Israel had been surveying the site in Syria for months, according to Washington and Israeli sources and again Syrian was unable to stop the infiltration. Arabs are caught sleeping again, wake up and protect your country?

Munna, London, UK

To: Derek, Shanghai:
I can only hope you are right about the French. I fervently believe that the only way force can ever be used without generating a level of nationalism and hatred against one nation would be to have that force come - equally - from numerous nations. This helps to spread the cost in $$ and lives as well as:
Spreading out and, I believe, diluting the hatred caused.
Reinforces the belief that if necessary, nations of the world will come together to do what is necessary when required to do so.
You see, this is much more than just an American, or Israeli, or Iraqi, or Iranian (etc.) thing. It is a human thing. We will find it very difficult to move forward towards any kind of bright future while we are bogged down in petty, treasure/religion induced conflicts. The more frequently we cooperate with each other the more that habit will take hold and SURPRISE the next thing you know some of us may actually do more than just get along.
We may actually like it!!

Azore, Syracuse, NY/USA

It is interesting to note that Syria's very expensive and modern anti-aircraft defense system purchased from Russia was useless in this attack. This must certainly give pause to the powers that rule Iran.

Ronald W. Jahn, Los Angeles, California

It is really amusing to listen to a lot of people trying to play "Monday Morning President". With the line of work that I am in, it is no surprise that the world is not told the whole truth. Most religious types as well as conspiracy folks could not handle it. No I am not making references to "A Few Good Men". Almost everyone one who has made a remark to this article things they really know whats going on in the world. I hate to say this, but you don't you can only speculate., or a better word "assume" which we all know what that stands for. The only people that got any where close to reality are the people who made remarks about responisble countries, that would prefer to not use a nuc, compared to throring their weight around.
This world is in utter chaos and only people who really know the truth are the ones who can fix it. Unfortunately the pencil pushers called Congress are not the ones that can make that decision, and neither are couch sitters.

Steve, Dahlgren, Va

is all news networks have blackout on news from the mideast it seems news meda cnn/fox/cnbc abc cbs all they o in last 6 months tiobod news nothing about mideast

larryl, payson , il

I would point out to Azore that under its new President, Sarkozy, and his Foreign Minister, France is at last beginning to perform its duty to western civilisation in making some of the running in opposing the acquisition of nuclear weapons by Iran. This in particular will help to take some of the heat off the USA and Israel who are always the targets of the obsessive. Let's hope that this will signal the turning point for the long overdue reversal of the denigration of plucky little Israel in this battle for a decent world society.

Derek, Shanghai,

Israel, is bit like a canary in the coal mine, isn't it?

Geoff, Sydney, Australia

To: Mike Ashton, London, UK
How is it that you don't remember 13 thousand missiles being launched into Israel by all those Peace loving neighbors, how is you don't know that Lebanon used to have some of the best University's in the world before those same loving neighbors killed murdered imprisoned and destroyed the church's and holy site's that were not Islamic. Maybe you need to ask your Grandmother what it was like living next to a gas mask and spending nights in a bomb shelter while Neville Chamberlain’s peace rained down on your heads. Maybe you were never schooled in the fact that while Japanese diplomats talked peace in Washington their Navy attacked Pearl Harbor. And yes if you hide your missile's near or in your kids schools or next to hospitals and UN buildings they are at risk too.

Jose, KC, USA

So Washington has learned its lesson from the WMD debacle -- demand hard evidence.

Good.

Ben, Cambridge, MA, USA

To Peter Bashford in Australia and Alan in Canada, both pointing the finger at Europe and the UK. What are your governments doing? Nothing. Well done for sitting on the sidelines bleating about other countries who are actually involved on a political basis. Picking up the gun is easy, making peace is imeasurably more difficult.

