Major Iranian military official killed by US forces - Iran attack US base in Iraq

[Shaun]

Not a Republican incumbent using a war to try and remain in office :idc:

General Qasem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force, has been killed by US forces in Iraq.

The Pentagon confirmed he was killed "at the direction of the president".

It comes after reports of a strike at Baghdad's international airport, which is said to have killed a number of people.

The death marks a huge escalation which analysts fear could lead to an Iranian response.

Gen Soleimani was a major figure in the Iranian regime. His Quds force reported directly to the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and he was hailed as a heroic national figure.

US President Donald Trump tweeted an image of the American flag after the news broke.

Global oil prices meanwhile soared more than 4% in the wake of the strike.

"At the direction of the President, the US military has taken decisive defensive action to protect US personnel abroad by killing Qasem Soleimani," a Pentagon statement said.

"This strike was aimed at deterring future Iranian attack plans. The United States will continue to take all necessary action to protect our people and our interests wherever they are around the world."

The strike comes days after protesters surrounded the US embassy in Baghdad, clashing with US forces at the scene. The Pentagon said Gen Soleimani approved the attacks on the embassy.

"General Soleimani and his Quds Force were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American and coalition service members and the wounding of thousands more," the statement said.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis had also been killed in the US attack, blaming an attack by US helicopters.

Reports also suggest that a number of Iraq militia heads have been detained by US forces in Baghdad, although this is unconfirmed.

Since 1998, Maj Gen Qasem Soleimani led Iran's Quds Force - an elite unit in Iran's Revolutionary Guards, which handles clandestine operations abroad.

In that position Gen Soleimani played a key role bolstering Bashar al-Assad's Iranian-supported government in the Syrian Civil War, and in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq.

He first came to prominence in his country serving in the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s.

Most likely won't result in WW3 but this has to be the dumbest move in decades.

[Kizzy]

Ah this will be why the latest army recruitment drive.. we don't care how fat, shy or asthmatic you are, come feed our war machine.

[arista]

https://news.sky.com/story/top-iranian-official-among-seven-reportedly-killed-in-airstrike-at-baghdad-airport-11900074

Its tit for tat
not WW3, Shaun.

[Nicky91]

Sulejmani was involved in many of the wars, attacks around the middle east


what our dutch middle east correspondents said on our news this morning, ''you can expect a counter attack from Iran now to avenge their fallen hero''


this was a good move from US, but a very very risky one so US should be on high alert now at their military bases in Iran, if any naval ships in the area they need to be guarded 24/7

[The Slim Reaper]

1212941912132476929

[bots]

These things can easily escalate quickly and spiral out of control. It's not helped by Trump needing a political diversion either. Iran do need to be held in check though, just hope its not ww3

[The Slim Reaper]

These things can easily escalate quickly and spiral out of control. It's not helped by Trump needing a political diversion either. Iran do need to be held in check though, just hope its not ww3

Iran were held in check by the deal they signed with Obama and the EU. Trump tore that deal up so they got further into bed with China and Russia.

[Ammi]

https://i.chzbgr.com/full/9063854848/h574CD6A9/meme-about-world-war-three-preventing-2020-elections-donald-trump-photoshop

[The Slim Reaper]

https://i.gifer.com/1NRJ.gif

[The Slim Reaper]

i9KrJFLYxTI

[arista]

Its Iran
that wants a War.
Their nation has had
Riots against the Government
the past months

A War would unite the nation of Iran

[The Slim Reaper]

Its Iran
that wants a War.
Their nation has had
Riots against the Government
the past months

A War would unite the nation of Iran

It's more worrying that Iran has the backing of Russia and China, but trump is too stupid to realise.

[Nicky91]

It's more worrying that Iran has the backing of Russia and China, but trump is too stupid to realise.

something we already knew long time ago, in his first election campaign :laugh:

[arista]

One For Shaun

1213042703014998016

[Nicky91]

https://metro.co.uk/2020/01/03/world-war-3-trends-donald-trump-airstrike-kills-iran-general-11993960/

''The phrase ‘World War 3’ began trending after the killing of the Iranian leader’s second in command in a US airstrike.''

[Oliver_W]

Jeez, when will our leaders ("leaders") stop kicking hornet nests?

[Beso]

It's more worrying that Iran has the backing of Russia and China, but trump is too stupid to realise.

China won't jeapordise the new trade deals they have coming up with the usa in mid january...Russia just a blowbag nation..

[Nicky91]

China won't jeapordise the new trade deals they have coming up with the usa in mid january…Russia just a blowbag nation..

our dutch foreign minister Blok will have discussions with Russia, trying to get more Mutual respect between them and EU, and vice versa

something what Blok wants to continue doing, otherwise Russia will divide the EU eventually

[The Slim Reaper]

China won't jeapordise the new trade deals they have coming up with the usa in mid january...Russia just a blowbag nation..

Trump is actually more in need of seeing a deal over the line than China. His tariffs have been bad for the US economy and it's farmers in particular. No way he can go into an election with that hanging over him..

[Twosugars]

our dutch foreign minister Blok will have discussions with Russia, trying to get more Mutual respect between them and EU, and vice versa

something what Blok wants to continue doing, otherwise Russia will divide the EU eventually

Good luck with that.
Putin wants to destroy the EU as you well know.

[Nicky91]

i am laughing how people around the world are thinking, we are going to world war 3

when it's solely the US who are responsible for this crime against Iran, so as long as other countries don't make alliances with america they're good with Iran


and a good revenge action from Iran, would be if they destroy those precious oil fields, given US wants all of that oil

[Nicky91]

The Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, also issued a statement promising action in response to the killing. "Without a doubt, the great Iranian nation and other free nations in the region will take revenge on criminal America for this ghastly crime," he said.

Meanwhile Iraqi leaders vehemently condemned the assassinations, with Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi warning of a "devastating" war that could engulf the region, and a top militia commander, Hadi al-Ameri, calling for action to push US troops out of the country.

“I call on national forces to unify their ranks to expel foreign forces," said Mr Ameri, a onetime protege of the Iran's Revolutionary Guard, according to state television.

“US should either remove all its bases from the region or buy coffins for its troops

a full statement from Hassan Rohani

1213009152093696005

and from his twitter account

[Twosugars]

i am laughing how people around the world are thinking, we are going to world war 3

when it's solely the US who are responsible for this crime against Iran, so as long as other countries don't make alliances with america they're good with Iran


and a good revenge action from Iran, would be if they destroy those precious oil fields, given US wants all of that oil

I think you're right, there won't be any war, just occasional provocations from both sides, and not necessarily in the region either

[Crimson Dynamo]

i am laughing how people around the world are thinking, we are going to world war 3

when it's solely the US who are responsible for this crime against Iran, so as long as other countries don't make alliances with america they're good with Iran


and a good revenge action from Iran, would be if they destroy those precious oil fields, given US wants all of that oil

Soleimani was responsible for unthinkable violence in the world, what are your views about him and the Iran attacks on US embassy in Iraq?

[Oliver_W]

i am laughing how people around the world are thinking, we are going to world war 3

when it's solely the US who are responsible for this crime against Iran, so as long as other countries don't make alliances with america they're good with Iran


and a good revenge action from Iran, would be if they destroy those precious oil fields, given US wants all of that oil
I agree that it won't come to WWIII, but I gather the line of thought is that China and Russia will join Iran in retaliation, while the UK (and others?) will join the USA...

[Tom4784]

We all knew that this election was going to be insane because as soon as Trump leaves office, he'd likely be arrested and spend the rest of his life in prison. He's fighting for his freedom in his mind and he's showing he'll burn the world down to get it.

Everything he has said about Hillary being a warmonger and that Obama would start wars to stay in power were true, but only for himself. Trump needs to be removed from power for the good of the world at this point, he will throw us all into war and he'll do so without a second thought.

With this act, Trump has become the biggest human danger to the world at this point in time. God help us all if he's doing **** like this before the 2020 race has even officially begun.

[Nicky91]

i feel for britain now, who wanted a Alliance with USA :(

[Nicky91]

also i was reading Qasem's Wikipedia profile just now

ok he did do bad things under Saddam

but he also fought with the Iraqi forces later on against ISIL, so the US murdered someone who was against terrorism, extremism

and US should think about how they killed a father of 2 sons, 2 daughters (not just about getting rid of a potential threat)

[Oliver_W]

i feel for britain now, who wanted a Alliance with USA :(

Who else are we gonna ally with - China and Russia? The USA are the best possible allies, Trump will be gone in four years so no need to burn bridges over one crazy President....

[Tom4784]

It doesn't really matter if he was a good or bad figure, the US did not have grounds to act and Trump acted without the say so of either Congress or the Senate.

[Oliver_W]

It doesn't really matter if he was a good or bad figure, the US did not have grounds to act and Trump acted without the say so of either Congress or the Senate.

