Rice: U.S. Will Defend Israel From Iran

Iran Answers Secretary Of State's Warning With Another Missile Launch

(CBS/AP)  Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warned Iran on Thursday that the United States will not back down in the face of threats against Israel.

Iran answered with another missile launch.

Iranian state television portrayed the missiles, fired Wednesday and again overnight, as a demonstration of the country's ability to defend itself against an attack by Israel or the United States. The weapons included missiles launched from naval ships in the Persian Gulf, along with torpedoes and surface-to-surface missiles, the broadcast said.

The Iranians said they launched nine missiles but U.S. intelligence counted seven, reports CBS News national security correspondent David Martin Then several hours later another missile was fired - the one that apparently failed to launch on the first try. One of those missiles was said to be capable of hitting Israel. U.S. intelligence says the missile flew about 600 miles, well short of what it would take to reach Israel.

"These Iranian tests seldom show their great military prowess and often if analyzed very closely suggest that their programs are still very much in an evolutionary state and in fact that their capabilities are not exactly as advertised," Iran expert Suzanne Maloney told Martin.

The same may be true of Iran's nuclear program. The Iranians like to show off the centrifuges they've built to enrich uranium. But U.S. intelligence says Iran's uranium enrichment has been beset with technical difficulties, adds Martin.

Just hours earlier on Thursday, Rice had closed her three-day European trip with a stern response to Iran: "We are sending a message to Iran that we will defend American interests and the interests of our allies."

Rice noted U.S. efforts to increase its own security presence in the Persian Gulf and the defense capabilities of U.S. allies there.

"We take very, very strongly our obligations to help our allies defend themselves and no one should be confused about that," she said.

Rice tied the first round of Iranian missile tests to U.S. plans for a future missile shield, which would theoretically protect Eastern Europe from missiles launched from Iran.

The system would place radar interceptors in the Czech Republic, a former Soviet satellite, and missiles in Poland. That has drawn protests from Russia, which says that's uncomfortably close.

Such a missile defense system "will make it more difficult for Iran to threaten and be bellicose and say terrible things, because their missiles won't work," Rice said.

Meanwhile, the New York Times reported that after Iran's initial missile test, a digitally-altered image of four missiles heading skyward in unison appeared on the front pages of several major newspapers and news Web sites. Thursday, The Associated Press distributed a nearly identical photo (at left) from the same source, but without the fourth missile.

Rice's trip to Eastern Europe highlighted the troubled U.S. relationship with Russia. Rice's visit began with a celebration of U.S plans to base anti-missile defenses in countries once under the Soviet hand, and a warning from Russia that it may respond with unspecified military action. It ended with a public display of close U.S. ties to Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili, a Russian nemesis.

Georgia's relations with Russia have deteriorated since Saakashvili came to power in 2004. Saakashvili is pushing for Georgia's integration into the West and its NATO military alliance; Moscow sees Georgia as part of its sphere of influence.

Appearing at a news conference with Rice, Saakashvili thanked the U.S. for its support of Georgia's territorial integrity and criticized Russia for conducting what he called a "post-Cold War land grab." He joked about an incident earlier this week in which Russian planes allegedly flew near the Georgian capital.

"It looks like some people have not noticed that the Cold War is over," he said.

Rice said Russia had a responsibility to restore stability in Georgia and that Russia should "behave in that way - resolving and solving the problem and not contributing to it."

Earlier, Rice met with Georgian opposition politicians and social activists, telling them the United States supports Georgia's struggles for democracy and pluralism following flawed elections won earlier this year by Saakashvili, the U.S.-backed president.

Rice had all but dared Moscow to critique her visit to this former Soviet republic locked in a shoving match with Russia that has seen Russia close its border with Georgia and impose trade and other restrictions.

Georgia has long accused Russia of aiming to annex Abkhazia and another separatist Georgian region, South Ossetia. Both have been outside the Georgian government's control since the end of separatist wars in the mid-1990s.