Andy Simpson, Edinburgh, UK

The US and the UK can invade Iraq on intelligence alone. Israel has to provide physical evidence. Double standards me thinks but perhpas a future precendent for further decisions to engage in conflict

guy, sydney, Australia

Yes, Damian from Australia, the raid surely took place as reported. Too much movement on the international stage, from Syria's threat of retaliation to China's postponement of N Korea talks to the Israeli opposition getting in on the act for it to be made up stuff to fool the pacifists. All the signs say there's been a serious incident and that Syria and N Korea are on the diplomatic back-foot right now.
You have to understand how covert operations work. If it was the British or Australian SAS, they would be in and out to a remote corner of the Syrian desert in Chinooks using drop tanks and then on by foot to the contact. They would have observed it for weeks and know the layout. They wouldn't try to demolish the buildings with explosives, it would require too much material to be carried, leave that part to the strike-fighters.
The Israelis are even better and would probably have had an insider on the site, etc. Nothing particularly mysterious there, it sounds a classic covert op.

royzie, London, UK

Yes Robin... more naked agression from Israel.

How dare they prevent themselves from being attacked with nuclear weapons!

charliehorse, nonya,

The problem is not that Israel has nuclear weapons and Syria or Iran does not. The problem is that Syria and Iran - nations that support terrorism, and are not democratic - should posses nuclear arms. Under these circumstances - emocracies will be expected to stop them. Furthermore , if any nation has the right to have nuclear weapons for defense - it is Israel, who is constantly and publically threatened with destruction by her neighbors. Those who understand this will not waste their time with trying to make Israel nuclear free untill there is peace in the middle east.

Jason Alster , Zichron Yacov, Israel

If Israel gave up their weapons, there would be no Israel. It has been made clear that Israel's nieghbors do not want to have a nation of Jews in their area. Syria was an aggressor in the past, and if they are indeed trying to get their hands on nuclear weapons, what is to say they won't use them as they did their massive number of tanks back in the 60's and 70's? I think the move by Israel is reassuring that there is at least one nation not scared to stand up for their own protection and take action. The US needs to stop worrying about their own perception and worry about their own safety, and Europe should as well.

Jim, New Orleans, Louisiana USA

As an Israeli I would like to comment to Mr. Mike Ashton from London, who blamed Israel for attacking Lebanon last year.
Just wondering how would your comment be if your country was attacked in your territory , killing 8 soldiers and kidnap another 2.
Lebanon is a sovereign country and must be responsible to its borders.
There is no way we will agree to an excuse that Lebanon is not responsible to the Hizbulla actions.
Also you did not bother to condemn the shutting of thousands of Katyousha rockets toward Israel.
You did not mention our casualties and the facts that most of targets were civil.
We regret for any civilian losses from any side, while the Palestinians blowing up our buses and targeting children in purpose.
With such neighbors can you imagine what could happen to us if we would not have our means to protect our country or in case we would have let our neigbors having nuclear weapons?

Danny Brand, Hod Hasharon, Israel

Peter Bashford, Banora Point, Australia said:

"I second Robert Postuma. Thank goodness the US and Israeli, unlike the UK and members of the Eurpoean Community, do not shrink from making hard decisions."

Correct me If I'm wrong but didnt the UK send the second largest commit of troops, ships and aircraft to Afghanistan AND Iraq, far far more than the Australians....

J Roberts, Manchester, UK

Axis of evil?Yes, London-Washinton!!!

Xose Quiroga, A Coruña, Spain

Thank you, Israel--for being a Giant, even though Islamia outnumbers you 1000 to one! Jess

jess, santa cruz, Calif

To Frank B Temple: You said "...And when Iran is smoking from the raid coming soon, then we can all thank the USA, French, Israel and Brits for standing up against this centurys Hitler and scurge"
I want you to know that I am not attacking you or your opinion. I just would love to see a time before I pass where the USA does not have to be the worlds policeman. Yes, it is likely that we will continue on that path whether the rest of the world likes it or not as we have been wielding our beliefs like a club for over 100 years. However, I am curious about your inclusion of the French. Yes, Tony Blair's political career may have taken a death blow when he vocally sided with us thus permitting LIMITED involvement by the British compared the investment in $$ and lives we have made. But the French - as usual - have done nothing but sit back, watch and then complain. I do not feel (this is only my opinion) that the French should be mentioned in the same sentence as us, the UK...

