So much ignorance in this world! How about Israeli illegal nukes and human rights violations? When is someone doing something about that? I feel Israel is a greater treat than Iran ever could be.
* The only "Hitler" government is Israel and the USA, who try to impose their will unto other nations. Let Iran have their nuclear power.
* The reason the war is going on is to establish Israel in control of the entire middle east oil supply and the only super power there.
* Just look at the Washington lobyists advocating for the war: all of them industro-military complex and pro-Israel!
* Considering the anti-missile system (a method to subjugate today's free Russia) the USA wants to establish around Russian territory, I would assume that Russia could be a target of USA/Israeli terrorism and perhaps war against them. Look for Russia to be blamed and demonized next.
* This is a war for world domination and control of it's resources, and the only opposition is the "real" free world.

Hugh , New York, NY

This is more neo-con projection. They said bin Laden is Hitler, Saddam was Hitler, Arafat was Hitler, now Ahmadinijad is Hitler.

The projection comes in when they want to exterminate ALL Muslims and Arabs/Persians - Check out the book co-written by Frum (Canadian who wrote Bush's "Axis of Evil" speech) and Perle. So, by shrieking about another impending Holocaust, THEY get to perpetrate genocide!

Bebe Netanyahu has been propagandizing the American public for over a year to eliminate Iran. Like Sharon before him, he is trying to cause a threat to Israel that will get him elected - just as Bush did to get himself re-elected (they still had to steal it for him, but this got him close enough).

I predict that Bush will start a war with Iran either next Summer - in the run-up to the '08 election, while propagandizing that only a Republican can win this war; OR, after the election, if a Democrat is elected - then , starting on Jan 21st of 2009, they'll chant "why haven't you WON yet!"

Steve Kaplan, Whitemarsh, PA, USA

Angry, senile men with bombs.. obsolete people like Podhoretz who never have come off the Cold War trip. Do we want to let old, mean codgers threaten our future on this planet? The man couldn't care less -- he'll be long dead when the younger generations will still have to deal with the decisions he influenced. Lock him up in some old peoples' home and let fresh young blood into American politics.

Matt, Wuerzburg, Germany

Let the Iranians have their nukes so long as they can only use them against Europe. The appeasers there deserve what they get.

Steve Reeves, Fredericksburg, TX

Normy's only concern is what is good for jews and israel. He cares nothing about the USA and us "goys". How much longer are we going to allow him, and the others like him, to keep pulling us to the brink of destruction?

Stan, Delton, USA

It's the 1930s and Ahmedinejad is Hitler. Hitler could have been stopped in the 1930s but in the end millions had to die in order to eradicate Nazism. Because of Western weakness at Yalta and Potsdam, millions had to spend 40 years under the yoke of totalitarian Communism. What is it with this post-colonial mindset of endless dithering? Just think what would have happened if Israel hadn't destroyed the Iraqi nuclear reactor in 1981 (for which it received Western condemnation!), just as it ended the Syrian-North Korean nuclear efforts a fortnight ago (for which everyone congratulated it, which at least shows that the world is finally gaining some sense). Will everyone please wake up before it is too late? A nuclear, fundamentalist-Islamofascist Iran/Hizbollah is a horrible threat to mankind! 9/11 is simply nothing compared to what could happen, in London, New York or elsewhere, if they are not stopped. Stop dithering!

Shirley Alolev, Winchester, UK

Our planet has lasted how long with one side of the fight (israeli's and americans), having nukes and the other side ,iran et al, not? How long will it last with both sides having nukes?

Dan Bresler, Cape Town, South Africa

Podhoretz is the voice of the doom of the West. Who can see the full consequences of such policies as he constantly pushes, including a massive and sustained bombardment of Iran for WMD they do not have? Would it not prove the validity of the Clash of Civilizations theory from which there is no victory, only bankruptcy and final collapse in some new Stalingrad deep in, say, Pakistan or Iran? Would a giant spike in oil prices worldwide initiate a global depression because our economies can not function at $200 per barrel petroleum? Would it include deep instability in Saudi Arabia, in whose oil producing regions resides a majority Shiia population? Fill in the blanks all you Casandras, you do not even need to be a so called expert.