I agree, I tried to find a "reason" for the air strike in the articles, but couldn't. I don't think it's gonna lead to WWIII, but it was certainly unwise.

[Crimson Dynamo]

In his first comments on the strike, Mr Trump tweeted on Friday morning: "General Qassem Soleimani has killed or badly wounded thousands of Americans over an extended period of time, and was plotting to kill many more...but got caught!

"He was directly and indirectly responsible for the death of millions of people, including the recent large number of PROTESTERS killed in Iran itself.

"While Iran will never be able to properly admit it, Soleimani was both hated and feared within the country. They are not nearly as saddened as the leaders will let the outside world believe. He should have been taken out many years ago!"

The Pentagon said the US President ordered the killing of Soleimani "in a decisive defensive action to protect US personnel abroad".


"General Soleimani was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region. General Soleimani and his Quds Force were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American and coalition service members and the wounding of thousands more," the Department of Defence said.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/01/03/air-strike-kills-qassim-soleimani-head-irans-elite-quds-force/

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ENUspLoXsAEHrZm?format=jpg&name=small

[Tom4784]

Excuses, he wants a war because he won't likely beat any of the top three democrats otherwise.

[Nicky91]

"in a decisive defensive action to protect US personnel abroad".

the irony here, in killing general soleimani made them more a target, and in danger from Iran

while Trump could've tried peace talks at a neutral location with Rohani


as for this

''General Soleimani was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region.''

he did do bad bad things very long time ago yes, but recent years he was anti terrorism, anti extremism so idk which evidence they had to back their statement up :think:

[Crimson Dynamo]

he did do bad bad things very long time ago yes, but recent years he was anti terrorism, anti extremism so idk which evidence they had to back their statement up :think:

In 2018 he threatened the Americans with a war in which Iran would “destroy all that you possess".


:conf:

[Beso]

Excuses, he wants a war because he won't likely beat any of the top three democrats otherwise.

I'm sure you don't mean that.

[Tom4784]

I'm sure you don't mean that.

No, he's trailing hard behind all of them in the analytics and if Bernie gets the nom then he's lost the swing vote and the worker's vote that just edged him over the line in 2016.

This whole act of war is nothing more then to keep himself in power so he can avoid the inevitable consequences of his actions for a few years more.

[Beso]

No, he's trailing hard behind all of them in the analytics and if Bernie gets the nom then he's lost the swing vote and the worker's vote that just edged him over the line in 2016.

This whole act of war is nothing more then to keep himself in power so he can avoid the inevitable consequences of his actions for a few years more.




I don't believe that.

[arista]

Typical Labour Emily Thornberry
supports Iran

Clip was on LBC.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Typical Labour Emily Thornberry
supports Iran

Clip was on LBC.

Yes a caller called her unpatriotic and anti-American

[The Slim Reaper]

In 2018 he threatened the Americans with a war in which Iran would “destroy all that you possess".


:conf:

North Korea has been threatening the same for decades, and they actually do have nukes. Trump seems to love Kim though.

:conf:

[Crimson Dynamo]

North Korea has been threatening the same for decades, and they actually do have nukes. Trump seems to love Kim though.

:conf:

https://thewayofimprovement.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/whataboutism.jpg?w=605&h=461

[Tom4784]

I don't believe that.

And that doesn't change the fact that it's true. Trump doesn't have a Hillary to rely on this time around, he won't have russian leaks either and if he tries the same tactics, everyone has a Ukraine sized counter argument to use against him.

He can't win this election without starting a war, whether you believe it or not doesn't matter to anyone really, you can deny reality but you can't stop it from happening.

[The Slim Reaper]

The best ya got?

https://media0.giphy.com/media/7NWhfa1lEHPqw/giphy.gif

[Tom4784]

https://thewayofimprovement.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/whataboutism.jpg?w=605&h=461

Accusing someone of whataboutism only works if they are trying to justify something by saying 'well, what about this?'. Highlighting someone's hypocrisy by mentioning their different reactions to two similar situations is not whataboutism, it's pointing out hypocrisy.

[Beso]

I'm sure you were calling a 2nd term for trump a little while back...calling has supporters idiots in the process. .I may be wrong so will admit it if I am.

[Tom4784]

I'm sure you were calling a 2nd term for trump a little while back...calling has supporters idiots in the process. .I may be wrong so will admit it if I am.

It's possible, after all stupidity won the day in 2016 and I do fear the corruption that could steal this election but the more I hear about the stats and forecasts, the more hopeful I become.

Unlike some people, I look at facts that are contrary to my opinion and learn from them, not discard them. You should try it sometime.

[arista]

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/CCFD/production/_110377425_tv043811904.jpg

His Truck
hit by three super fast missiles
fired from a High up out of sight Drone.
Instant Death for Gen Qasem Soleimani


Iran says they will return with a
Harsh Attack on Americans?

[Nicky91]

https://www.lepoint.fr/images/2012/05/30/esmail-ghaani-589033-jpg_402808_660x281.JPG

this guy, Esmail Ghaani is the replacement of Soleimani

[Scarlett.]

I hope we stay the hell out of all this, but I doubt we will, since America will have us on a leash post-Brexit

[Twosugars]

I hope we stay the hell out of all this, but I doubt we will, since America will have us on a leash post-Brexit

That and bojo the clown as pm.
It is guaranteed he will do something stupid :laugh:
It's not if, it is when

[bots]

it all depends how it pans out. If it escalates quickly, major powers will have to choose sides. A british tanker in the gulf is going to be a sitting target without protection and we just don't have the means for that without allies.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it is more sabre rattling than anything else.

[Nicky91]

it all depends how it pans out. If it escalates quickly, major powers will have to choose sides. A british tanker in the gulf is going to be a sitting target without protection and we just don't have the means for that without allies.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it is more sabre rattling than anything else.

depends if britain goes for the Alliance with USA

[arista]

I hope we stay the hell out of all this, but I doubt we will, since America will have us on a leash post-Brexit


So far
its his Death.
Nothing else has begun.

Johnson PM
does not want another Error War.


Now , though, Iran is even more
United against Trump.

[Crimson Dynamo]

thankfully we dont have a labour government so the chance of us going into a stupid war in the middle east are much lower

[SherzyK]

thankfully we dont have a labour government so the chance of us going into a stupid war in the middle east are much lower

We have a stupid government that would join anyway, labour or not.

[Beso]

We have a stupid government that would join anyway, labour or not.

It's a historical fact that conservative governments merely protect British soil.

[Crimson Dynamo]

We have a stupid government that would join anyway, labour or not.

the whole Government are stupid?

what on earth does that mean?

[SherzyK]

the whole Government are stupid?

what on earth does that mean?

I’m not falling into the trap of answering the question you already know the answer to.

I’ll let Bojo the clown answer it for you though

[Crimson Dynamo]

I’m not falling into the trap of answering the question you already know the answer to.

I’ll let Bojo the clown answer it for you though

The PM is a clown and the whole government are stupid?

this isnt twitter


:umm2:

[arista]

1213196197302804483

[Scarlett.]

They launched a drone attack on foreign soil, that is an act of war.

[Twosugars]

1213196197302804483

George Orwell would be impressed with this doublespeak

[Samm]

thankfully we dont have a labour government so the chance of us going into a stupid war in the middle east are much lower

???

Jeremy Corbyn would definitely not get involved in any war, and I guess you’re referencing to Tony Blair which in fact was New Labour very different to labour today in some forms. And you’ll actually find it was a labour government under Harold Wilson that stopped us from being involved in the Vietnam war in the late 60s, even I know that and I wasn’t even alive.

[The Slim Reaper]

1213185120032739328

https://media.giphy.com/media/l0HlNmd34akori7QI/giphy.gif

[Saph]

Is this a good or bad thing?

[bots]

depends if britain goes for the Alliance with USA

we are already in an alliance with the USA, it's called NATO

[Barry.]

So if USA goes to war so do we?

[Oliver_W]

Toppling that terror regime isn't exactly a bad thing, but they're not close or threatening to us for it to be worth the consequences.