Azore, Syracuse, NY/USA

I can't believe how Europeans accuse the United States of every misdeed in the world. We'rebig and powerful, but not that good. Were it only true! If you relly want to place blame for the ills of the Middle east and Africa, one only need look to the former Colonial Powers who left in a hurry and a mess, including th arms for th Arabs to attack Israel.

J. F.
Atlanta, GA USA

James D Feely, Alpharetta, GA

How can we know. Didnt US intel gather evidence of chemical weapons in the drug factory in Somalia prior to its bombing? Doesn't this whole story lead to war w Syria and Iran and N Korea and justify the Star Wars program? Too conveniant.

I am inherently suspicious of Bush and the Neocon cabal including its many allies in the Israeli military industrial complex and in the religious right in both countries. There has been too many lies and too much wasted opportunity for peaceful dialogue and compromise. There is too much oil money on the table.

Perhaps a better way forward towards peace is through treating others with justice and dignity. I think Bush's axis of evil speech went a long way to strengthening the extremists in Syria and Iran.

If the USA spent as much on ways to get clean water and on alternative energy as it has on killing and destruction, it would be a whole different story.

Jonathan, Santa Cruz, CA USA

while i don't doubt it was a superbly planned and exercised military strike, that acts as a testament to the training and discipline of special operations units in israel and the rest of the world, i did find it amusing that isreal asked america for permission to carry it out.

and how exactly does a country carry out nuclear terrorism? terrorists, by their very nature, are criminal groups. were any country to use nuclear ordnance it would be closer to a war crime surely? and were any country to deploy nuclear weapons then they (and most of the surrounding nations) would be obliterated by that old 'mutually assured destruction' idea.

and axis of evil? i think its safe to assume that not one of the listed countries acts in a more aggressive way than the 'good guys' in this (the US, Isreal and , to an extent, the UK) all of which have launched unsanctioned invasions in recent years...

james, harpenden,

It's just a matter of time before these arabs get the bomb!! The only answer is peace with the withdrawal of israel according to UN resolution.
But this will not occur until arabs get the bomb . So even if it seems strange, for peace in middle East, arab countries should get the bomb.

Jean, Paris,

israel making the world safe what a big lie that is

darryl, Athens, georgia

If Syria is a "client of Iran", is America a "client" of Israel?

Norman Finkestein, Sheffield, UK

Yet another double standard is enforced, as Israel is well known to have at least 200-400 nuclear weapons, tactical as well as ballistic RV's, and an astonishing capability to hit just about anybody on the planet. Israel's "Shavit" is actually an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile that can hit even the United States. So what happens, Europe, the USA, and the Arab powers bought off by oil purchases ignore an Israeli strike against Syria, a country that hasn't been an influential military power in the region since maybe biblical times. We saw the double standard as well in lebanon, when Israel pounded the nation as other countries stood by and watched its people die and its infrstructure taken apart by bombings.
Europe is not defenseless, neither is Israel, the USA. Its ironic that the most powerful nations on the planet are the most paranoid about insignificant nations like Iran, syria, north korea, iraq, etc...

Steve Savage, Tulsa, OK, USA

The Jewish lobby is campaigning for an attack on her neighbours, Syria and Iran.
A shame that Jews are unable to live in peace with their neighbours.

Norman Finkestein, Sheffield, UK

What does it feel like, to have your head in the sand Damain Lataan?
God gave this land to the Jews and the end to all that try and take it or harm them.
I thank the Israelis for what the so bravely did and who can blame them for wanting to live? When have they sent a suicide bomber?
And when Iran is smoking from the raid coming soon, then we can all thank the USA, French, Israel and Brits for standing up against this centurys Hitler and scurge. The world will watch as the Iranians that want to be free, retake they freedom and country.

