anytown, USA

An amazing piece of reporting,.

Jay, Rincon, Puerto Rico

I don't think Israel needs U.S. help to take on Iran especially after hearing of this outstanding operation, pin-pointed, high tech, daring and successful. I wish the U.S. spy operations could deliver such deep extraction of information in order to act with the same coordination, determination and with single mind. Well done IDF.

Ringo Larry, Dayton, OH

It looks pretty certain Muslims will have to reconcile to the fact that nothing much can be done to change the status of Palestine - Israel is there to stay. The longer they deny the uglier their losses will be - in terms of lives lost, wealth and development. It is also a sad commentary on the state of this world where illegitimate occupation of Palestinian land is justified by so many who matter than far too many who do not matter. But Muslims apparently do not want to surrender and perhaps that will will lead to a lot of all round miseries. It is so unfortunate for those who will suffer.

Anis, Kolkata, India

Isreal does not engage it's air force to attack foreign countries without cause. Their intel is top notch. This is only an extension of what happened to Syria's Hezbolah proxy in Lebanon only now they are being taken to task in their own homeland. The scuds missiles that are targeting Isreal are in Syria and Iran. If and when the US decides to take the proxy war in Iraq to Iran, Isreal needs to be confident that their enemys are neutralized in order to protect their people. This is more than just a little scuffle over a few intel targets. This is possibly a preemption to a larger conflict where Syria and Iran are engaged by the US and Isreal simultaneously. The US with the current allies in Iraq does not have the resources to fight a two front war with Iraq and Syria. If the US does attack Iran for their involvement in providing the technology to kill US servicemen and innocent Iraqi's, Isreal is likely to be a target in retrobution by both Syria and Iran.

Tom, Hartford, CT USA

Why is Israel doing for us what we Westerners should be doing ourselves, defending our culture and civilization from the jihadi barbarians and assorted Mid-East dictators ?

Mark Keller, Basel, Switzerland

I love Israel and admire the Israelis' bravery!

Melissa Bedard, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

After all of the false speculation over Iraqi centrifuges/aluminum tubes/wmd that the media parroted for the benefit of the Bush administration's case for war on Iraq, I take all of this 'speculation' with a grain of salt.

The most likely scenario to me is that Israel is mapping Syrian radar and anti aircraft sites prior to its planned strike on Iran.

Sam, Indianapolis, USA

I'm so proud of the Israelis! At least someone gets it.......

Josh, Rochester, NY, USA

Disappointingly, I didn't see anything about this in the US Papers.

In response to tariq's concern about preemptive action, I'm concerned about this too. But unfortunately, a nuclear threat is so potentially disastrous that less can be left to chance, which is why every effort must be spent to eliminate these weapons.

Mike, Greensboro, USA / NC

"Thank you for the excellent article! I wish we here in the US could find informative articles like this about what's really going on in the world, instead of pablum about how fat Britney Spears is, or how many times Lindsey Lohan has been in rehab this year..."

Uh, you can find articles like this. It's called the internet. It's how you found this one. You can find such articles in the States as well, you just need to stop relying on the Drudge Report to do your very, very basic news searching for you.

Michael, Oklahoma City,

It's pretty much a "given" that Israel has nuclear weapons. However, Israel has never used - or threatened to use - them. I have no doubt that should an ARAB or PERSIAN culture obtain nuclear weapons, they will not hesitate to use them against Israel. Therefore, Israel's pre-emptive strike in Syria is well justified.
You can't "unring the bell," especially when the bell is nuclear.