[SherzyK]

Imagine supporting UK/US involvement in Middle Eastern politics

[Cherie]

we are already in an alliance with the USA, it's called NATO

:laugh:

[arista]

https://storify.com/services/proxy/2/1Xv-umnEIn2olT7gmpqDJg/https/media.fyre.co/3qxljl6jT7qonMrFtifG_i%20weekend.JPG

[arista]

https://storify.com/services/proxy/2/35SRsmZcxLDUKch1pzWS8A/https/media.fyre.co/LbC3S67Tkm0bINcE3Ljg_guardy.JPG

https://storify.com/services/proxy/2/WaYR0eGAxbbIq2Ov4zXNGA/https/media.fyre.co/ls9DMo7QTFWQWHBSfzia_times.JPG

[arista]

https://storify.com/services/proxy/2/YeMj3IwcNuwKjJpMoR-zRA/https/media.fyre.co/aWZ1zKxFTRCSVSE66hSL_indy.JPG

https://storify.com/services/proxy/2/MX2qVF8Qc7QRo2xv1GE3rA/https/media.fyre.co/ULvOKpSSwy59XIuTsDDA_exp.JPG

[Twosugars]

we are already in an alliance with the USA, it's called NATO

Dont be obtuse. Did germany or france rush to join Iraqi war?
Theres alliance and theres being up america' rectum.
We know what is Britain's preference

[Livia]

The PM is a clown and the whole government are stupid?

this isnt twitter


:umm2:

Come on LT, you can't argue with reasoned, well thought out debate like that.

[arista]

1213306107168473088

Parliament opens on Tuesday
do it then.

[Nicky91]

Dont be obtuse. Did germany or france rush to join Iraqi war?
Theres alliance and theres being up america' rectum.
We know what is Britain's preference

nope, Germany/France aren't that closely involved in that Iraqi war


our dutch foreign minister btw had stated we are gonna pull out our boats in the area, out of caution and risk of being attacked now because of America's crimes

[bots]

if it escalates into a proper war with the USA against Iran then the NATO countries are duty bound to come to the assistance of the USA. That is the whole point about NATO. People really should be more aware of the world they live in

[Nicky91]

if it escalates into a proper war with the USA against Iran then the NATO countries are duty bound to come to the assistance of the USA. That is the whole point about NATO. People really should be more aware of the world they live in

and then what, putting themselves into danger :umm2:


and as for that last sentence, i am aware of what world we live in, also Trump is in the wrong here

like i earlier stated, you should Always try to negotiate at a neutral location first of all, and only kill a major military official as a last resort, and i mean Trump's ''negotiating'' with the both korea's was a by the media called success so what is the difference here then


since North Korea also was a same (or even worse) nuclear threat towards the US, and now also a threat possibly when Kim had stated they are working on new strategic weapons

[Kizzy]

Come on LT, you can't argue with reasoned, well thought out debate like that.

Twitter is how trump conducts most of his business, so where's the insult..
Does reasoned well thought out debate now only consist of scoffing at the contributions of others while not providing one of your own?

[user104658]

Twitter is how trump conducts most of his business, so where's the insult..

Does reasoned well thought out debate now only consist of scoffing at the contributions of others while not providing one of your own?https://media1.tenor.com/images/b8876ebeff43af94e47b4d537530e0f8/tenor.gif

[bots]

and then what, putting themselves into danger :umm2:


and as for that last sentence, i am aware of what world we live in, also Trump is in the wrong here

like i earlier stated, you should Always try to negotiate at a neutral location first of all, and only kill a major military official as a last resort, and i mean Trump's ''negotiating'' with the both korea's was a by the media called success so what is the difference here then


since North Korea also was a same (or even worse) nuclear threat towards the US, and now also a threat possibly when Kim had stated they are working on new strategic weapons


with respect Nicky, there is not a chance in hell that any western country is going to side with Iran over the USA in a war. Of course nobody wants a war. The USA and Iran don't want a war either, but these things happen. For years, Iran has committed terrorist atrocities against the west. They are becoming more and more active, something had to be done and taking out a terrorist general seems like a reasonable step to me.

[Kizzy]

https://media1.tenor.com/images/b8876ebeff43af94e47b4d537530e0f8/tenor.gif

:joker::joker:

[Kazanne]

Been listening to a debate on this on LBC this morning it seems a lot of Iranians are glad he has been killed from what they were saying he was a 'bad' man over 1500 young people were killed due to him plus hundreds more Americans etc,even his own people ,so if all this is accurate,it's good he is no more,imo.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Twitter is how trump conducts most of his business

no he does not that is patently a false statement

[Nicky91]

with respect Nicky, there is not a chance in hell that any western country is going to side with Iran over the USA in a war. Of course nobody wants a war. The USA and Iran don't want a war either, but these things happen. For years, Iran has committed terrorist atrocities against the west. They are becoming more and more active, something had to be done and taking out a terrorist general seems like a reasonable step to me.

Iran does not want a war, they now just want justice served to those who killed their general


also your statement of ''terrorist general'' makes no sense, since he in recent years fought against ISIL terrorists, extremists in smaller Iraqi cities

[Crimson Dynamo]

Been listening to a debate on this on LBC this morning it seems a lot of Iranians are glad he has been killed from what they were saying he was a 'bad' man over 1500 young people were killed due to him plus hundreds more Americans etc,even his own people ,so if all this is accurate,it's good he is no more,imo.

Yes I am aslo listening and have been since the attack and many callers from Iran and Iraq have said the same

[Kizzy]

Yes I am aslo listening and have been since the attack and many callers from Iran and Iraq have said the same

Callers *allegedly* from there.

This is how easy it is to justify murder without trial, drone strikes and acts of war.

Appeal to the gullible.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Iran does not want a war, they now just want justice served to those who killed their general


also your statement of ''terrorist general'' makes no sense, since he in recent years fought against ISIL terrorists, extremists in smaller Iraqi cities

According to US intelligence he was plotting (another) imminent attack on US citizens. What do you want the US to do.

If Dutch intelligence knew that this man was about to kill 1000 people in your town what would you want done....nothing?

[Nicky91]

''If'' and ''Could'' are big words though

this isn't a game where you can just call out drone strikes based upon thoughts

Trump is playing with US citizens their lives, and ironically when trying to save them from what they believe a imminent attack, by killing this general, he might've just put diplomats, military personnel stationed there at military bases in the middle east, and personnel at navy boats there in more danger

[Kizzy]

no he does not that is patently a false statement

Look at his tweets over the last 24hrs. . The last one referring to himself in the third person is classic!

[Crimson Dynamo]

''If'' and ''Could'' are big words though

this isn't a game where you can just call out drone strikes based upon thoughts

Trump is playing with US citizens their lives, and ironically when trying to save them from what they believe a imminent attack, by killing this general, he might've just put diplomats, military personnel stationed there at military bases in the middle east, and personnel at navy boats there in more danger

Are you trying to pretend military intelligence does not exist now??

:conf:

[Crimson Dynamo]

Look at his tweets over the last 24hrs. . The last one referring to himself in the third person is classic!

your statement was false, trying to style it out wont make that change...

[arista]

Been listening to a debate on this on LBC this morning it seems a lot of Iranians are glad he has been killed from what they were saying he was a 'bad' man over 1500 young people were killed due to him plus hundreds more Americans etc,even his own people ,so if all this is accurate,it's good he is no more,imo.



Yes a number 2 to the nation
Evil as hell.

[The Slim Reaper]

According to US intelligence he was plotting (another) imminent attack on US citizens. What do you want the US to do.

If Dutch intelligence knew that this man was about to kill 1000 people in your town what would you want done....nothing?

According to US intelligence, Saddam had weapons of mass destruction and we know how that turned out.

[arista]

According to US intelligence, Saddam had weapons of mass destruction and we know how that turned out.


That was Corrupt New Labour Blair
and USA GW Bush.


Not the same staff now
silly

[The Slim Reaper]

That was Corrupt New Labour Blair
and USA GW Bush.


Not the same staff now
silly

The US has been pulling the same stunt for over a century.

[Kizzy]

your statement was false, trying to style it out wont make that change...

I stand by my comment ...his tweets over the last 24hrs just prove what I suggested :laugh:

[Nicky91]

Are you trying to pretend military intelligence does not exist now??

:conf:

no just saying you need concrete hard evidence


military intelligence does exist i agree, so if there was concrete evidence of those ''imminent attack'' as they say then yes a drone strike is justified


to answer your hypothetical question, if dutch intelligence has proof of my town being attacked, yes take action to prevent that from happening


i mean if CIA followed their evidence, leads what they did have pre 9/11 they could've prevented the attacks on the world trade center, pentagon and the deaths on board flight 93 of united airlines

there was video footage from the airport the terrorists boarded the planes from, also prior to 9/11 they found documented evidence of attack plotting on a laptop in a motel, at phillippines including airplane hijacking schemes for 9/11

just a example, how crucial it is you follow the evidence

[Kazanne]

''If'' and ''Could'' are big words though

this isn't a game where you can just call out drone strikes based upon thoughts

Trump is playing with US citizens their lives, and ironically when trying to save them from what they believe a imminent attack, by killing this general, he might've just put diplomats, military personnel stationed there at military bases in the middle east, and personnel at navy boats there in more danger

It wasn't 'thoughts' Nicky,they had intelligence and proof.

[Kizzy]

Evidence of WMD? ..Oh then drone away!!