Frank B, Temple, USA Texas

And along with all of the rhetoric we have not really touched on the ultimate reason that this region is of interest at all...
...Oil. It is as simple as that. There has and always will be religious disputes within and between nations. There has been and will for the forseeable future (thanks to our illfated exercise in Iraq) continue to be racial hatred and resentment. However, the pernicious reliance on oil and the oil based economies of the world are truly at fault here. If not for oil and the TRILLIONS of dollars it represents, the denizens of these regions would not be in the position to wage regional war with WMD's and thus threaten the survival of the rest of the world by causing it to be drawn in due to political (read: economic...) reasons. I am not naive enough to assume that finding alternatives to oil and other fossil fuels will cure all of the world's ills. But the money and lives spent to secure it is appalling. Is it worth it?

Azore, Syracuse, NY/USA

Mike from the UK.
Israel has had nukes for 50 years and doesn't talk about them let alone tell it's neighbors it will wipe them off the face of the earth. Trust me. Iran will use them. They think their God will shield them from harm. Iran will give nuke material to terrorest to make dirty bombs to kill you in the UK along with all of Europe and the USA. If you don't see the difference between Iran having nukes and Israel who has had they for 50 years and got them from the UK in the early 50's your so dead wrong and will be dead if Iran does get the bomb. Those dirty bombs will be killing your family and friends. Hey, I'm not siding with Israel by no means. I'm also sick of the killings of Palestinians too, but on the bomb issue Iran will be the worlds worst nightmare and you won't have to wonder if World war 3 will be during your life time, you will see it sooner then you think. Israel in the nuke sense is the lesser evil.
I'm sick of Israel too.

Dan Miller, Port Saint Lucie, Florida- USA

Thnak you London Times for printing the news:

I wonder what brand of Kool-aide Peter drinks? I doubt that the American media will even acknowledge this news story.

Alex Slsabo, Aggoura Hills, USA? California

The EU can consider itself lucky that a spin-off from this, is the fact that Israelis are defending them: This is Jews risking their lives AND their country for the very people who either watched or participated in the extermination of a large proportion of their families in gas ovens less than 60 years ago.

Humanity is nothing if not absurd.

Zen, London,

Darren Smith: Right on. Nice use of history there. Neville Chamberlain and his policy is just a recent example of appeasement and what results from it. Another board discussing this issue had a post, "I wonder if this is what it felt like in 1939-40?" To some I bet the comparison is apt. You can blame much of the immediate stress in the region on actions taken (and in the case of some countries, not taken...) by the US and Isreal. However, the blame for millenia of racial hatred can be cast only directly at the players themselves - the various tribes and religions of the region. Religion and treasure are the two major reasons for war. For better or worse we have stuck our nose in and made a bad situation worse. The question now is how to extricate ourselves. Good luck with that as we had no business in there in the first place. But until we all (me as well) decide to push for electric cars and give up our addiction to an oil based lifestyle, this region will smolder...

Azore, Syracuse, NY/USA

A clear line needs to be drawn between this use of military force enforcing non-proliferation of WMD and Iraq - with stark lessons to be drawn for possible action in Iran.

This was limited military action utilising covert ops and unmatched air power aimed at a clearly and narrowly defined military goal. There is no nation-building, long term stay or political goal, which have bogged us down in Iraq. Furthermore, because the intelligence was sound, the logic undeniable and the target military, appropriate military force could be applied without being hamstrung by fear of inflicting casualties and the need to "win hearts and minds."

As with the bombing of Iraq's nuclear programme in 1981, Israel deserves major credit from the US, UK and EU for eliminating another potentially dangerous nuclear weapons programme. Furthermore, Israel has shown the benefit of acting in unvarnished self-interest and self-preservation rather than the messaniac idealism that cost us dearly in Iraq.