SteveD, Cascade/MD, USA/Maryland

Syria does not have the money, but Iran supplies Syria its resources. Syria under the Assads have turned to be the worst dictatorship in the Middle East-- a lap dog of the mullahs of Teheran. Syria's fate would soon be sealed even as Teheran would have to feel the heat.
History would say one, but the future of history is arbitered by Providence God who had already set it as Prophecy. The "Oracle of Damascus" is the writing on the wall in Isaiah 17 Old Testament. Holy Bible

W.Lawrence Prabhakar, PhD, Chennai, TN India

Another conspiracy theory. Israel just decided to fly some planes over Syria and to start a war with Iran so the US can step in and take out Iran. Wow! That is so smart of the Israeli's. I commend them for such a brilliant tactic. I would image you might be a little jealous that you lack that kind of creative thought. Sovereign County...another person that buries their head in the sand. A country that supports Hezbolla which not only wants the destruction of the only democratic country in the region but has works to overturn the government in Lebanon. Israeli would like to have peace in the region but it is kind of hard when your neighbors think you should be pushed into the sea. Study the history of the region and learn something.

Bruce, Encino, CA

Way to go, Israel. Israel understands the realist politics of the 21st century and its need to protect itself from radical and murderous Islamic terrorist states. Diplomacy and discussion are effective only with other relatively rational and diplomatic states. But force is the only tool of diplomacy that many of these extreme Islamic states understand. Israel has done the free world a great service once again and it needs all the support from the West as is possible.

Ellen Moreno, Chesapeake, VA, USA

Thank god Israel doesn't embrace the same suicidal political correctness the rest of the Western world is imposing. Israel knows what we're up against (Islam) and they're prepared to act accordingly.

Ellen Morris, Leeds,

Presidential candidate, Dennis Kucinich (D), just got back from a meeting with the Syrian leader. He went on a tv program there and proceeded to say how we were illegally occupying Iraq, how the war was wrong, etc. etc. I call him a traitor to this nation, but after THIS story about Syria and North Korea working together on possible nukes, I think that little meeting will come back to haunt him! Excellent story! Israel has to protect itself, always!!

Sheri James, Midland, USA, Tx

Excellent reporting, it's refreshing to get the whole story, correctly reported instead of the trash we get here in the states.

DA weiner, Lafayette, USA/IN

This actually makes me feel better. As a citizen of a fundmentally weak-kneed country, I'm glad someone has the grit to deal with these bad guys. These guys and their nukes make me fear for my family and country. And as a Vietnam veteran, I remember how easily America is frightened away from a fight. Let these bad guys get nuclear weapons and the final confrontation with them will be a nuclear war. It's really that simple.

Iran probably has little to fear from America. Isreal? Well now, that is a different story. Go Isreal!

Wally Lind, Lakeville, Minnesota USA

"Once the mission was under way, Israel imposed draconian military censorship and no news of the operation emerged until Syria complained that Israeli aircraft had violated its airspace."

As opposed to letting the morons in the MSM "announce" the raid?

Iben Hakenluggi, Hampton, Yes

Odd - I thought Israel used Hezbollah's cross-border attacks as a justification for launching its blitz on Lebanon last year, but silly me, I'm holding it to the same standards as it holds other nations to. Seems like many people can't wait for a war with Syria and Iran, which will involve all the rest of the Middle East and countries further afield, and I notice most of these people are in the US and seem to regard war as something like a video game, which I assume is the closest they've ever come to experiencing it. And oh dear, the religious nuts cheering on Armageddon on every side are out in force.
Beam me up Scotty, I really don't want to see what's coming (clue, it's not a video game).

Ruth, Salwa, Kuwait

Where is Dennis Kucinich?

Henry, Mimico, Ont., Canada

My congratulations, IDF! Well-done!

cyberstranger, St. Pete,

Hmmm... Interesting that for the first time Israel makes a military move in the mideast and you could hear cammel droppings hit the sand for all any of the Arab states are saying to decry this attack.... Kinda seems that everyone is saying, "nice try syria, but no cigar".

When was the last time everyone over there was this quiet? Nice shooting, Israel.

keith, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA

An incredible piece of investigative journalism. If a news agency could report this much detailed information, imagine what the public doesn't know? DON"T trust the Russians. Thank goodness for the IDF!

Jerry, Windsor, Canada

well, i'm usually one who prefers diplomacy to military tools but if the syrians were so mindless as to play a nascent nuclear card, then i must congratulate the israelis for short-circuiting such plans. nuke escalation in the mideast is the LAST thing any rational person would wish for. now the question is what comes next? will syria persist or has it been dissuaded ? let's hope it's the latter. stuff that nuclear genie back into its wretched bottle

john caddidy, cambridge, Mass./USA

Thank God for Israel.....