All Israel needs do to gain strategic security would be to make a SC 242 peace with the Palestinians, but that is totally unacceptable to Podhoretz and legions of zionist lobbies that have a hammerlock on US policies. Britain, please wake up and stop this.

tarquinis, Seattle, USA

Norman Podhoretz, an intellectual guru of the neoconservative movement is urging Bush to take action against the Iranian nuclear facilities and he explained why he thought there was no alternative,” You have the awesome responsibility to prevent another holocaust, does he means what is going on in Iraq. If it is true then why he is demanding to bomb Iran, another holocaust, is there no law in AMERICA for people likes of Norman Podhoretz advocating war and killing of innocent civilian. I thought inciting violence is a crime?

Munna, London, UK

It is obvious to most that the Mahdi complex has stuck again this time in Iran. While I am vehemently opposed to the frittering away of our forces in an Iraqi war of attrition with no viable goal, the President of Iran is quite a different story.

He is the most vocal proponent of Islam regarding the complete and total eradication of the nation of Israel and the total destruction and enslavement of Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa, India and Australia. His comments are easily available on the internet so I will not reduplicate them here. My point is that the sole objective of Islam is world conquest. Nothing less will appease them.

Sir Winston Churchill wrote: "Civilisation is confronted with militant Mahommedanism. The forces of progress clash with those of reaction. The religion of blood and war is face to face with that of peace. Luckily the religion of peace is usually better armed." (Quoted from Frontline Fellowship, Churchill on Islam.)

Walter S. Gee, Copperhill, USA/Tennessee

Perhaps God surrounded Israel with oil to test its character. Israel seems to be failing the test dismally. Maybe rather than bombing its neighbours, Israel should start reciting the Lord's Prayer, Lord save us from Temptation and deliver us from Evil.

H. Grattan, Johannesburg, South Africa

Surprise surprise. These people have caused more damage to the world's security than Bin laden and his cronies put together; all under the guise of freedom, how shameful.

Farrukh, Woking, UK

Is he one of the neocons Bush listened to prior to invading Iraq? That should be evidence enough to ignore him. The task of convincing Iran to give up nukes was handed to the "EU Three", the UK, France, and Germany. They were going to show us the wisdom and effectiveness of the European soft power. The US can't be the World Cop anymore. The EU Three had this task for 3-5 years. Let them deal with it, if anyone cares. The middle east is your back yard, not ours. I don't see why the US should care if Iran has nuclear weapons.

Chris, Manhattan, USA

I'm not sure which is more alarming, that fact that despite the mess in Afghanistan and Iraq Bush is still listening to these neocon morons, or the fact that he obviously seems to have questionable judgement when it comes to trying to deal with the worlds problems.

I agree with Jimmy Carter, he is America's worst president ever.

Akram, London,

Apparently, Germany's nuclear ambition at the end of WWII was describedas a joke. Could Iran advance any further? Does anyone wnat to take the chance?

Duncan, Grna dRapids, MI , USA

Is it the job of an American president to serve Americans or the Jewish lobby? Let Israel fight its own wars.

Terry Candy, Croydon, England

itis ascary thought that these necons whom most people regard as dangerous lunatics have bush's ear

why should the iranians not have nuclear weapons when many other countries including israel have them?

peter codner, devizes, england

Bill from Atlanta typifies why Americans get such a bad reception abroad these days: what an ignoramus, probably a victim of too much talk radio. All countries matter. All people matter. If the US gives up on such beliefs under (God forbid) President Giuliani, it will become even more isolated.

Geoffrey, Gander, Canada

Bush is worried about his legacy.

Hahaha.

Bwahahahahahaha.

Tony from NZ, Auckland, New Zealand

The good news is that Ireland doesn't matter at all, period. The bad news for Ireland and the world is if the USA stays on the sidelines, withdraws from the middle-east and other theaters, and leaves you to your own devices -- my suggestion because you're not worth a moment's effort.
Enjoy your simple-minded, miserable little existences -- alone!

Bill, Atlanta, GA

Like it or not America has become the policeman of the world. While Bush and friends may not be my favourite people they are infinitely preferable to Iran´s present rulers. We should never forget where appeasement took us once before. America must remove any possibility of Iran becoming nuclear capable., sooner rather than later.