H Juneja, London, England

In 1604 King James I of England appointed 54 great scholars to translate into English language the words of wisdom and knowledge from the prophets of old. From the finished work in 1611AD the English speaking world has been advised and warned:
1. " BEHOLD, HE THAT KEEPETH ISRAEL SHALL NEITHER SLUMBER NOR SLEEP" Psalms 121:4
2. "I WILL BLESS THEM THAT BLESS THEE, AND CURSE HIM THAT CURSETH THEE" Gensis 12:3
3. "IT IS A FEARFUL THING TO FALL INTO THE HANDS OF THE LIVING GOD" Hebrews 10:30 & 31
Thank s to the Living God for ; England, King James I and crew for their efforts to ensure we have the knowledge for our survival. THANKS TO EVERYONE AT TIMES ON LINE FOR YOUR WORK!

Gary Wayne Canant, Rockford, USA / TENNESSEE

"and you shall love the Lord our G_d with all your might"

Bravo

Howard, Boston, USA

Once again, it is the State of Israel that has saved the world from complete annihilation.
Think about it, what would happen if the Syrians with the help of Pongyang had completed the assebly of a thermonuclear device?
Does anyone that is sane realize that the hesitancy in part of the very confused middle eastern governments to use such a device for whatever infraction of Islamis minimal?
Israel MAY have thermonuclear devices as the rest of the "free societies" of the world. Yet, do they use them? After being aggressively attacked without provocation at least 4 times in the last 40 years suggests a clear mind of responsibility.
Can anyone tell us with any surity that Syria, North Korea, Iran would be restrained to use thermonuclear devices?
You really trust these people?
As far as the INCREDIBILITY of the success of the mission, you don't need to be a mental giant to understand the superiority of the IDF to plan, orchestrate, and be successful at a military plan.

Ricky Arnold, Burlington, MA

There is a latin term for this article claiming a North Korean and Syrian conspiracy:

nulliun in verba - "on the word of nobody".

It's too bad you all have allowed the media to manipulate you again.

Jim, New York, US

Israel is one more time a light unto the nations. Chamberline-like appeasement does not work with countries of the Axis(of evil) Only pressure on Syria, Iran, North Korea will result in these countries abandoning their nuclear dreams. Russia and China are either going to join the rest of the civilized world in its response to the Axis, or find themselves ostracized.
Darren Smith
Los Angeles, USA

Darren Smith, Los Angeles, Caliornia, USA

Damian, you are not really the sharpest "knife in the kitchen" as they say!

Do you really think that Israel will ever answer those questions just so to satisfy your curiosity and get you to believe if it really happenned or not? Why would they let the world and the Syrians in particular know how they did it?
Those questions are for you to ask and for them [the Israelis] to know. Go back to sleep...PLEASE!

Job very well done!!!

sambo, Los Angeles, USA

as soon as iraq is finished, we need to deal with these other three.

rob, London,

Well done to Israel. As usuall its doing the Dirty work for the West in preventing Dictatorships from achieving nuke capability... as it did in its raid on Saddam's Osirak plant in 1981.

The world should learn and act against Iran. The iranians are just playing a hide and seek game with time acting against us. They have to be brought to realize that Enough is Enough.

Guy, London, UK

I'll keep it simple so my 'mus-hell-lim' "brothers" in the Near East can follow.
The arab/persian problem may just be solved with military action like the Israeli raid earlier this month or by all out effort. Here, in the case of Syria, we are dealing with a long line of abject dictatorships as in Iran, Iraq, North Korea Zimbabwe etc. These wretched nations continue to show a blatant twisted lack of regard for the lives of all people and so deserve no quarter. These nations are run by brutal individuals who answer to no one, are immune from criticism laws or regulations who managed to worm their way into power by murder rape terror and family connections. They never seek re-election never stand before the people or any legislative body. For crazed mutants such as this to have nuclear/chemical weapons is a completely horrid state of affairs and will never be allowed. Appeasement shown to be lame diplomacy will achieve nothing but give the enemies of humanity time to mete out death.