Paul Scott, Lexington, SC

Now the Israelis can go back to grossly abusing the Palestinians, having initially been given the help and the right by us to carry nuclear weapons themselves

K. Urban , London, UK

The Israelis know that the only way to deal with people that want them all dead, is to kill them first. Does the world, and all the people that cry foul on the war on terror, need another 6 million people killed in another holocost to see what the "real world" is like. Good for Israil, they know the score! Do you?

c Hayes, canton, Ga

Wesley, our soldiers have foung not only evidence of WMDs there is all kinds of proof that Sadaam was in fact in contact with Bin Laden....... and there is some proofs of weapons being removed just prior ro the war. But as you and I know the liberal media and fans can't stand the truth.

Politically inncorrect, Wilson, USA

The Israeli army is the best army in the world!!!

ILONA, ARIZONA, USA

what else to say but lies lies lies,syria don't have the money to buy nuclear weapons.in why they don't have the cash?they don't have much if any oil,and if they had we would 've gone in for the oil.like iraq and working on doing with iran.

krowner, alb, nm

So many questions! Yet one response: Thank you, Israel.

Dave, norristown, USA PA

Way to go Israel. To many people and countries want to wait till it's to late to stop the WMD. You can see this in the last post at this site. Stop them now, not after the mushroom cloud.

Don Myers, Chittenango, New York

Syria and Israel are still at war, so the attack is not illegal, I have no doubt that Israel was acting on some information that it believed to be true. Israel has always worked hard to have spies in their enemies camps, I expect we will learn the truth in 30 years.

Colin, Vancouver, Canada

Well done Israel,that should be good for another 20 to 50 suicide bombers,and who knows how many civilian deaths.Of course the decision makers are tucked away safe & sound & no matter who blames who the toll is death of innocents,mainly women & children.When humanity no longer exists,maybe then the lunacy will end.

john gross, bakersfield, california

The Israeli army is the best army in the world!!!

ILONA, ARIZONA, USA

What happened to the Syrian Air defenses? Has any information come out regarding why they were "silent"? I am wondering if the planes were able to tactically avoid the air defenses, or if the air defenses were disabled prior to the attack.

Frank Smith, seattle, WA

Typical of a canadian. The Isreali's and the US will destroy the Iranians abilities to produce Atomic weapons, and this was dress rehearsal. Canada and Europe can go on with their declining populations and socialist granny systems, while the US defends the world from the present and future threats. God Bless George W. Bush.

Tommy, jacksonville, USA

I like the saying hit them(enemy) before they hit you. Great job Isreal keep up the fight against terrorism.

Arthur, Swainsboro, Ga

Bravo Israel

joe, toronto, canada

One again, the world owes Israel a huge debt - and, once again, it will be not only ignored, but Israel will be blamed, with all the usual stupid conspiracy theories trotted out for good measure. I can see from this forum alone that people have done nothing but just get dumber & dumber.

Susan, DC, USA

Of all the Western Nations involved with the Middle East situation, only Israel is showing enough sense and guts to do what needs to be done. What people refuse to remember is that France and England could have easily beaten Nazi Germany before 1939, as opposed to sitting around and doing everything possible, even handing over entire nations to Hitler to avoid war.

If nothing else, Israel has helped prevent the problem in the Middle East from getting out of control...for now

Robert Montoya, Fort Worth, U.S.A.

Mike from Tampa, you really have no idea about the nature of the world, do you?

Mike, OKC, OK

This is just an attempt by the Israelis to goad the Iranians into attacking them, thereby getting the US to attack Iran. Iran and Syria have a defense pact. Syria doesn't have nuclear weapons. Syria didn't get nuclear weapons from North Korea---and the North Koreans don't have a weapon small enough to load onto a SCUD. This is propaganda, pure and simple. The Iraqis never had nuclear weapons, either, Kent. They had some chemical weapons. How do I know? Because the US sold them to Iraq. But those are long gone---and that's what Scott Ritter said well before we invaded.