[Oliver_W]

Iran does not want a war, they now just want justice served to those who killed their general


also your statement of ''terrorist general'' makes no sense, since he in recent years fought against ISIL terrorists, extremists in smaller Iraqi cities

Terrorists can dislike and attack other terrorists, that's why there's so much turmoil in the middle east...

[Crimson Dynamo]

According to US intelligence, Saddam had weapons of mass destruction and we know how that turned out.

how did it tiurn out as it was your labour party who was in charge of the UK?

[The Slim Reaper]

how did it tiurn out as it was your labour party who was in charge of the UK?

You think your conservative party wouldn't have followed the same path when only 2 voted against it and 146 for it? That's cute.

[bots]

The Iraq war and the current Iran situation are completely different. For one thing there is hard evidence that Iran ARE developing nuclear weapons. There is hard evidence that they are a terrorist state

[Livia]

The Iraq war and the current Iran situation are completely different. For one thing there is hard evidence that Iran ARE developing nuclear weapons. There is hard evidence that they are a terrorist state

Ahhh some sense. Why is it that the same people who are so vocal about the way this country conducts itself, but are now doing their best to portray Iran like they're some kind of innocent victim.

There were comparisons drawn between the female imprisoned in Cyprus with Nazanin Ratcliffe, who's imprisoned in Iran. And how it's all Boris's fault. It's not. It's the corrupt, archaic regime in Iran.

[Crimson Dynamo]

You think your conservative party wouldn't have followed the same path when only 2 voted against it and 146 for it? That's cute.

they were not in power and the PM was labour person Tony Blair

not a great time for the labour party tbh and this is their legacy

that isnt cute, its real and dangerous

:skull:

[The Slim Reaper]

The Iraq war and the current Iran situation are completely different. For one thing there is hard evidence that Iran ARE developing nuclear weapons. There is hard evidence that they are a terrorist state

They are expanding the nuclear program because Trump and the US backed out of the deal (that Iran absolutely were sticking by), and Iraq were also sold as a terrorist state with the US government falsely linking them to 9/11 repeatedly. No one is saying it's the same situation. I'm saying the situations are irrelevant, because the US has a history of doing the same **** around the world regardless of the situation.

[The Slim Reaper]

Ahhh some sense. Why is it that the same people who are so vocal about the way this country conducts itself, but are now doing their best to portray Iran like they're some kind of innocent victim.

There were comparisons drawn between the female imprisoned in Cyprus with Nazanin Ratcliffe, who's imprisoned in Iran. And how it's all Boris's fault. It's not. It's the corrupt, archaic regime in Iran.

As you're referencing a post I made, without quoting me :smug:, then I feel free to address this without any tears needing to be shed. I didn't say it was Boris' fault, I said he put his foot in it and made her situation far worse as Boris' words were used at her trial.

[Nicky91]

tUdPcmDoO1s

[Scarlett.]

I swear Trump could **** a cat and people would defend it, saying it was a terrorist cat or something like that

[The Slim Reaper]

I swear Trump could **** a cat and people would defend it, saying it was a terrorist cat or something like that

He's a feline womaniser.

[Crimson Dynamo]

I read in the Guardian yesterday that Iran’s “half-million-strong armed services are the
most potent military force the US has faced since confronting the Chinese People’s
Volunteer Army more than 60 years ago in Korea”. I don’t think so. That was a conflict in
which perhaps 2.5 million people lost their lives. What the West is dealing with here is a
hostile regional power that has literally got away with murder and never reciprocated any
goodwill we have shown. We have let it run rogue for too long. Mr Trump won’t thank me
for saying it, but he has just struck a blow for the rules-based international order.


https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/01/03/mr-trump-right-take-iran-has-given-power-situation/

[Kazanne]

I swear Trump could **** a cat and people would defend it, saying it was a terrorist cat or something like that

And I swear Trump could kill Satan and still be the bad guy.:hehe:

[Crimson Dynamo]

And I swear Trump could kill Satan and still be the bad guy.:hehe:

The irony of that post is that of course 95% of the forum dont care what he does they hate him as he is rich, white old and American

:joker:

[Scarlett.]

And I swear Trump could kill Satan and still be the bad guy.:hehe:

He launched a drone strike to kill someone in a country America wasnt at war with.

He's most certainly not the good guy.

[The Slim Reaper]

The irony of that post is that of course 95% of the forum dont care what he does they hate him as he is rich, white old and American

:joker:

As is Bernie Sanders, but I don't dislike him. I have a problem with trumps sexual assaults, locking kids in cages, trying to ban muslims, his penchant for white nationalism, attempting to take health care away from millions of people. Not because of skin color, wealth, or nationality.

[Crimson Dynamo]

As is Bernie Sanders, but I don't dislike him. I have a problem with trumps sexual assaults, locking kids in cages, trying to ban muslims, his penchant for white nationalism, attempting to take health care away from millions of people. Not because of skin color, wealth, or nationality.

well you must be in the 5% slim....

[arista]

https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/01/04/01/22970422-0-image-a-85_1578099655538.jpg

Hunter-killer drone struck at 230mph


[ Qassem Soleimani, 62, was targeted as he was leaving Baghdad airport in his car
A near-silent US MQ-9 Reaper drone launched the laser-guided Hellfire missile
Soleimani was under near-constant surveillance by US, Saudi and Israeli forces
He had survived several assassination attempts over the past two decades]

[Kizzy]

Ahhh some sense. Why is it that the same people who are so vocal about the way this country conducts itself, but are now doing their best to portray Iran like they're some kind of innocent victim.

There were comparisons drawn between the female imprisoned in Cyprus with Nazanin Ratcliffe, who's imprisoned in Iran. And how it's all Boris's fault. It's not. It's the corrupt, archaic regime in Iran.

Personally I haven't portrayed the power structure in Iran as innocent, the people are the victims... Let's get that right.
I have every right to criticise how this country conducts itself let's also clarify that.

I drew comparisons because the people we have in power cannot be trusted with delicate negotiation...they have bulls in a China shop mentality. And are so obsessed with their own power and importance that they are putting the world at risk.

[Kizzy]

As is Bernie Sanders, but I don't dislike him. I have a problem with trumps sexual assaults, locking kids in cages, trying to ban muslims, his penchant for white nationalism, attempting to take health care away from millions of people. Not because of skin color, wealth, or nationality.

:clap1: :clap1:

[Twosugars]

Mike Pompeo has expressed disappointment with European reaction to the US killing of the Iranian general Qassem Suleimani, suggesting that the UK, France and Germany had not been sufficiently supportive.

The US secretary of state compared the European response unfavourably with US “partners in the region”, a likely reference to Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which Pompeo had consulted after the Suleimani assassination.

“I spent the last day-and-a-half, two days, talking to partners in the region, sharing with them what we were doing, why we were doing it, seeking their assistance. They’ve all been fantastic,” Pompeo told Fox TV. “And then talking to our partners in other places that haven’t been quite as good
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jan/04/mike-pompeo-european-response-to-suleimani-killing

[Nicky91]

why would Israel be happy about US causing possibly more trouble for them from Iran :conf:

[Kizzy]

You see this was for me the reason we were extracted from Europe.. ( there was a 'referendum' yada yada) .. we are aligning with 'partners' like SA, Israel and UAE. Except do we really want to, this response suggests not. Shiz just got real.. it will be both interesting and terrifying to see which way we go.

[Oliver_W]

You see this was for me the reason we were extracted from Europe.. ( there was a 'referendum' yada yada) .. we are aligning with 'partners' like SA, Israel and UAE. Except do we really want to, this response suggests not. Shiz just got real.. it will be both interesting and terrifying to see which way we go.
Israel is fine, why wouldn't we want to align with them? Better than any of its neighbours.

[Livia]

Israel is fine, why wouldn't we want to align with them? Better than any of its neighbours.

Reaches for tin hat and closes the hatch.

[Oliver_W]

Reaches for tin hat and closes the hatch.

I did forget about how much SA and UAE both love ... Israel :joker:

[Kizzy]

Israel is fine, why wouldn't we want to align with them? Better than any of its neighbours.

So there's been no issue with corruption there?...

[Kizzy]

Reaches for tin hat and closes the hatch.

Typical mocking response, do you have anything of any merit to add Livia?

[Oliver_W]

So there's been no issue with corruption there?...

Corruption in politics? Well I never.

[Twosugars]

So there's been no issue with corruption there?...

Not to mention illegal occupation. A detail I suppose. And nothing new for trump after putin.

[Kizzy]

Corruption in politics? Well I never.

No you should never, that's the whole point.
Are you saying corruption in politics is good? That it should be expected or accepted?...

[Oliver_W]

No you should never, that's the whole point.
Are you saying corruption in politics is good? That it should be expected or accepted?...

I'm saying it's a sad reality. If you can find a country with no corruption in its politics, I'll be pretty impressed.

What corruption are you referring to, from Israel I mean?