Michael S. Castleton-Bridger, Montevideo, uruguay

The Pro-Israel crowd should all move there and leave America in peace. Their rhetoric makes most of us want to puke at their hate mongering.

C.A. Johnson, Washington, D.C.

Is the US being ruled by sick people like these? I hate GWB more then Ahmedinijad and Hey Bush Loving Americans you are not Welcome in my Country.

Kevin O'Brien, Dublin, Ireland

Tell these new crazies : think a little what happens AFTER US bombs Iran? What would be Iran"s response? In what forms? Could the situtationd then be contained? These crazies thought US defeated Sadam Army in 3 weeks. But later it seems they only chose to not to fight at that time, at those places and with those conditions,

Reza, Tehran,

As a fellow American, the posts written here by Americans is very sad. We really are a dumb nation aren't we? I may not have all the answers, heck, I do not have any of the answers, but I can recognize a lie when I see one, and reading these posts by my fellow Americans does not leave me any hope for the future of our nation. Is it time to be learning mandarin yet?

mike, Detroit, Michigan

I'm an American citizen and I am still trying to figure out what neoconservativism is, maybe you can define it for me. It would seem to me from the actions of the Bush administration that all they really want to conserve is their own pleasure and apply it liberally, while "conserving" everybody elses pain. That seems to me to indicate liberal sadism and libertianism. Britian is already a somwhat Orwellian society so it really does no good to throw around double-speak words such as conservatism and liberalism.

Peter, Orlando,

This an article about a neo-conservative giving Presideent Bush his opinon. So why is this news? He is a private citizen and yes he does have the connections but that doesn't say that he convinced President Bush.

It would be nice if we let Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China handle it with the stipulation that if Iran developes a nuclear bomb and uses it on Isreal then we will use a couple on them. Other than that we should just sit back and watch.

Tom MacKay, Leeper, U. S. of A.

Any thinking person knows that Iran doesn't want Nuclear technology for energy regardless of the line the Iranian propaganda machine tries to feed the world. Their openly stated threats to their neighbors have to be taken seriously. If our statesmen can avoid warfare and accomplish closing down Iran's nuclear program then all the world should rejoice. But a nuclear club in the hand of the Iranian regime cannot be allowed. If we hide our heads in the sand and ignore this then we follow in the footsteps of Chamberlain. Does Britain remember this? If Britain wants to lose another entire generation to war then let Iran have it Nuclear weapons. Only this time the bombed out cities won't be re-habitable.

Brent Suddreth, Roxboro, North Carolina

After reading this article and the comments, I suspect the Kool-Aid is kicking in. Take a deep breath world, don't let the hate mongers push us towards another insane war. Iran has been a peaceful country for nearly two centuries- something that cannot be said by those advocating a widening of the Iraq occupation/war. Shout down these whores for war.

7man, Berkeley, CA., USA

The US should act on Iran in concert with like minded nations such as France, Australia and the U.K. We must act now.
If it were 1939 and you had a chance to take down the Nazi's and their capacity to wage genocide, would you do it, knowing what you know now? Of course you would. This is no different. Same evil, just a slightly different guise.

Matt, Sydney, Australia

Norman Podhoretz is an evil man, a direct descendent of the evil Pharisees who rejected Christ and gave themselves to Satan! Podhoretz had no business spreading his lies and propoganda to influence Bush's foreign policy.

Ted, Tampa, Florida

I would like to know how articles, facts, and events make it into the news. Propaganda such as this above article is purposely leaked into the public. The questioni is...why was this one leaked? To tell Iran to back off, and yes America can destroy Iran in less than a few hours. People seem to forget that the US has more than 2.5 times as much fire power as the rest of the world put together (not including nuclear). Do not kid yourself about the potential of the US military...it doesn't take ground troops. Iraq is not a war. Finally, if I were the president of Iran, I would begin to take this potential threat seriously. It makes little difference if you agree with the decision or not because neither you or I make that decision.

Kurtis Bender, Delano, MN

I so tire of Americans always being the big bad boys on the block. I am happy to see others do so try to absorb our culture by attempting to show off our brand of "arrogance" by assuming the answer to everything is as simple as telling America to stay out, problem solved. I am sure that we are the only ones that should not have any expectations when we give or do for others. I am sure that Afghanastan appriciated our help in fighting off the Russians. I mean look at what the Taliban did for thier country after we left. They used what land they have to feed thier people right? Oh no, that's right they grow opium instead. What about Somalia? Wow, they are really booming in today's global economy. Glad we tried to feed them. Can't even begin to understand how Isreal is treated so wonderfully, I mean really they begged to be in the situation they are. Notice how lovely Cuba is? I do wonder if the few tourists that get permits to travel from the US equates to what Russia gives?