Mike, Tampa , FL

words cannot express my pride and admiration for the Israeli Defense Forces, as Europe sleeps to the growing evil, my small little country defends itself and not so incidently the rest of the world. this was a NEW YEAR'S gift from the Jewish people Happy and joyous 5768.

hillel copelan, west wendover, nV

Still more spin cycles for the war with Iran and Syria. How many are still caught up in all those warmongering lies? Way too many fall for deceptions without asking for proofs or evidences. Israel bombed a sovereign country (Syria) and this is an act of war that should be decried the World over just like Irak and Afghanistan. The morality of the West has indeed fallen very low. Wake up before you drag us in the Final War, the Mother of all War...

Michel Tr., Montreal, Canada

Bravo! Once again Israel has rejected the cowardice and wishful thinking, which form the foundation of Western security policies, and taken decisive action against a sworn enemy of the West. Pay attention Europe and America!

David, Homestead, Florida, USA

Amen! to what Felton in Delaware said.

sheila, knox, tn

A new campaign of lies as was done prior to the Iraqi war. WMD translated to nuclear material . So utterly obvious.
Israel is demonstrating its supremacy in the air probably
attacking a bunker of low significance. As I remember, at least
dozens of WMD factories and stockpiles were identifed from the
air prior to the Iraq war some of them figuring in Powells infamous Power point show at the UN. - Later Powell resigned in shame. And shame is coming to those others cooking the lies
about Iraq Greenspan is opening a corner of Pandoras box .

F Yngvason, Akureyri, Iceland

good for Isreal, quick, effecitve, decisive action. In a country where most of your neighbors what you annialted it is good to see you still can protect yourself. WMB from Iraq....I've always thought soooo.

josh, portland,

The article is very informative It leads one to ponder the after effects from a diplomatic angle.

The nuclear aspiratons of some of these middle-eastern states is very troubling for the western world more so Israel.

''Israel showed it is not interested in waiting for diplomacy to work'' Would Israel take pre-emptive action against Iran if it determined that Iran's program was a clear and present danger?

This is very interesting and a development the Iranians are concerned about with their visit to Syria.
In the fullnest of time, we will find out.

Edison, Toronto, Canada

Bravo

Edward Rousseau, Green Bay,

Some facts do not add up. The F15i doesn't need aux fuel tanks to reach any place in Syria. The droped tanks looked OK, because they were empty. Most probably the Israeli planes tested a route to Iran and something happened in their way back. Also "nuclear cache" is very vague and didn't require an urgent action. Possible an emmergency target were some misiles with chemical warheads in process of being loaded with fresh binary substances. This procedure could have been detected easily. It is no clear how many plane were involved, where they came from and where they went, and who they were, etc.

Andrei, Newton MA , USA

North Korea has always crossed the "red lines" and the US State Dept. would again prove itself the fool that it is to believe such a concession from North Korea. John Bolton should have been placed in charge of the State Dept.
According to defected Syrian journalist Nizar Nayouf per letter to De Telegraaf and article printed in January ,2004, WMDs had been transferred to Syria from Iraq and, in that article, had specified the three exact locations.
Furthermore, if Pres. Bush had paid attention to Ariel Sharon four years ago, Israel was prepared to wipe out Iran's proceeding nuclear facilities.
And, by the way, the missile shields that Putin had just sold to Syria and Iran were proven ineffective.

Bridget, Tigard, USA

Conclusion: Israel can penetrate Iranian air defence...so can US. Iran is in checkmate. The destruction is a mere bonus.