Erik, Alameda, California

Would the world be better off with democratically elected governments in North Korea (take a look at S. Korea), Iran (see Iran before the Mullas) and Syria? The people are the one's desparate for freedom. Any organization that wants to impose their brand of "freedom" is just another in a long line of tyrants who will do anything to stay in power as long as it does not involve them personally. I would bet that absent the current regimes in Syria, Iran and even Iraq the people would be willing to work together for a more peaceful region. That is if Al queda will let them.

James Kennedy, Stockton, Missouri

Mike from London

If I remember correctly Israel was invaded and had soldiers kidnapped. Then the hezbolla cowards hid amongst the population, typical terrorists cowardice.Also the so called area of palestine was created by the romans so in reality they have no claim on that land anyway.

jamie
lk mary USA

jamie, Lk Mary, FL/USA

With the nature of the middle east in mind, i have come to suspect much of everything that everyone says.
This could be the beginings to wage war on Iran & Syria, like a prelude to prepare the masses to war.
Whether or not they actually did find nuclear related stuff, there are still many war afficionados in the US, as seen by their simplistic comments. Syria is no serious danger to israel, & iran can be placed in line through diplomatic pressure by the international community. Another war on that scale will backfire on everyone. If Iraq is considered a failure, which it is, the next one will make the Iraq invasion seem like a looney tunes cartoon.

S Ahmed, Cairo,

To Alan in Montreal: The US is bogged down in Iraq because of lies and incompetence. If the businessmen/politicians in charge had obtained real intelligence instead of fabricated "weapons of mass destruction" evidence, they'd have known about the history of politics,religion and tribalism in Iraq, and so could have planned accordingly, instead of "shock and awe", followed by "what now, guys, apart from give us the contracts". Halliburton and Blackwater may have made some money, but at what cost?

Bill Peter, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Israeli as usual throwing its weight around.
The bully on the block--"don't do as I do, do as I say".
Naked aggression so that Israel can continue holding on to stolen lands.

robin bather, Metepec, Mexico

It is strange to be thankful that someone was brave enough to use decisive action and measured force to prevent nuclear terrorism in Israel or other parts of the free world and save many "innocent victims" (another holocaust) when so many men fail to hold themselves accountable in terms of duty and responsibility and permit their women to kill in abortion so many of our children out of convenience and in violation of God's law and human reason. Where also, in this "free world", relationships are encouraged outside the sanctity of the relationship between God and Mankind where the unions can not procreate. Could we be giving our enemy (whom we must love and respect as enemies) just cause? After WW3, will there be a thousand years of peace because it will take a lot of time to bury all the dead from war, resulting deceases, famine, victimization of the weak, and crime in a lawless world? Will it be a Shi'a or Sunni world? Will the language of Business be Cantonese or Mandarin?

Dutch, San Jose, California

Sir,
Where were these guys during the war against Lebanon?

SC, London, United Kingdom

In response to Anders Karlsson and those that agree with her, The reason Israel needs nuclear weapons and the Islamic countries do not is because the Islamic countries have, in an unprovoked fashion, attacked the State of Israel 4 times in the past 60 years. The only time that Israel has gone on the offensive is one time when the Islamic countries were surrounding that tiny nation with troops, in preparation for another unprovoked attack. Israel has 6 million people compared to the 200 million Islamic people in the countries surrounding them. If I was thrown into a melee with 33 people, brandishing scimitars, bent upon my destruction, I would feel a LOT more comfortable with a few grenades.

Frank Goldberg, Baltimore,

The ONLY reason to aquire nuclear weapons in the middle-east is to protect yourself from those who possess it and use it as a tool for political bullying, colonial, and imperial attitude - Iran has signed the NPT and allowed for inspections, Israel has not signed the NPT and has NOT allowed inspections. Somebody got something to hide? Obviously, its all about political domination and the ability to do whatever it wants against other nations or people. That's why the U.S and Israel are opposing Iran & Syria.