Melissa, Charleston, WV USA

amazing? whilst speaking from one side of its collective about the higher collectivism of 'little man admadhinejad', the msm allows this alternative rage from (whats-its-name....times online?) to mumble from the other side, nonsensically, of course, about the unmitigated 'harumphs' of a warrior whose time has passed.

podhoretz is warmed over colonialism. his reality is scanty in terms of modern madness; very similar to the msm.

war? no! destruction of assets capable of churning out fissionable material? you bet. and soon.......very, very soon.

charles, marietta,

Who started it Colt asks. That's a very good question. Lets answer it. In 1953 the CIA executed the ultimate interference in Iranian affairs by engineering a regime change and restoring to power the brutal and hated shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

Or Operation Ajax, in which the CIA’s Kermit Roosevelt Jr., grandson of Theodore Roosevelt, and Norman Schwarzkopf Sr., father of the 1991 Gulf War general, conspired in 1953, along with British intelligence, to overthrow the democratically elected, though socialist, government of Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh and restore the despotic shah to his Peacock Throne. In the turmoil produced by a western sponsored boycott of Iran after nationalization of the oil industry, the shah had left Tehran for a long “vacation” on the Caspian Sea and then in Baghdad. But he did not leave until he knew that a U.S. operation was under way to save him.

Thats just the tip of the icberg, theres much more. But use this as a starting point.

Shan, Danbury, CT

Who attacked who first? I cant remember a time when we as Americans took any Iranian hostages, can you. How quickly some Americans forget. Try to recall September of 2001. Now try real hard to recall hearing anyone say "Well, we are actually to blame for being attacked because we support Israel or Well you know how those darn Republicans always over react and want to start a fight ove nothing." It didnt happen. We as a Nation stood up and said we, yes WE were in the fight for as long as it took. How quick the weak forget. And have you noticed who is always complaining the most: people who refuse to serve thier country. I dont care anymore, al I can remember is the number of fellow Americans slaughtered by the same people the weak now want to protect. How said for the weak to have to exist in such a life with no honor.

Colt, Charleston, SC

Gentlemen, the human family is one blood, one people for all who lay down their hate and fear at the foot of the cross. Acknowledge, my brothers, the sin in your hearts and accept Yeshua (jesus) as your Savior. Together, united by the sacred bonds of truth and love we will combat the true enemy of our souls rather than one another.

steven bath, colorado springs, USA/colorado

Bush's decision will be made after he consults 'God'. That's the type of character he is. The fact is that he hasn't got the guts to attack Iran. He knows that an attack will embolden Iran, close any diplomatic channels and end any hope of democracy in Iraq. The Israelis are pushing for it, as are the neocons - but Bush has toppled Saddam and that's as far as he wanted to go.

Alfonso Parelli, London, UK

It is too easy to influence this US President. All you need to do is say "You are the only one tough enough" and hey presto.

This must be where neo-CON comes from!

I wonder who is telling Podhoretz to tell Bush this?

Maybe the Israeli- CON?

Jeff Larsen, Christchurch, NZ

If the US mombs Iran, the world will be in grave danger. I imagine that China are just waiting for it to happen so they can take over as the world dominant power (or perhaps Russia). If the US and its so called friends can't even handle a few nutters in Iraq, jus imagine what the shape of the world will be in when Iran gets involved. The US will be tied on on all fronts for the next few decades, allowing the other nations to take over. A very dangerous scenario.

david squires, valencia, spain

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

"Iran has a history of violating international norms". Shouldn't be the same thing said to Israel that repeatedly violating UN because they have US's backing, the one only so called superpower? Israel has killed so many innocent people in palestine and lebanon with their war machine and no one in the west care to stop them.