Ron Johns, Hebron, NH/US

To pretend that N Korea is going to play by international norms is naiveté. To allow Syria, Iran and N Korea to pass nuclear secrets to each other, that original in Pakistan is asking for big trouble down the road. This is just another reason Americans should wake up to the prospect of Iran starting a nuclear war in the Mid East. Bush was right! Iran is evil… This whole situation in the Mid East has been allowed to get out of hand. The thing that really amazes me is the fact that Islam’s silence is deafening, they have manipulated world opinion in their favor or could it be the West’s reliance on Mid East oil. What ever it is or is not, it will result in war that will involve the greater part of the Western world against the Islamic Nations of Iran, Syria, Pakistan and others.
The wild card in this scenario however is the Israeli bomb they have over 285 nuclear weapons. That should be just enough to turn the Middle East into a glass bowl. Moderate Moslems where are you?

Sonny, Newportville, USA/ pennsylvania

I'm now waiting for the lunatic pacifists to defend Syria's right to nuclear weapons; "Israel has them, so why shouldn't Syria?"
It never occurs to these naive fools that a Syria or Iran will actually use them, whereas the Israelis have and will continue to exercise restraint in their use.

John LeBlanc, Dickinson, North Dakota

So another attack on peaceful syria from Israel. Totally unjustified. They will only use nuclear weapons for self defence. They are a peaceful kind of animal, just like iran and korea. Like in korea they dont even eat so they can have WMD's and irun forgoes fashion to have them. Just like back in 1981 when Israel bombed the french nuke plant in bag-dad.

When will they ever learn?

And anyway it was Poutine who told Israel about the nukes. we got proof!

Bernard, Sharpestown, MD.

Excellent writing without opinion. Reporting facts is a nice change.

Charles Runyon, Rochester Hills, Michigan

The Muslims will never quit until they have destroyed both Israel and the United States. Our fate of our two nations in intertwined much the same as Great Britain and the United States' fates have been so close for so long. Islam is the EVIL OF OUR TIME and until the west realizes this sad fact and deals once and for all with Islamo-Facsists and their North Korean cronies there will be no lasting peace anywhere in this world. Stop the madness now, while there is still time.

Jeffry Pages, St. Joseph, MO

Where are (were?) the WMDs missing from Iraq?

Bill Crowley, Austin, Texas USA

Its about time.....

Brett, LA, CA

Fantastic, two great big thumbs up for Israel and its Air Force. We are behind you, keep up the great work.

Robert McDaniel, Crimora,, Virginia

Perhaps some of this suspect material is Iraqi? It appears that intelligence agencies can't determine what happened to any of the material Sadam had to have acquired over the past 10-15 years. This area of the world remains a hot spot and will continue as long as radical elements seek to gain political power or even over throw existing governments!

Bill, Flemington, Florida

Arabs are caught sleeping again?

Munna, London, UK

This is interesting.

Tom , Fort Wayne,

Kudos Isreal! This is the way one deals with thugs and savages. I hope Isreal will always remain strong and vigilant to protect that which is most precious in life - Liberty, self determination and the right to exist in peace!

Steven, Framingham, Ma

Not enough can be said that those who plan atrocities will themselves pay the price. The sad part in all of this, are the millions of innocent lives that will perish because pragmatic thinking and wisdom, has be replaced by hatred, jealousy and ill-advice

Edward Cooper, London, Uk

when your country's life is on the line you had better not play around. This what the U.S. should be doing

shirlry maunz, liberty center, ohio

There is some partial comfort in the knowledge that not all of the Wetern world is stuck in a catatonic Chamberlainesque stupor.
The oil-rich, violent and cynical Arab leaders continue to pluck the sensitive string of European colonial past. Europeans, in turn, continue to confuse wishes for peace with phlegmatism in the face of rising violence. A grotesque replay of pre-WWII days.

Gilad, Jerusalem, Israel

isreal is great, good for them. They do what they have to do to keep there country safe.

Paul , Madisonville, tn

There has been very little coverage of this raid in the United States media, indicating the liberal U-S media and their democrat party soulmates don't wish there to be any hint of such a success in hopes it will fade away. Any news of any success is bad news to the U-S left. On the other hand, there has been lots of glowing coverage of Democrats pussy-footing with Syria (can't we all just get along?), the latest being congressman Dennis Kuchinich, a Bush critic, speaking on Syrian television about his views of U-S imperialism and wrong-headed U-S policies. The U-S dems and the media are clearly on Syria's side. Hey, World, you need to pay attention. Time grows short.