Anders Karlsson, Stockholm, Sweden

I do believe that the whole Middle East must be free of all forms nuclear weapons and even nuclear technology. Why not starting with Israel’s nuclear arsenal and Iranian nuclear program??
I do not believe in any way that the tiny poor country of Syria has any potential to carry any kind of nuclear researches or applications.
The Middle East is and will be, for a considerable amount of time, a key player in international security. It will be the trigger of the official 3rd World War in the years to come. So let’s make it nuclear-free region.

Nizar AlKhatib

Nizar, Montreal, quebec

Probable as it is that Syria possesses North Korean nuclear material, the Syrians cannot be so stupid as to underestimate the capability of Israeli commandos. More likely the Syrians hid the material in a one or several of many widely spaced bunkers, constantly and randomly shifting one or more packets of genuine material along with fake decoy packets.
If we know from reliable sources that the Syrians have such material, the success, failure, or even existence of the claimed raid is not significant for a decision to take preemptive military action.

Baldwin Maull, Windham, New York USA

With Iran announcing a missle today wih a range of 1800 km, I guess able to hit most of Europe if launched from their friend and ally Syria, the Europeans should go down on their knees and thank Israel for at the very least delaying a Syrian nuclear capability.

AK, Washington, DC/USA

I join Alan Foreman with my views. However, it is always better to have a friend as a back up plan in case the operation had failed and Israel was to be attacked from another side, specially when the US forces are near by ..Just 500-600 miles away by air.
Operations such as this one and the rescue from Antebe in Uganda will remind the world about the Israeli capabilities for survival in this region

Danni, Amsterdam, Holland

It is best to move now rather than later. It will be messy but one thing that the Israelis have in their favor is that some Arab states are actually helping with intelligence against Iran and Syria now. They realize that Iran & Syria are indeed determined to endanger the rest of the Arab Gulf countries.
If there is one thing the Sunnis hate as much as Jews it is the arrogant Persian Shias. The minority 'Sunni' religion of the current leader of Syria is really a Shiite in disguise' and is hated by many in the Arab world and Syria.
When the attack comes Israel, the US and Nato ally Turkey must move to decimate Syria. The real question is who is in charge in Syria. It is widely known many in the Syrian military have contempt and distrust of Bashar al-Assad and that a small cadre of hawkish Alawite generals are pushing the country to an alliance with Iran.
We can only hope that the results of the next conflict are as quick and even more decisive than previous ones.

Amad Batshon, San Juan, Puerto Rico

A superb example if Israeli ingenuity and daring. The spirit of Entebbe lives on!

Thank you Israel for destroying these evil weapons, and for potentially saving thousands of Jewish and Arab lives.

Andy Gill, London,

So, OK for Israel to have weapons for 'defence' but not for other sovereign states? That'll be because Israel is so good to her neighbours? Tell that to the Palestinians who have had their land stolen, or the Lebanese killed by the Israeli invasion last year. the daily killing of civilians including children in Gaza, the list is endless. Rogue states, with territorial and military ambitions? Yep, and one brutal nuclear armed state is the cause of all the trouble in the region. They need to be reined in, but while they are the USA's surrogate policeman and Arab basher in the region, that doesn't seem likely. Until then, look forward to more illegal attacks by them on other countries.

Mike Ashton, London, UK

Come on guys, it was a baby milk factory. Or a food storage facility. North Korea has food coming out of their ears, they needed some where to store it.

Alan, Foreman, Ark. USA

Israel, as a sovereign, independent nation should not wait for 'approval' from the U.S or anyone to protect itself. The Israeli government has a moral obligation to protect it's citizens against enemy threats and this pre-emptive strike was valid under those terms.
Well done Israel, here's to further successes in the near future.