Back to Iran, I believe Ahmadinejad is sick man but he's no more sick than GWB. I believe he just good at making up empty rethoric. And if that rhetoric being considered threat and should be rewarded with bomb and murders by USA, then how immoral it is your concept of democracy and freedom? words is just words but violent actions that actually kill people.
And if it's true that US invasion of Iraq that causes thousands dead, just to provide platform for attacking Iran gives us insight what kind of moral standard you have. Killing thousands people to provide base platform to start another war...

jamal, Surabaya, Indonesia

Lets grant preemptive attack. But think. If all the people of this world will follow your action in all the roads, buildings, countries, in the world. Think. Why bad feelings to someone become a licence to destroy anyone?

Alexander Newman, Liverpool, UK

stop mis quoting the Iranian president!!!!

he said the ZIONIST REGIME needs to be removed from Israel!

get your facts right and don't fall for the propaganda!

able, melbourne, australia

Of course Iran wouldn't use the bomb themselves. But they would give it to terrorist groups who would gladly use it in Israel, the UK or the US.

This has become a struggle against radical Islam, and it will last for many years whether we like it or not or whether we get out of the Middle East or not. The only thing that will end this war is for all of us (or the majority of us) to convert to Islam. For me, that is unacceptable, and therefore the fight will go on.

Arnold, Willmar, USA/MN

The neocons do not have Americas best intrest at heart - proof, just think of the incredebly unpopular North American Union plans. Their main goal is to destroy their own country, the USA, and they will give it the last blow it needs to crumble - another disatrous attack on a sovereign country - the strongest one so far.

striver, greenland,

Everybody... just calm down. Nobody has got to blow anybody up. This is totally insane. Impeach! Impeach!

Jack Long, Bloomington, IL

The facilities don't have to be destroyed at all. Access to them can be continuously disrupted and destroyed so as to render them useless.

Mike, Christiansted,

Of course Iran's plan to sell oil in euros is a non-issue. Saddam started to sell Iraqi oil in euros in November 2000. Join the dots, people.

Andrew Milner, Yokohama, Japan

A very dangerous man

Jerome Stoll, Newport Beach, , California, USA

The language being used by proponents of the war (neocons and zionists) reinforces the view that this is a crusade against Islam. It was refreshing to read General Abizaid's interview last week where he held the view that even if Iran had the bomb at some time in the future it would dare not use it as it would know that the response would wipe Iran off the map.

The whole issue is geopolitical otherwise the numerous calls by the Arab League for a nuclear free Middle East would not go unanswered.

Nazemi, London , UK

Iran has a history of violating international norms (taking our embassy people hostage). As much as I despise this president, I do believe that he will take action against Iran. Iraq would make a very good launching platform for military action. Some think this may have been the reason for the Iraq war.

People talk about how the Iranian people actually like our western culture. If this is really true, then they had better take action soon to reign in their Mullah's, for I believe it is about to be done for them....at a hefty price to their country.

You cannot say to a nation like Israel, who have suffered the horror's of the holocaust, that it should be wiped of the map and expect no action taken against you. It will not be allowed to happen again!

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

Quote:

Admiral William Fallon, US commander in the Middle East, said last week that the “constant drumbeat of war is not helpful”. But he added that the pressure on Iran would continue: “We have a very, very robust capability in the region, especially in comparison to Iran. That is one of the things people might like to keep in mind.”

End quote...

Surely this means in comparison to Iraq?

Steve, West Linton, Scotland

if this is true it will be a disaster any attack against iran will lead to total chaos and america will be the first to be harmed because iran has many regional cards to play biginning with the shiaa in iraq passing by hizboallah and ending with hamas . terrorism will widespread in all over the world.

mohamed, oujda, morocco

Some people say the Neacons don’t know fact from fiction because they are the ones who ordered bush to invade Iraq claiming it had nuclear weapons.
And now they want war with Iran, and they are using the same excuses.
The truth is these people do know fact from fiction. It is just that their loyalties lie with Israel not America and certainly not the truth.

A Goldberg, Jaffa, Israel

Bombing Iran will result in another Hattin, the battle in which Saladin destroyed the crusader forces in 1187 (ironically on July 4, US independence day). The Iranian army will certainly retailiate to such an attack, invade Iraq, bottle up the US forces and annihilate them. The most likely timing for this scenario is after the world learns of the true magnitude of the US economic problems and worldwide depression follows. The US will have no choice but to abandon its costly army, leaving the troops easy prey to the Islamist army.