Chris McDaniel, Baton Rouge , Louisiana

The Israeli spy chief apparently feared such a device could eventually be installed on North-Korean-made Scud-C missiles.

“This was supposed to be a devastating Syrian surprise for Israel,” said an Israeli source. “We’ve known for a long time that Syria has deadly chemical warheads on its Scuds, but Israel can’t live with a nuclear warhead.”

So let me get this right. Israel can't live with even one Syrian nuclear warhead but Syria is supposed to tolerate hundreds of uninspected and undeclared Israeli nukes without trying to defend itself?

An muc gorm, Gander, Canada

Let us not forget the world in which the anti-US fanatics live:

(1) Iraq never had any Weapons of Mass Destruction,
but
(2) The US gave Iraq Weapons of Mass Destruction

QUESTION: If Saddam Hussein used Weapons of Mass Destruction against Iran and on his own people.... Did he have any?

How did Saddam Hussein use WMD's he did not have? This is quite a mystery that requires exploration.

Jack McGuire, Arlington , USA ./ Virginia

Bravo

Bill, Houston, TX

Great to hear! There are still a few stalwart and brave souls left in this world who do not cave to political correctness in the face of tyranny!

Joey Cook, Niceville, USA/Florida

Good

REX DEMANIAN, NYC,

Bravo, Israel!

Edwin Rowe, Chicago,

If Syria had nuclear materials then it's very possible to believe that Iran may have them also.

Chuck, dnever, co usa

Israelis have every right to defend their land & citizens. I wish America was as proactive.

Jason Dickson, Wickliffe, Ohio

Bush didn't lie....it's time to find out who did.

Andrew, Oakton, USA/VA

What is very interesting about this story is that thus far, no Arab country has denounced Israel's attacks. Of course, it could be they are keeping quiet until the dust has settled and a clearer 'official' picture emerges. However, if they remain silent this could be evidence that Sunni regimes in the region, perhaps out of a fear of an ascendant Iran, may be drawing even closer to America and indirectly in turn to Israel. Furthermore, if these Sunni regimes are in fact drawing closer to America, then it is very likely that America's dogged persistence in Iraq sufficiently bolstered their confidence in America's staying power in the region that they were willing to bet their political stakes on a closer relationship with America.

John Yoo, North Tonawanda, United States / NY

i dont believe a word of this

anybody know the motto of the mossad?

learn it

yesman, portland , or

So I guess it is now appropriate for the Syrians to attempt to take out Dimona.
The Israeli's are going to have their methods directed upon them some day - hopefully soon.

Dave, Ft. Lauderdale, FL,USA

tick tick tick .....While the west sleeps, the fascists plot and the Israelis act. Millions will die in an inferno of nukes if the I'meanandanutjobs of the world have their way.

torabora, susanville, california

Good for Israel for violating Syrian airspace for whatever reason, but especially if it was nuclear-related!! These anti-Israeli Arab dictators need to kept on a short leash if we are to avoid a world war and hopefully Israel will take out Iranian nukes also!!

DON, Yuma, AZ

If the Israelis successfully bombed nuclear material in Syria, where are the reports of evacuations due to the fallout of these attacks? Should there be concerns about radiation dispersal?

We've seen no such reports, so I think it is safe to assume that Israel is lying.

Joe Texan, Austin, Texas

I completely agree with Israel's decision to use force on Syria's nuclear facilities. It was long overdue, and the folks in Washington could use some lessons from Israel on how to execute militarily aginst Syria and its allies. Nuclear weapons cannot be tolerated in the hands of terrorists-period. It is time to forget about the useless diplomatic games and we as Americans had better develop the stomach to do the ugly and brutal things we need to do to our enemies to preserve our existence. I better not read anywhere that the Bush administration is going to complain about the Israeli military action. At least Israel has a plan of action.