Russia does not formally recognize either region's separatist government, but it maintains close contacts with them and has granted passports to most of the regions' residents. Russia has peacekeeping forces in both regions; Georgia accuses the Russian forces of supporting the separatists.

Moscow recently sent in additional forces, a move Saakashvili denounced as aggression.

"It is very important that all parties reject violence as an option. There must be a peaceful resolution and that's what we'll work for," Rice said, speaking with Saakashvili.

Georgia has said it suspects Russia of using peacekeeping troops as a cover to bring artillery and other heavy weapons into Abkhazia. U.S. officials say Georgia is not blameless, but that Russia has helped make the situation truly dangerous.

[lbbdoll1]

I just don''t think that we should underestimate such agressive people. It seems as though the agression is everywhere. Who is right here???

[tbweb]

Posted by factsearcher at 11:47 AM : Jul 12, 2008,,,

You keep trying to divert attention to other topics and other issues! The topic of discussion is about the close relationship between the United States and Israel and how the U.S. upholds its end with 100% loyalty and Israel does not. It is possible to confine the discussion and your answers to this topic alone?

[factsearcher]

The Israeli forces attacked without warning and without attempting to contact us. Thirty four Americans were killed in the attack and another 174 were wounded. The ship, a $40 Million Dollar state of the art signals intelligence platform, was later declared unsalvageable and sold for scrap.

Posted by tbweb

If you are going to look at casualties on one side of the coin, please open up and look at the other side too.... and explain to me the recent killings by american troops in two different countries and they also said it was "an accident"-in Pakistan and Afghanistan- where we are supposed to be defending.
REad the book censored 2008 and you will find many many more issues, corruption, casualties by the americans which go under the media radar.

[wolf563]

With all militaries giving a show of strength ,the only thing acheaved was more waste of time and energy and more litter . With the displays of strength come unfortunate accidents and it will only take one misdirected missile at the U.S. or Israel or Turkey to escalate . IRAN GETS LAUGHED AT AGAIN AND AGAIN THEY LOOK LIKE FOOLS ALL OVER THE WORLD .Well done Iran !!! BUFFOONS - MORRONS - IDIOTS .

[tbweb]

Tweb tweb tweb
You are merely speculating at something because you dont like it...not because its a fact.
I dont disagree with you when it comes to trusting a friend.... but then again... I can make you a list of many more things that has transpired in US against Israel too....
Nations are corrupt in many ways... we are no exception in the US.

Posted by factsearcher at 01:12 AM : Jul 12, 2008,,,

I am not merely speculating! Israel seems to enjoy freedom, benefits and privileges with the United States that are beyond reason, even U.S. States are not that fortunate! For example, the unresolved Israeli attack on the USS Liberty is the perfect example, even that was somehow swept under the rug and many looked the other way! Israel appears to get away with murder, literally!

"I was never satisfied with the Israeli explanation. ... Through diplomatic channels we refused to accept their explanations. I didn''t believe them then, and I don''t believe them to this day. The attack was outrageous"

-- US Secretary of State Dean Rusk

The Israeli forces attacked without warning and without attempting to contact us. Thirty four Americans were killed in the attack and another 174 were wounded. The ship, a $40 Million Dollar state of the art signals intelligence platform, was later declared unsalvageable and sold for scrap.

The incredibly fortunate and lucky Israelis who seem to get away with anything! Speculation? I don''t think so, try facts!

[factsearcher]

Tweb tweb tweb
You are merely speculating at something because you dont like it...not because its a fact.
I dont disagree with you when it comes to trusting a friend.... but then again... I can make you a list of many more things that has transpired in US against Israel too....
Nations are corrupt in many ways... we are no exception in the US.

[tbweb]

Posted by factsearcher at 12:57 AM : Jul 12, 2008,,,

Fine, then let me be direct and to the point! This /// SWIERGOSZ ACT /// is pure b.u.l.l.s.h.i.t!! Friends committed to each others survival in a hostile World don''t need /// SWIERGOSZ ACT ///, they just do the right thing and look after each others interest! When friends need a /// SWIERGOSZ ACT /// to maintain each others trust and interest then something is wrong!!!