[Kizzy]

I'm saying it's a sad reality. If you can find a country with no corruption in its politics, I'll be pretty impressed.

What corruption are you referring to, from Israel I mean?

It's not my job to educate you... You are so sage as to pontificate on the reality of world politics, then admit you know nothing of the issues Isreal has in relation to their current leader.

[Twosugars]

It's not my job to educate you... You are so sage as to pontificate on the reality of world politics, then admit you know nothing of the issues Isreal has in relation to their current leader.

The funny thing about israel is they are not that different from Iran
Already orthodox religious parties hold the balance of power in israel. Soon bc of demographics Israel will be majority orthodox. Wave goodbye to democracy and say hello to theocracy. Like Iran.

[arista]

1213575639808299019

[Twosugars]

As global leaders weighed in on the assassination of Iran’s top general, Qassem Suleimani, in a US drone strike in Baghdad in the early hours of Friday, Johnson remained silent on the island of Mustique where he is on holiday with his girlfriend, Carrie Symonds.

Downing Street said Johnson would be back in the UK on Sunday and that the foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, would travel to Washington this week for talks with the US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, with the Middle East the main topic of discussion. In a sign of irritation that the UK had not already expressed its support for the US, Pompeo on Friday said the Europeans, including “the Brits”, “[had]n’t been as helpful as I wish that they could be”.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/04/boris-johnson-attacked-for-silence-on-iran-assassination




Yes bojo, get your partying done first, start as you mean to go on,
the new churchill, fighting on the beaches of Mustique :laugh:

[arista]

https://storify.com/services/proxy/2/-i6rZ3-SfdKheSqIIvan-A/https/media.fyre.co/COh8GE6fT0moybTBoEYH_Sunday%20People.JPG

[arista]

https://storify.com/services/proxy/2/f9TsEAsJJTZcQaEvZ9TDyA/https/media.fyre.co/yc0ulj7CQRGEG2e6pYR7_Telegraph.JPG

[arista]

https://storify.com/services/proxy/2/H4HceFzaexeFEt_6cNU3sg/https/media.fyre.co/zHODvYkrSt2wJ5r0LKvW_The%20Sunday%20Times.JPG

[arista]

https://storify.com/services/proxy/2/R57sdhkNecyjmOe66G2FDA/https/media.fyre.co/wBTlkuORIiJY0KreMW0A_Mail%20on%20Sunday.JPG

[thesheriff443]

You cant reason with hate filled murderes who would openly celebrate the loss of innocence American or British lives.

Trump is doing the same as what Obama did when he sent troops to kill bin laden.

Believe it or not we are at war in this country and around the world fighting terrorist who live to kill and show no mercy to men women and children.

[Ammi]

US warns it will 'target' 52 Iranian sites if Tehran retaliates...

US warns it will 'target' 52 Iranian sites if Tehran retaliates
France 24 France 24 1 hour 8 minutes ago


US President Donald Trump warned on Saturday that the US is targeting 52 sites in Iran and will hit them “very fast and very hard” if the Islamic republic attacks American personnel or assets.

In a saber-rattling tweet that defended Friday’s US drone strike assassination of a powerful Iranian general in Iraq, Trump said 52 represents the number of Americans held hostage at the US embassy in Tehran for more than a year starting in late 1979.

Trump said some of these sites are “at a very high level & important to Iran & the Iranian culture, and those targets, and Iran itself, WILL BE HIT VERY FAST AND VERY HARD. The USA wants no more threats!”

Late Saturday night, the president tweeted again, this time warning Iran that the US will hit Iran “harder than they have ever been hit before!”

Trump followed up with another tweet, saying the US would use its “brand new beautiful” military equipment “without hesitation” if the Iranians retaliate.

Trump spoke out after pro-Iran factions ramped up pressure on US installations across Iraq with missiles and warnings to Iraqi troops—part of an outburst of fury over the killing of Qassem Soleimani, described as the second most-powerful man in Iran.

With the Islamic republic promising revenge, his killing was the most dramatic escalation yet in spiraling tensions between Washington and Tehran and has prompted fears of a major conflagration in the Middle East.

In the first hints of a possible retaliatory response, two mortar rounds hit an area near the US embassy in Baghdad on Saturday, security sources told AFP.

Almost simultaneously, two rockets slammed into the Al-Balad airbase where American troops are deployed north of Baghdad, security sources said.

The Iraqi military confirmed the missile attacks in Baghdad and on al-Balad and said there were no casualties. The US military also said no coalition troops were hurt.

With Americans wondering fearfully if, how and where Iran will hit back for the assassination, the US Department of Homeland Security issued a bulletin that said “at this time there is no specific, credible threat against the homeland.”

However on Saturday the website of the Federal Depository Library Program, a little-known US government agency, was breached by a group claiming to be linked to Iran, who posted graphics displaying the Iranian flag and vowing revenge for Soleimani’s death.

Separately, US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said in a statement that information given to Congress by Trump, a Republican, “prompts serious and urgent questions about the timing, manner and justification of” the strike.

“The Trump Administration’s provocative, escalatory and disproportionate military engagement continues to put service members, diplomats and citizens of America and our allies in danger,” said Pelosi, a Democrat.

Another prominent democrat, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, called the president a “monster”, for “threatening to target and kill innocent families, women and children”.

In a tweet, she said: “This is a war crime.”

..full story...

https://uk.yahoo.com/news/us-warns-target-52-iranian-065012075.html

[Nicky91]

yeah Trump, as if that will make Iran scared to stand down

lol


Another prominent democrat, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, called the president a “monster”, for “threatening to target and kill innocent families, women and children”.

very much agree Alexandria, but they are sadly not seen as victims but more collateral damage in the eyes of president orange moron :sad:


no more drone strikes, but be more effective in sending highly trained special forces down there, same sort of squad who took down Bin Laden, they are quite qualified for this job to take down the bad guys, and no or little collateral damage

[arista]

Yes Trump has warned Iran
do not attack them
or He will Hit Hard
52 Iranian Sites.

So a Planned counter attack is Trumps
next plan.

This is USA standing alone.
Typical Trump

[arista]

[Another prominent democrat, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, called the president a “monster”,]

Nicky that will only Boost Trump

[bots]

they can each do as much sabre rattling as they like, it's nothing new. It's only dangerous if it escalates and it takes both sides to do that.

[Tom4784]

Israel is fine, why wouldn't we want to align with them? Better than any of its neighbours.

How about all the human rights abuses? Netanyahu's blatant corruption?

I will never chose to align myself with a country that commits regularly and sadistic human rights abuses.

[Tom4784]

You cant reason with hate filled murderes who would openly celebrate the loss of innocence American or British lives.

Trump is doing the same as what Obama did when he sent troops to kill bin laden.

Believe it or not we are at war in this country and around the world fighting terrorist who live to kill and show no mercy to men women and children.

That is categorically wrong.

Obama inherited a war from Bush, his actions in killing Bin Laden were a part of the established war efforts but the US weren't at war with Iran when they attacked the country and Trump didn't get permission from either Congress or the Senate to attack. What he did was an act of war and no amount of lies about this attack being 'retaliation' will change the fact that it was largely an unprovoked act of war.

It doesn't matter what the circumstances were with Iran, Trump acted out of line and without the backing of his own government to kickstart a war to benefit his election campaign.

[Scarlett.]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ENguA3LWsAAHJxF?format=jpg&name=medium

[Nicky91]

take a look at the man in the mirror, Donnie before criticizing Obama

[arista]

Iraq's Parliament wants
The USA Army out of their nation.

[arista]

https://storify.com/services/proxy/2/y6jBm_Rqd-eqG4vTSze8NQ/https/media.fyre.co/9dwn33TS0uNSmI07vgMO_metro.JPG

[arista]

https://storify.com/services/proxy/2/45qsP7DNTx6h8-qW_23YKQ/https/media.fyre.co/I81GmP4yQYSW26Ui2Y2e_times.JPG

[Crimson Dynamo]

Literally full of bs to placate their cult ridden populus

[arista]

https://storify.com/services/proxy/2/mv2iLQscjuiahYP52F4xdg/https/media.fyre.co/PWqH97LSSmA69QnjyiXS_tele.JPG

[Twosugars]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ENguA3LWsAAHJxF?format=jpg&name=medium

LOL

[arista]

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/660/cpsprodpb/954C/production/_110402283_final-daily-mailpage1.jpg

[arista]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ENjN0dEWsAIlulG?format=jpg&name=small

[The Slim Reaper]

https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1214031169173348352.html

THREAD: Over the past few days, I've spoken extensively with career U.S. government officials as they've worked around the clock to try and mitigate the damage from Trump's ineptitude on Iran. With their permission, I'm sharing a small taste from our lengthy conversations. Enjoy.