Brad, Minneapolis,

Once again, Israel shows the world their insight, skill, courage, and wisdom. All those who cherish freedom should acknowledge with respect their risk and expense on our behalf.

Raymond, Phoenix, USA/AZ

Good job Israel! Joe Knight

Joe Knight, Winston Salem, USA/NC

wish more diplomats could realize that there should be no compromise on terrorists or whoever supports terorists. Way to go Israel

john, melbourne, Australia

way to go israel thats how tihings should be done.

al, wichita falls, texas

The axis of evil?
It began in central Germany, spread to England and then America, where it committed genocide on the native Americans and enslaved Africans.
All a matter of perspective...

Cameiros, Santa Fe, Turtle Island

Israel is always looking for trouble in the ME region.
I think this might me the end of the jewsish state.

golan, cder, CA

Israel and the Western world, especially the US, should mind their own business. They have no right to destroy other people's lives and properties. God is watching everything, and all these culprits will one day suffer. Suffer greater than anyone can imagine with their mind alone.

Raul Capablanca, Havana, Cuba

Let's suppose that the Syrians indeed accepted nuclear material from North Korea for transfer to Iran (as is speculated on in the story). The material arrives by ship in western Syria and then carted to the northeastern deserts of Syria, where it is bombed by Israeli jets.

Okay, how was the material to be shpped from Syria to Iran? There is a country called Iraq between the two. Does this imply that Syrian truck convoys, laden with hidden nuclear materials, would just be waved through the Iraqi highways and traverse TWO borders? Who in Iraq would give a nod to this sort of thing? The Maliki government? Al Qaida...

This is weird.

thamnosma, Pasadena, California, USA

What? Another pre-emptive strike on a middle-east country suspected of having weapons of mass destruction? Cool stuff.

Brian, Parker, CO

The only unfullfilled Biblical prophecy I know of before the terrible tribulation starts is the destruction of Damascus form Is. 17. It could not far off........ People get ready Jesus will remove true believers before those 7 years of global disaster starts. The nation of Israel has come into existance and ben "a cup of trembling" for the nations ever since. Jews the world over are streaming back to Israel in accordance with prophecy.
The temple is ready to be rebuilt with all the priestly garments and temple vessels made but the temple is not built according to Revelation until the Tribulation. Turn to Jesus now before it is to late. Repent, beforgiven, receive mercy, grace, peace and life eternal.

Eric, Washington, usa

Israel did the right thing by bombing Syrian sites. Force is the only language the Muslim Jihadists understand. Bombs speak louder than words.

Philip, Houston, USA-Texas

This is extremely worrying. I have no doubt that if action was take it was for good cause, however if these things are done with a lack of transparancy and without the support of the world community it will likely increase instability in the area.

Les Cantlay, Yorl, UK

Hope Israel helps us with Iran so we can do the same thing to them. Good job Israel, keep up the great job your doing.

John Garland, Alton, MO

Wow...a precursor to an attack on Iran?

Wesley, Cheyenne, WY, USA

Thank you for the excellent article! I wish we here in the US could find informative articles like this about what's really going on in the world, instead of pablum about how fat Britney Spears is, or how many times Lindsey Lohan has been in rehab this year...

artemis, Felton, Delaware, US

Does anyone think that some of the nuclear material the Isaeli's destroyed could have come from Iraq before, during and after the initial war? Many US intelligence Agencies believe Sadam moved his Weapons of Mass Destruction to Syria with the help of the Russian special forces.

Of course, that would prove President Bush was right, and that would be wrong!

Kent A. McNeil, Bellaire, Michigan

We all know Israel is the only country allowed nuclear capabilities, that's nothing new. The problem, however, is all the 'Israel believes' , 'concern that it was', 'rife with speculation', 'may be in use', 'but suggested the target' that we saw so many times in the lead up to Iraq's invasion to rid that country of 'proven' WMD (even to the extent that the UN was shown diagrams and sat photos as evidence. Are these yet to come? Everything now seems to be pre-emptive on a pre-conceived idea.

tariq , ashford,

Great Job IDF, keep up the good work

TampaJoe, Tampa, USA/FL

Very interested in how the ground team entered Syria and how it got out. Maybe thru Iraq with US help?