[factsearcher]

In more recent news: Iran faking new missile exercise

Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell said the test is being taken seriously, and was an attempt to destabilize the region.

"We don''t believe this exercise to have been an illusion," he said Friday. Still, he added, "They were not testing new technologies or capabilities, but rather firing off old equipment in an attempt to intimidate their neighbors and escalate tension in the region. That is not the way to win the trust and confidence of the national community."

Tehran staged the missile tests as a show of strength in response to a recent Israeli military exercise.

An Iranian government photograph showing a cluster of missile launches was apparently altered to add a fourth missile lifting off from a desert range.

"There''s no doubt the photo was doctored," said Mark Fitzpatrick, director of the Non-Proliferation Program for the London-based International Institute For Strategic Studies.
##########################
The guy (Ahjmajenad) is definately a looney at its best!
Hes just buying time (diversion)until the enrichment uranium reach some level of completion and then...
we should really worry about Iran!

[factsearcher]

"It does not create a list of prohibited items that Israel cannot sell. It does not threaten; it does not impose sanctions. What it does do is provide a consultative process that will allow the two countries to reach a common understanding with respect to technology security policy."

Posted by factsearcher at 12:39 AM : Jul 12, 2008,,,

Understand this; Israel is the second largest arms supplier to Communist China, second only to Russia! The way Israel gets around prohibited weapons sales to China is to sell assemblies and parts which can be reassembled into a whole once it reaches China! The way to play it safe and remove all suspicion is not to sell China any military technology at all, in parts or whole! Israel is the 4th largest arms supplier in the World, yes tiny Israel, which in a technology context is not tiny at all. Israel exports more weapons than even the EU!!

Posted by tbweb

Listen, I know perfectly well what US, Israel, China and Russia are capable of doing... they happen to know it too.
What you know and read as common knowledge is not slipping thru US blindly while continuing to support Israel...pplleeaassee! give US more credit than that!
What you dont seem to grasp is the military business of creating the technology, sharing the technology, trading it and reselling it.
I posted you a pretty good proof of what''s passing hands and who knows it well and please dont tell me is agains us will!

[tbweb]

"It does not create a list of prohibited items that Israel cannot sell. It does not threaten; it does not impose sanctions. What it does do is provide a consultative process that will allow the two countries to reach a common understanding with respect to technology security policy."

Posted by factsearcher at 12:39 AM : Jul 12, 2008,,,

Understand this; Israel is the second largest arms supplier to Communist China, second only to Russia! The way Israel gets around prohibited weapons sales to China is to sell assemblies and parts which can be reassembled into a whole once it reaches China! The way to play it safe and remove all suspicion is not to sell China any military technology at all, in parts or whole! Israel is the 4th largest arms supplier in the World, yes tiny Israel, which in a technology context is not tiny at all. Israel exports more weapons than even the EU!!

[factsearcher]

Bit-ching for years?? that is so much BS!
I havent read from you one complain about all the money spent on the latest colombian operation where US was a huge player moneywise.

Posted by factsearcher
Ask cbs_monitor1 to search and email you a copy of of all my post before u acuse any body.

Posted by vietnam21

HAHAHA! I thought you were CBS_MONITOR1

[factsearcher]

Tweb, just to prove my point... here it is... back in 2004. US and Israel are in accord.Read


INTRO: The United States and Israel have announced an understanding on the need for consultations before Israel sells military technology to other nations. The accord appears to have defused a dispute that had arisen between Washington and Jerusalem over Israeli military sales to China. But, as VOA''s Michael Bowman reports from Washington, analysts say China''s quest for greater military power will not be contained easily.