"We have no functional national security decision-making process in place. We have no plan for what comes next. They are woefully unprepared for what's about to pop off, and they're too stupid to realize it. People here are freaking out, and rightfully so."


"We're still trying to dig out from underneath the last war of choice, and now they're trying to start a new one. I finally cracked open the bottle of scotch you gave me that I've been keeping stashed away in my desk drawer."
"I'm gonna call you later tonight to talk through this so I can go into meetings tomorrow armed with some sane talking points to insert into this cluster****."


"When did most of us find out about killing Soleimani? After it already happened. Since then, we've been trying to cobble together contingency planning on the fly, but these charlatans ignore most of it, and then Trump does more stupid **** that puts us back at square one."


"All Trump cares about is ****ting on Obama's legacy, sucking up to donors, and distracting from impeachment. None of this is about American interests or security. He's surrounded by ideological lunatic sycophants like Pence and Pompeo. But they're far from the only ones."


"So many of Trump's top advisors on Iran are military vets who served multiple tours of duty in our wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. They believe to their core that Iran is the reason why they lost those wars, and they're dead set on payback - no matter what it takes."


"They've been pushing to kill Soleimani for years, and they finally baited Trump into it. They think war with Iran is long overdue, so for them, this was a means to an end. When Iran responds, they'll tell Trump to hit the Iranians harder. You see where this could go."


"They know the Iraqis are gonna kick them out now, so they're gonna try to kill as many as possible on their way out. Iranians, Iraqis, whoever. Some of them are advising Trump to tell the Iraqi government to **** off and dare them to make us leave. I **** you not. Insanity."


"When I used your points about Soleimani's murder being a catalyst for Iranians to rally around the flag, they said that was 'Obama apologist bull****,' and the Soviet Union forced people against their will into public displays of support. So apparently Iran is a superpower now."


"Trump is threatening war crimes against Iran, and none of his top advisors have the courage to publicly oppose it. Instead, they act like cowards and go on background with journalists to express their opposition. They should all resign. They don't deserve to serve this country."


"We have friends that are getting deployed into war zones, but for what? Trump has deployed 14,000 troops over the past 6 months, and it didn't prevent the current crisis. At what point do we start asking whether deploying troops is part of the problem rather than the solution?"


"The scariest part is that they're just making **** up to justify their preferred course of action. When we point out inaccuracies or question logic, we're at best yelled at or at worst cut out of the process. Most of the political appointees are paranoid, unqualified, or both."


"Last year, if you would've asked me whether American institutions are durable enough to prevent a Trump-led war with Iran, I would've said absolutely. Today, I'm not so sure. For as bad as it looks to you all on the outside, it's even worse when you see it from the inside."


"One of Trump's top Iran advisors got suckered into a honey trap, had their laptop/iPhone stolen and hacked before they woke up, and the White House refused to take precautionary measures regarding their security clearance. Ladies and gents, I give you the Trump administration."


In conclusion: Yes, folks. It really is that bad. I am but a humble messenger of truth. The voice of the voiceless. That is all. You may now return to your regularly scheduled programming.

[Kizzy]

Thank the lord we are maybe beginning to see sense.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/06/no-10-uk-would-not-back-us-bombing-of-iranian-cultural-sites

[Twosugars]

Future of US military presence in Iraq in question amid confusion in Washington
US letter said troops would begin ‘onward movement’ from Iraq, but defense secretary insists no decision was made to evacuate

The withdrawal of the US task force from Iraq would dramatically weaken the effort to stop Isis regrouping,

The future of the US military presence in Iraq is in question amid scenes of confusion in Washington, as the Trump administration scrambled to respond to Iraqi demands for the troops to leave after last week’s assassination in Baghdad of Iran’s top general, Qassem Suleimani.

The US-led coalition taskforce fighting Isis in Iraq delivered a letter to the Iraqi defence ministry on Monday saying preparations would begin right away “to ensure that movement out of Iraq is conducted in a safe and efficient manner”.

But soon afterwards, the defence secretary, Mark Esper, told journalists in the Pentagon: “That letter is inconsistent with where we are right now” and insisted that no decision had been taken to evacuate Iraq. The chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, Gen Mark Milley, said the letter had been sent in error.

“That letter is a draft, it was a mistake, it was unsigned, it should not have been released,” Milley said, adding that it was “poorly worded, implies withdrawal, that is not what’s happening”.

The withdrawal of the taskforce from Iraq would dramatically weaken the effort to stop Isis regrouping, marking a strategic victory for Iran and a serious setback for the Trump administration, which urged Baghdad not to expel its counter-terrorist forces.

The evident confusion in Washington added to an impression among US allies and enemies alike that the decision to assassinate Suleimani without a clear plan of what to do next had weakened the US in the region.

US allies have continued to distance themselves from the decision, as millions of Iranians took to the streets to mourn and demand revenge for the assassination of the country’s top general.

Both Israel and Nato stressed they were not involved in the airstrike on Thursday. The US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, has already expressed disappointment in the lukewarm reaction of Washington’s European allies.

But the response of Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, was particularly striking, as he has been one of Trump’s staunchest supporters on the world stage.

He told a meeting of his security cabinet on Monday: “The assassination of Suleimani isn’t an Israeli event but an American event. We were not involved and should not be dragged into it.”

The Saudi deputy defence minister, Khalid bin Salman, was in Washington on Monday to urge restraint, joining a growing international chorus.

France’s foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, insisted there was still time for diplomacy but warned that without urgent action to defuse rising tensions there was a real risk of a new Middle East war.

The UN secretary general, António Guterres, who spoke to Pompeo on Monday, said that the region’s “cauldron of tensions is leading more and more countries to take unpredicted decisions with unpredictable consequences and a profound risk of miscalculation”.

The Trump administration refused a visa to the Iranian foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, to come to New York to address the UN security council on Thursday, violating the UN headquarters agreement, the Foreign Policy website reported. A spokesman for the Iranian mission said it had not been informed of any decision, and a UN spokesman declined to comment.

The US letter to the Iraqi military was signed by the US commanding general in Iraq, Brig Gen William Seely, and said that US forces “will be repositioning over the coming days and weeks to prepare for onward movement”.

The taskforce would try keep disruption to a minimum and do much of the airlift at night “to alleviate any perception” that the US was bringing more troops into Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone.

In London, the foreign office would not confirm or deny reports that the UK was scaling back staff at its embassies in Iran and Iraq to a minimum level, saying only that both sites were open and “the safety and security of our staff is of paramount importance and we keep our security posture under regular review”.

Iran has threatened a severe response to the US killing of Suleimani by drone strike in Baghdad last week. Brig Gen Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the commander of Iran’s aerospace division, said on Monday that the only appropriate response would be the “the complete destruction of America in the region”.

While beginning to withdraw counter-Isis forces from Iraq, the Pentagon, meanwhile, continued to pour reinforcements into the region in case of a direct conflict with Iran. US defence officials said the roughly 2,500-strong marine force onboard the Bataan amphibious ready group, equipped with Cobra helicopters and Harrier jets, would be sent to the Middle East from its current position in the Mediterranean.

Three thousand airborne troops are already on the way to Kuwait, and CNN reported that B-52 bombers were being sent to the Indian Ocean base of Diego Garcia, for potential use over the Middle East.

On Monday, Iraq’s caretaker prime minister, Adil Abdul-Mahdi, had summoned the US ambassador, Matthew Tueller, and called on the two countries to cooperate in arranging the US withdrawal. However, Abdul-Mahdi did not give a deadline for the US departure.

Trump faced condemnation on Monday for his threat to strike Iranian culture sites among 52 targets that the US would bomb in reprisal for any future Iranian attack. The number, he explained, was the same as the number of Americans taken hostage when the US embassy in Tehran was seized after the Islamic revolution in 1979.

Trump was also under continued pressure from Democrats on Monday for the lack of transparency over his justification for the assassination of Suleimani, who commanded the elite Quds force of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. Trump and Pompeo have claimed the general was plotting imminent attacks against US targets.

Abdul-Mahdi said the Iranian military leader had flown to Iraq to negotiate, and he claimed Trump had asked the Iraqi government to mediate.

Trump did not consult Congress or US allies before ordering the strike in the early hours of the morning in Baghdad. On Saturday, the White House delivered a formal notification to Congress as required by the 1973 War Powers Act, but its contents were classified. Normally such notifications are public documents with a classified section if required.

The Democratic senators Chuck Schumer and Bob Menendez wrote to Trump on Monday, demanding the war powers notification be declassified.

“We did not see anything here that he deemed required such a classification,” a Senate staffer said. “The War Powers Act provision requiring the 48-hour notification was included partly for transparency purposes with the American people during these delicate moments. [It’s] pretty self-defeating to hide something meant to be transparent.”

The White House has suggested it will brief selected members of Congress this week, but Kellyanne Conway, a Trump adviser, said the decision on timing was up to the Pentagon.