Jim Welsh, Manzanita, Oregon

The US could take a lesson from the Isrealis who seem to accomplish their goals quietly and then move on. Instead of using a big stick on the entire population. I sincerely hope those in the middle east who desire nuclear capability will take a lesson from this. Nuclear proliferation is a no win situation for everyone.

Pat, Gerber, CA USA

Eventually every country is going to have the means to make nuclear bombs and ICBMs. We need to figure out how to live in that kind of world. One way to solve the problem is to encourage people not to develop them. Iraq's lack of WMD did not save Saddam Hussein, so thanks to GW Bush, we can forget about that strategy. If Israel continues to bomb its neighbors whenever they get close to WMD development, they will hide them better next time, so this tactic is a dead end as well.
The solution needs to be political and it needs to be global. 20 years after 'Star Wars" there is no technology on the horizon that can reliably defend against incoming missiles at 15000+ miles an hour. As time goes on more countries become capable of developing orbital rockets. How much longer before you can pick up a surplus launch vehicle/ICBM on ebay?

Steve Harringtonq, San DIego, California

America, should have acted on this, before Israel. However, since we are hesitant, Israel did the right thing.

Ron Shapiro, Houston, Texas

Well done, Israel. If you're not busy next weekend, how would you feel about removing the Iranian nuclear threat?

Don S, Missoula, Montana, USA

It works for me. Let's hope that we deal with Iran as well, and as easily.

Rod Venger, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA

and when did this happen

try putting a date on the event - DOH !!!!!!!!!!

dad, erwed, WEWED

Thank God.

Joe, Fort Dix, USA/NJ

Always pre-empt,never give the terrorist the initiative.Prevention is better than cure.

piper kelly, Perth, scotland

World War Three has started then...

Zened, London,

Great work! Long live Israel, long live liberty!

Derek, Shanghai,

Considering that recently, Olmert stated that Iran "will be eradicated" and has in the past threatened the use of the Dimona nukes, it is quite understandable and possibly legal that other nations at the end of the threat are seeking to protect themselves using the MAD scenario.

Unlike the Iranian purposeful mistranslation, Olmert made no bones about his intentions.

I think that Britain and the EU should not be supporting America or Israel in this endeavour one bit, that if Israel or America do attack Iran on bogus or promulgated terms that we in this country lead the world in isolating the US and Israel especialy as America has NO business whatsoever in the Middle East and has acted illegally in that area for decades.

It is time for the politicians to smell the coffee here, the people are not going to tolerate another made up bogus war in the name of oil and dominance and if Brown allows ONE British asset to be used against Iran, he should be impeached and tried for treason.

Ian Watson, Gillingham, Dorset

Job well done, I look up to you! America should take lessons from you.

Rubin soto, Tucson , Az.

It must kill the Syrians not to be able to get one of those ready-made UN General Assembly condemnations out of this.

Ron Coleman, New York, NY

In my opinion from reading coverage on the net, this story is simply a brave attempt at pro-Israeli disinformation in preparation for their attack on Iran.

Dave Sabatene, Toronto, Ontario

get ready for ww111

john dembrowsky, stoughton, mass

This may be just rumors. If it is true, good for Israel. It is long past time for regime changes in Syria, Iran and North Korea. Their people suffer greatly for their failure to effect this. Short of effecting this change, nations that have the wherewithal to control these regimes must step up the the plate and act. But we must keep some secrets about this, too, particularly since more action may be necessary in the future.

Mark C, Norwalk, CA, USA

Whatever the true target of the IAF mission was, assuming there was a mission, the leaders of both Syria and Iran will now not rest easily.
The questions that must now be asked are whether Israel has tired of US and European diplomatic efforts to prevent Iranian nuclear armament, will Israel also attack Iranian nuclear sites, with what results and with what kind of Iranian reprisal.

Jonathan Safren, Kfar-Saba, Israel