TEXT: U.S. and Israeli officials say the agreement is designed to ensure that their two governments see eye-to-eye (agree) on third-party military transfer issues, but does not give the United States veto power over Israeli dealings with other nations. Pentagon spokesman Major Paul Swiergosz:


/// SWIERGOSZ ACT ///


"It does not create a list of prohibited items that Israel cannot sell. It does not threaten; it does not impose sanctions. What it does do is provide a consultative process that will allow the two countries to reach a common understanding with respect to technology security policy."

[vietnam21]

Bit-ching for years?? that is so much BS!
I havent read from you one complain about all the money spent on the latest colombian operation where US was a huge player moneywise.

Posted by factsearcher
Ask cbs_monitor1 to search and email you a copy of of all my post before u acuse any body.

[tbweb]

If youre going to whine,please do it with real facts and not factoids.
It was not weapons, it was aircraft with weapons.. to be exact. The trade of old technology is nothing new in that industry.

Posted by factsearcher at 12:22 AM : Jul 12, 2008,,,

B`u`l`l`s`h`i`t!! Israel has over 60 active military contracts with China! Go do your homework and come back!

[factsearcher]

Egypt and the other nations you cited are not as close to the U.S. as Israel is, the topic of discussion is about Israel. Egypt is not trying to get the U.S. to attack Iran,Posted by tbweb

Mr/Mrs. Fantasyworld,
If youre going to whine,please do it with real facts and not factoids.
It was not weapons, it was aircraft with weapons.. to be exact. The trade of old technology is nothing new in that industry. The aircraft was an old mama...like a movie that comes out today in the US and then 3 months later you hear it is showing for the first time in another country. Once it''s ok by pentagon... it''s an old model car...no big deal for US.
US is not willing to sacrifice an ounce of blood unless their interest are at stake...and that is the case with Iran. OIL interests, strait of Hormuz, persian gulf, saudi arabia...
Or why do you think Eu is sending their people to talk to Iran again and again..they also have interests at risk. Its not because Israel have a right to exist, its not because Ahjajanajacket is a looney with superior complex... it''s all the above.

[factsearcher]

so why are you not bitc-hing about Pakistan or Colombia receiving what you claim are factual numbers which I highly doubt they are ?

Posted by earth56

I have been bic--ching about this for years, and now we have to die for Israel for what ???

Posted by vietnam21

Bit-ching for years?? that is so much BS!
I havent read from you one complain about all the money spent on the latest colombian operation where US was a huge player moneywise.
I haven''t read one word from you complaining about pakistan operation.
You have not mentioned Egypt and all the money we give them for free not even once.
Afghanistan? Not a letter.

Is very hyprocritical from your part.
Propaganda, radical propaganda.

[abro915]

"It is very important that all parties reject violence as an option. There must be a peaceful resolution and that''s what we''ll work for," Rice said, speaking with Saakashvili.

Very wise advice she should take back to her idiot boss.

[tbweb]

You truly live in fantasyland!
So you are saying that because you have not heard news of Egypt is ok to hand them for FREE 2-3 billions a year- with nothing in return- no intelligence, no military training, no new technology!!
I do have a problem with that for sure!

Posted by factsearcher at 05:57 PM : Jul 11, 2008,,,

Egypt and the other nations you cited are not as close to the U.S. as Israel is, the topic of discussion is about Israel. Egypt is not trying to get the U.S. to attack Iran, Egypt is not selling U.S. technology to China against U.S. wishes, Israel is! The point being made is that if the U.S. is willing to sacrifice its blood and treasure for Israel, give Israel 3 billion annually in free aid and Veto every anti U.N. resolution against Israel then Israel should be able to honor a simple request not to sell weapons to Communist China since the U.S. may have to face its own technology if we need to assist Taiwan in the event of a hostile act from mainland China. The U.S. always helps Israel and looks after its national security interest but unfortunately Israel does not always return the favor!

[vietnam21]

my bad: Israel 40 bil not 4 bil

[vietnam21]

so why are you not bitc-hing about Pakistan or Colombia receiving what you claim are factual numbers which I highly doubt they are ?

Posted by earth56

I have been bic--ching about this for years, and now we have to die for Israel for what ???