US allies in Europe and the Middle East have stressed that Suleimani had been a destabilising and destructive presence in the region, but they have largely stopped short of supporting Trump’s decision, calling for restraint on all sides.

The US briefed Nato ministers on Monday on the Suleimani killing. Speaking to journalists later, the Nato secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, distanced the alliance from the operation.

“This is a US decision, it is not a decision taken by either the global coalition nor Nato, but all allies are concerned about Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region, Iran’s support to different terrorist groups,” Stoltenberg said. He also confirmed the suspension of the Nato training mission in Iraq.

“In everything that we do, the safety of our personnel is paramount. As such, we have temporarily suspended our training on the ground,” the secretary general said.

There is mounting concern that the more cautious stance by the US-led coalition would make it much less effective and allow Isis to regenerate.

“The bottom line is that there won’t be much counter-terrorism going on in Iraq and Syria any time soon,” wrote Luke Hartig, former senior director for counter-terrorism on the national security council, now at the New America foundation. “Trump’s counter-terrorism legacy in Iraq and Syria may be a series of dead bodies but nothing that addresses the core of the problem and no partners willing to help us root it out.”
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/06/us-allies-trump-suleimani-killing-reaction-response


What a mess. This is what happens when there is a moron in the White House

[arista]

https://storify.com/services/proxy/2/VfM15nG0crmXfygFoK5-Tw/https/media.fyre.co/sMcZcbXlSlmwEfCtStqW_the%20i.JPG

[thesheriff443]

So you can’t make it up, 35 people killed so far in a stampede at the generals funeral 48 injured.

[arista]

So you can’t make it up, 35 people killed so far in a stampede at the generals funeral 48 injured.


Yes a Frenzy Rush
like he was a God to them or something like that.

Crazy.

[Cherie]

The stampede was probably artificially created, lets be real, what's killing a few civilians when it will add fuel to the already flaming fire

[arista]

The stampede was probably artificially created, lets be real, what's killing a few civilians when it will add fuel to the already flaming fire


No this happens alot in the Middle East

[Nicky91]

No this happens alot in the Middle East

didn't one also happen once near Mekka?

i can remember that being in the news some years back

[Tom4784]

Trump needs to be removed from office, if the republicans cared about anything other than lining their own pockets then they'd support either impeachment or enacting the 25th amendment because nothing about Trump suggests a stable mind.

[Kizzy]

The stampede was probably artificially created, lets be real, what's killing a few civilians when it will add fuel to the already flaming fire

The immediate threat he posed to justify the attack was artificially created let's be real.

[The Slim Reaper]

Such bravery from our pm

1214525885400911874

Paralysed by our inability to criticise Trump because of Brexit. So much for taking back control. Everybody check your fridges, let's see if we can find him together.

[Kizzy]

Such bravery from our pm

1214525885400911874

Paralysed by our inability to criticise Trump because of Brexit. So much for taking back control. Everybody check your fridges, let's see if we can find him together.

Prob still in Mustique... As if he'd come and do world leader stuff over the weekend too :/

[arista]

Corbyn is Live in Parliament
Moaning that the PM is not there.

He also just said
the Assassination is illegal.

[The Slim Reaper]

Corbyn is Live in Parliament
Moaning that the PM is not there.

He also just said
the Assassination is illegal.

Do you agree or disagree with that?

[arista]

Do you agree or disagree with that?


Ben Wallace
Defence Secretary

In Parliament answered that
by saying its a American Action.

[Oliver_W]

Where is the PM? I hope he does PMQs tomorrow...

[arista]

Where is the PM? I hope he does PMQs tomorrow...


The PM is in 10 Downing Street
running the Country.

He is due to do PMQ's tomorrow.

[Twosugars]

Ben Wallace
Defence Secretary

In Parliament answered that
by saying its a American Action.

You didnt answer the question

[Cherie]

The immediate threat he posed to justify the attack was artificially created let's be real.

Did I say otherwise?

[arista]

You didnt answer the question



Its legal under USA Army Rules
Prevention of more USA Deaths etc.

[Cherie]

Where is the PM? I hope he does PMQs tomorrow...

What do you want him to do? Stay the hell out of it for a change, UK troops already being put in the firing line even though they had nada to do with it

Donny didn’t consult anyone. Let him get out of it all by himself

[Twosugars]

Its legal under USA Army Rules
Prevention of more USA Deaths etc.

What is your personal opinion?

[Oliver_W]

What do you want him to do? Stay the hell out of it for a change, UK troops already being put in the firing line even though they had nada to do with it

Donny didn’t consult anyone. Let him get out of it all by himself

I'm against intervention in the middle east, I don't want "us" to do anything, unless they post a direct threat to us or our allies.

[Kizzy]

Did I say otherwise?

No did I say you did... Can you explain why you think they would kill 50 of their own in retaliation to American aggression?

[arista]

What is your personal opinion?

I do not have the Data
from the USA Army.

Do I trust the USA Army?
yes I do.

[bots]

the usa did do this on their own, without consultation. It's kind of stupid to ask for support after the event.

Trump did this for his own personal reasons, so it's nothing to do with us, certainly at this stage. Who knows whats yet to come

[Marsh.]

I hope they get his head.

[Kizzy]

We tell donnie to shove his trade deals and stay the feck out of it!

[Nicky91]

We tell donnie to shove his trade deals and stay the feck out of it!

now that would be a very good decision

[Cherie]

No did I say you did... Can you explain why you think they would kill 50 of their own in retaliation to American aggression?

You parroted my post in an attempt to bait

Stokes the population, especially those who might be not that unhappy at his demise

[Kizzy]

You parroted my post in an attempt to bait

Stokes the population, especially those who might be not that unhappy at his demise

My post was relevant and on topic.. please stop with this stupid you're baiting campaign cherie, it's boring and transparent!

Stick to the topic or just don't bother replying.

[Twosugars]

I do not have the Data
from the USA Army.

Do I trust the USA Army?
yes I do.

It seems it was a political decision, not much to do with the army

[Cherie]

My post was relevant and on topic.. please stop with this stupid you're baiting campaign cherie, it's boring and transparent!

Stick to the topic or just don't bother replying.

I have answered your question on the topic :)

[arista]

The Iranian Army
want to Destroy Trump Tower in NYC.

[arista]

It seems it was a political decision, not much to do with the army


Thats your view.

[thesheriff443]

Terrorist see the uk in the same way they see the us, we are are the the enemy.

History saw the us join us in world war two so we will always have a sense of duty.

[Tom4784]

We won't get a choice about going to war, the US will tell us to jump and we'll ask how high. Brexiters have ensured that we are nothing more than a vassal state of the US at this point.

[Denver]

Iran have attack the US military base in Iraq

[arista]

[Iran launches 'revenge' rocket attacks
on US troops at two Iraq bases ]

https://news.sky.com/story/iran-launches-revenge-rocket-attacks-at-us-troops-in-iraq-11903432

[Shaun]

Two groups of idiots with millions of innocent lives as collateral in their hands.

[Marsh.]

History saw the us join us in world war two so we will always have a sense of duty.

Don't make me laugh, a sense of duty to do the biddings of a ****ing moron?

[Rob!]

Oh bloody hell.

I mean, it's hardly a surprise they've responded, they said they would, though Trump probably wasn't expecting them to respond quite as quickly.

[user104658]

Hold onto your hats folks. :idc:

[Twosugars]

The orange moron taking the world to war to distracts from impeachment?

Move over Nero and Caligula, the new king of narcissistic stupidity has truly arrived

[Rob!]

Erm

1214712464509689857

[Denver]

Iran have threatened to destroy Dubai and Haifi, Israel if the US retaliate

[Denver]

They are threaten to attack Isreal and Isreal will annihilate Iran

[SherzyK]

1214736614217469953

[MB.]

A Ukrainian passenger jet has just crashed in Iran

[arista]

[At least 170 people die as airliner crashes in flames after taking off from Tehran international airport ]

https://news.sky.com/story/airliner-with-180-people-on-board-crashes-after-taking-off-from-tehran-international-airport-11903445


I have done another thread on this.
http://www.thisisbigbrother.com/forums/showthread.php?t=364194

[Shaun]

The orange moron taking the world to war to distracts from impeachment?

I don't understand this line of thought. It is pretty much common knowledge there is absolutely no chance the Senate will go against him.

[Ammi]

...I don’t understand, was the passenger plane sabotaged deliberately...?...

[bots]

Iran has attacked 2 USA bases in Iraq

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-51028954

[Ammi]

UK foreign secretary condemns "reckless and dangerous attacks"

Dominic Raab has said in a statement: "We condemn this attack on Iraqi military bases hosting Coalition - including British - forces.

"We are concerned by reports of casualties and use of ballistic missiles.