James Shelley, Utopia, California, USA

When the President of Iran continues to make threats of blowing people off the map, then I say "yes" strike him first or change our policy of sending assasins in to take care of troublesome little dictators like him.This world is too small for people to act like him and they should not be aloud to spread their hate messages.

Jason Winget, Ada, Ohio

There is no such thing as " a lasting Peace", there is only a succession of wars because there is always a succession of tyrants and demagogues. It is naive for western democracies to give decisions regarding their national security into the hands of russia and china which is the defacto result of giving these issues to the UN.

Bernard Ross, St. Anns Bay, Jamaica

American cannot win a war with Iran. Iran has the most powerful weapon - oil. Iran would block oil flows. Secondly, US soldiers in Iraq would be sitting ducks.

Mohammed, London, UK

War with Iran is something the U.S. cannot afford, either economically or in the court of world opinion, where we're already seen as bullies. Readers should check out Pat Buchanan's recent editorial, "Infantile Nation" before concluding that we should enter into another protracted war. It is naïve to believe that we will simply go in, bomb, and leave, and that will be that. We will enrage a nation that will still be able to cause us pain, and do not be deceived--they will.

JohnRO, Bethesda, MD/USA

Israelis dropping nuclear bombs to get rid of a perceived threat to them from nuclear weapons. I have an idea why doesn't Israel get rid of its nuclear weapons as an incentive for the rest of the region to prevent prolifiration? One answer a strong Iran might not sell it's oil to the USA for the prices the USA wants, possibley why the Americans need to use the Jewish state to bomb Iran. We couldn't have a powerful Oil rich regional power could we? It just would not do for the USA. After all the US bombed Reza Shah into power and look what happened Iranians rejected him and the same thing seems to be happening in Iraq. Never mind the USA is ok though isolated from the rest of world. So it should be fine as it wont effect them directly.

Zab, London, UK

Crying wolf AGAIN! Bush wants to show off and preen in front of his mortal and celestial fathers, that's all there is to it. For THAT he puts other people "in harm's way", and they get killed for real, and STILL Bush flatters himself he's fulfilling a wonderful mission. Kernberg the psychoanalyst calls this "malignant narcissism" and "joyful cruelty". It isn't anybody's place to seduce others into mortal sin and play innocent when it "doesn't work" afterwards, but makes shedloads of money for all sorts of Americans and assorted mercenaries. The White House can't wait to wreck ANOTHER 6000-year-old civilisation, out of vanity and for material gain. Mr Podhoretz has done work on the prophets - let him think of Nathan who berated David over Batsheva, and Elijah who sorted out Ahab: It was vanity and greed which were the mortal sins then, and they are now. Also see "Learning about the Iraq war from Hannah Arendt - Action-as propaganda", (David Keen, CounterPunch 24.09.07).

Julia Iskandar, London, Great Britain

One would expect such irresponsible advice from a quarter whose main aim is to see to it that the state of israel does as it wishes and attacking its neighbours with no fear of retaliation.

Arr, umea, sweden

America should get rid of all its Nuclear Weaponry. Its the country I dont trust. They have used Nuclear Weapons before and it was on a country that didnt have them. Tony in Tokyo

Tony, Tokyo, Japan

How dare you call an honest man a mafia boss?

Silke Marx, Oldenburg,

Give peaceful Iranian people freedom of speech and movement . They will get rid of any nuclear threats without any foreign involvement .

Andrew , Paris . , France .

Isn't there some way of ensuring the Iranians can have nuclear technology without the weaponary? The Iranian government has claimed that this is its intention; surely that can be a starting point for the west.

Andrew Farazi, Tehran, Iran

For such a powerful and influencial group in US politic's, led by largely unknown, unelected, intellectual 'heavyweights' could someone somewhere please advise me of any initiative that the Neo - Cons have sponsored anywhere in the world that has resulted in a lasting peace? My real question is why do the Neo-Cons have any influence anyway? other than to give this discredited Bush/Cheney administration a fig leaf of credability!

Kevin Sullivan, London, UK

Bombing seems to be very difficult from a military point of view. Futile bombing would really be a catastrophe. So, listen to the generals rather than the neocons.

Medel Svenson, Oslo, Norway