Owen, Martinez, California

Israel protecting the region yet again, while everyone else is tyed up in red tape. Should they have waited to be attacked?
Lets hope all the bleeding hearts learn something...

mz, fort lauderdale, florida USA

the world should be thanking Israel today, but we know all it will do is condemn her. So be it.

James, London, UK

We may never know, but I would hope that the British government is as vigilant as Israel on the Syrian, Iranian, and North Korean alliance, and using the SAS and SBS to as great effect as Israel's use of Sayeret Matkal. Shall we say, he Who Dares Not, loses?

David Siegel, Karmiel, Israel

Way to go Israel!
Hopefully they will continue to stop Syria from getting their hands on nuclear bombs, and Iran in the near future.

Guy, Tel-Aviv, Israel

Kudos to the Israelis! They have skillfully uncovered the great lie of North Korea. Kim Jong-il never has been, nor should he ever be trusted on his word.

This raid shows the progress being made toward nuclear terrorism by Syria, North Korea, and Iran under the cover of deceit.

We had better finish up in Iraq very quickly, as we will be needing to stand with Israel in the ultimate show down, in the not to distant future.

m.J., Iowa, U.S.A.

Way to go!

I admire your currage!

Since America is bogged down in Iraq it is good to see that finally someone else has picked up the torch and is taking initiative against rogue states!

I guess, it would be too much to expect the same from the Europeans.

Alan, Montreal, Canada

Damian Lataan, Your post is so "silly", to say the least, that deserves no response...

Argie, Auckland, New Zealand

Although I strongly prefer diplomatic solutions, I have no illusions regarding irrational fanatic dictators getting their hands on nuclear weapon. Are we really willing to live under a constant threat of total destruction? Maybe they'll start with Israel, but the entire free world will be in danger. Diplomatic efforts should be continued, but allowing nuclear weapon is not an option. Well done Israel.

Paul Ferrell, Baltimore, Maryland

dont mess with israel...they've proven their ingenuity and willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

raph, los angeles, calif

A brilliant Entebbe style operation with the blessing of the civilised world. Well done ISRAEL

YESHURUN, London, England

In case anyone was wondering about how irresponsible it would be for the Israelis to bomb a facility containing nuclear material with the resultant likely to be the potential contamination of vast areas of the Middle East including possibly even Israel, a new story has been ‘leaked’ that Israeli special ground forces snuck in to the facility before the air raid and run off the nuclear material just prior to the facility being bombed.

We are expected to believe this garbage? Do they honestly believe that people don’t consider the logistics involved in pulling off a stunt like that.

How did these ‘special forces get into Syria (and right over on the other side of Syria)? How did they get into the facility? How did they get out of the facility? How did they get out of Syria? How did they remove the nuclear material? In what? How did they know what special containers were needed to transport the nuclear material? And last but not least, why didn’t these ’special ground forces’ set explosives to blow the facility up while they were there? And, of course, the big question that no one seems to have asked yet: Where is the nuclear material that was taken by the Israelis now?

Israel has gone overboard in trying to expose to the world the nuclear facilities that Iran has yet we’ve heard absolutely nothing from Israel about Syria’s so-called nuclear facilities.

Does anyone really believe this stuff?

Damian Lataan, Verdun , Australia

I second Robert Postuma. Thank goodness the US and Israeli, unlike the UK and members of the Eurpoean Community, do not shrink from making hard decisions.

Peter Bashford, Banora Point, Australia

job well done indeed, sadly there's a lot left to be made :)

eldad, berlin, germany

Good for Isreal.

Job well done!

Robert Postuma, Montreal, Canada

The nuclear axis of evil must include Iran, Syria, North Korea, and Hugo Chavez psychological warfare puppets, Cindy Sheehan, A.N.S.W.E.R. along with Code Pinkos.

Arturo Jabra'il Sancho, Medicine Bow, USA / Wyoming