"We urge Iran not to repeat these reckless and dangerous attacks, and instead to pursue urgent de-escalation.

"A war in the Middle East would only benefit Daesh and other terrorist groups."

[Ammi]

The Ukrainian embassy to Iran has said that preliminary information suggests engine failure caused the crash of a Ukrainian airliner in Iran, rather than a missile attack or act of terrorism. Reuters reports that the embassy also said in a statement that 168 people had bought tickets for the flight.

[arista]

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/660/cpsprodpb/13936/production/_110428108_guardian-8-jan.jpg

[Nicky91]

all that blood from this base attack now on Trump's hands, poor US army :(

this was just a revenge action for their fallen leader, nothing more and nothing less, but it could go to war if the US retaliates and that is also something what Iran either doesn't want

[Crimson Dynamo]

all that blood from this base attack now on Trump's hands, poor US army :(

this was just a revenge action for their fallen leader, nothing more and nothing less, but it could go to war if the US retaliates and that is also something what Iran either doesn't want

and this attack on an airbase in Iraq a week or so ago in which a USA citizen died by Iran was for what reason?

Iraq: US civilian killed in attack on military base

https://www.dw.com/en/iraq-us-civilian-killed-in-attack-on-military-base/a-51815590

[MTVN]

Given the significance of General Soleimani and the passions that his killing aroused - Iran's military strike against US bases in Iraq was a modest response.

The attack was clearly timed to cause as few casualties as possible. Both the US and Iran - for all their rhetoric - do not want a wider conflict. So maybe a line can be drawn under this matter for now.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-51028954

[Kizzy]

I don't understand this line of thought. It is pretty much common knowledge there is absolutely no chance the Senate will go against him.

It can't be denied that this is a tactic used before by an unpopular president to garner support with unwarranted displays of military might.

" A Republican president facing a tough re-election campaign and widely viewed as hopelessly out of his depth. Bureaucrats itching to turn US military firepower on a Middle Eastern regime they claim without evidence is plotting an imminent attack. Compliant sections of the media that put*flag-waving jingoism*ahead of skeptical scrutiny.

So it was in late 2002, when President George W Bush’s administration built unstoppable momentum towards invading Iraq, promising to destroy weapons of mass destruction (WMD) that*never existed.*Nearly two decades later the potential target is not Iraq but Iran, with many of the same concerns over false pretexts and official lies."

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2020/jan/07/trump-news-today-live-impeachment-articles-iran-latest-updates-democrats

[user104658]

Given the significance of General Soleimani and the passions that his killing aroused - Iran's military strike against US bases in Iraq was a modest response.

The attack was clearly timed to cause as few casualties as possible. Both the US and Iran - for all their rhetoric - do not want a wider conflict. So maybe a line can be drawn under this matter for now.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-51028954

*If* US casualties are zero or minimal and *if* it does lead to a de-escalation quickly, then I'm personally calling BS on the entire thing as co-ordinated PR pantomime. Military false-flagging for civilian catharsis.

[Kizzy]

It's already been stated that the strike was heavy on symbolism, happening at the exact time the US attacked. There could really be no hope a revenge attack wouldn't materialise , but as attacks go this appears relatively minor thankfully.
I hope that tensions can begin to de escalate now.

[Nicky91]

mzR3rs1qFu4

from the BBC news

[arista]

Yes Iran wants to run Iraq

[The Slim Reaper]

Yes Iran wants to run Iraq

So does the US.

[arista]

President Trump was Live at the White House
he took no questions
His Generals standing behind him.

He informed Iran to Stop its Nuclear program.


[16:29
Trump: Nations have tolerated Iran's behaviour, those days are over]
[16:28
Trump: Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon as long as I am president]
[16:32
Trump: Sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behaviour ]

https://news.sky.com/story/live-us-iran-tensions-latest-as-tehran-attacks-air-bases-11903444

[bots]

Trump is not well, he was slurring and mispronouncing words all over the place

[Ammi]

...I’ve never seen the comments Sidebar move so quickly with so much being said...all he talks about is power and his own greatness...no mention of any loss of life if this escalates...he’s a despicable ego of a human...

[Ammi]

...’we have oil, we don’t need you...I’ve made this country great..’....he’s a caricature of something very unpleasant...

[arista]

Trump is not well, he was slurring and mispronouncing words all over the place


He has been like that
a long time.

[arista]

...I’ve never seen the comments Sidebar move so quickly with so much being said...all he talks about is power and his own greatness...no mention of any loss of life if this escalates...he’s a despicable ego of a human...

But has has mega support in USA.

[Crimson Dynamo]

But has has mega support in USA.

Indeed and looks likely to win the next election no problems.

[The Slim Reaper]

President Trump was Live at the White House
he took no questions
His Generals standing behind him.

He informed Iran to Stop its Nuclear program.


[16:29
Trump: Nations have tolerated Iran's behaviour, those days are over]
[16:28
Trump: Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon as long as I am president]
[16:32
Trump: Sanctions will remain until Iran changes its behaviour ]

https://news.sky.com/story/live-us-iran-tensions-latest-as-tehran-attacks-air-bases-11903444

Trump is the reason they started up their nuclear program up again after Obama negotiated them stopping.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Iran tv telling their viewers the strikes killed 80 American. Guy in Tehran just called LBC. What an awful corrupt badly run country.

:skull:

[Oliver_W]

Between us and the USA, we could pretty much make Iran completely disarmed, with barely any boots on the ground. Why let things escalate?

[thesheriff443]

Terrorist’s don’t want to live in peace, their aim is to rape and murder anyone that don’t agree with extremists views.

We have home grown terrorist’s, and the last attack in this country showed a murdering scumbag slaughtering the very people that gave him a second chance and an opportunity to change.

We can’t stick our heads under the covers and hope the bad men and women go away.

Terrorism threatens us all

[arista]

Trump is the reason they started up their nuclear program up again after Obama negotiated them stopping.



Of Course.

[arista]

1214952374470676486

[Twosugars]

1214952374470676486

Judging by his compensation bragging his cock must be really small

[Nicky91]

oh but Iran does not want a war either

[Crimson Dynamo]

1214952374470676486

In your face Iran:joker:

[bots]

The president's re-election campaign texted out a link to supporters after his televised address asking them to rate his performance.

Other questions on the poll included: "Do you feel safer under President Trump's leadership?"

And, "Who do you think is most fit to serve as Commander-in-Chief of the United States?" with the options to answer either "President Trump" or "A terrorist-apologist Democrat". :joker:

[user104658]

Between us and the USA, we could pretty much make Iran completely disarmed, with barely any boots on the ground. Why let things escalate?

That's not exactly how it went in Iraq, and Iran is larger and better armed? And in a strategic alliance with China.

[user104658]

1214952374470676486

I consider this evidence (if we needed any) that the prez is not all-powerful; the first half of the speech was written for him as things he had to say, the second half is where he was allowed his own input (with the bragging). His tone and demeanour completely changes.

[Shaun]

*If* US casualties are zero or minimal and *if* it does lead to a de-escalation quickly, then I'm personally calling BS on the entire thing as co-ordinated PR pantomime. Military false-flagging for civilian catharsis.

I was wondering last night if this wasn't all a ruse to get some level of US investment in Iran's weapon program now that they've withdrawn somewhat from the JCPOA. Both sides using the public's contempt of the enemy nation as a smokescreen for their actual business.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Trump has played a blinder it seems

[Tom4784]

Trump has played a blinder it seems

He can barely get his words out, it's like he's drunk.

He hasn't played a blinder, his handlers are flailing trying to avoid the iceberg that Trump's about to crash the US into.

[Twosugars]

President Donald Trump ordered the assassination of a top Iranian general and could lead the U.S. into another misguided conflict abroad. Here’s how you can profit!

That seemed to be the overarching theme of Stuart Varney’s Fox Business Network program last Friday morning following the news that Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani was killed by a U.S. drone strike in Iraq.

Over the span of his three-hour morning show, the Fox host repeatedly basked in the explosive glow of the precision drone strike’s boost to Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin stocks.

“Nice gains,” he salivated over the defense contractors’ stock prices like a sports commentator watching back an iconic play.

“Show ’em to me, show ’em to me, please,” the Fox host giddily pleaded with his producers at another point—referring to the latest price increases—practically bouncing in his chair like a child asking for a lollipop.

Ultimately, Varney could hardly contain his glee upon noting that, should you pick up stocks in “missiles and guns and stuff like that, you could do well today.”
https://www.thedailybeast.com/fox-host-stuart-varney-slobbers-over-defense-stock-prices-after-soleimani-airstrike

[Crimson Dynamo]

He can barely get his words out, it's like he's drunk.

He hasn't played a blinder, his handlers are flailing trying to avoid the iceberg that Trump's about to crash the US into.

It's just not realistic