Map: The straights of Hormuz look shallow and narrow

As the Gulf is too shallow for US subs, this only leaves US air power to secure the straights. . Given Irans sophistication in missiles and its ownership of ‘SunBurn missiles’ it is hard to imagine it could not make an effective blockade.

Map from: http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/middle_east_and_asia/iran_strait_of_hormuz_2004.jpg

The word assassinate came from Persia.

The word assassinate comes from the Arabic word Hashishan. . Because young men spent days in a harem with lots of Hashish before they were sent out to exterminate an individual. There are of course conflicting accounts, some say no Harem, some say no Hashish. . The Hashishans were originally from Persia from before the 14th Century. . Here is a Wikipedia quotation: Hashshashin fortress of Alamut. The Hashshashin (also Hashishin, Hashashiyyin, Hashasheen or Assassins) were an offshoot of the Ismā’īlī sect of Shia Muslims. After a quarrel about the succession of leadership in the ruling Fatimide dynasty in Cairo around the year 1090, the losing Nizāriyya faction were driven from Egypt. They established a number of fortified settlements in present day Iran, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon under the charismatic leader Hasan-i Sabbah. Persecuted as infidels by the dominant sunni sect in the Muslim world, they sent dedicated people to eliminate prominent Sunni leaders, whom they considered “impious usurpers.” The sect was decimated by the invading Mongols, their last stronghold being flattened by Hülegü Khan in the year 1272. Some scholars believe the term Hashshashin, a name given to them by their enemies, was derived from the Arabic “haššāšīn” (حشّاشين, “hashish user”), which they are alleged to have ingested prior to their attacks, but this etymology is disputed. The sect referred to themselves as al-da’wa al-jadīda (Arabic:الدعوة الجديدة), which means the new doctrine, and were known within the organization as Fedayeen. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hashshashin

Iranians in Israeli prison for 25 years

Golan Heights to go back to Syria from Israel

Syria to get the Golan heights back? Here are some snippets of articles all saying the same thing.

It wouldn’t be wise to make a bet either way. Assuming everything stays the same, perhaps it is possible. What could change a plan for peace? Gaza or Lebanon flaring up would change things. Syria has also stated a just solution to the Palestinian issue is necessary.

So it is looking like all or nothing. A comprehensive peace with all of Israel’s enemies or none. Iran is too clever to be left out, and is clever enough to take a diminished role as well. Its strength is anyway growing in Iraq.

Another issue which could upset the apple cart. That is; unrest in the US. sods law could prevail, feeling like an attack from behind, the American people tire of rising prices, the diminishing dollar and civil rights.

Then the US crumbles as a Middle East power.

Would Israel be clever enough to take a diminished Middle East role?

To be just another small nation in the Middle East.

Or will it accept nothing less than an economic hegemony.

Trade is the cement for peace agreements, Israel would like oil flowing from Iraq. In the Camp David agreements with Egypt, Israel secured guarantees for Egyptian oil.

Water is the most important issue of all and Syria and Lebanon have more water than Israel. Perhaps Israel will insist on water?

Following the whole thought process through leaves me wondering about the settlements, they are the issue that leave a good or bad taste, after the signing.

It would seem that US policy is acting in tandem with Israeli policy (surprise surprise):

Re Syria’s policy to the US…

Sen. Kerry to Bush: Dissolve your cabinet Presstv MSNBC

Oh Yes please, a way out, that’ll do.

A message to our mentors

Who is more patriotic?

The one who says, ‘if they go for Iran, they’ll get an electric shock’ and puts his thumbs up.

Or the one who goes for Iran and gets an electric shock. The gunghos are doing no one a favour, particularly themselves, their offspring and their allies.

War with Iran close, no far away, no close ….

War with Iran close, no far away, no close ….

Everyday different headlines, all persuasive and convincing. The Neo Cons have never changed their tune, they are predictable. But the recent events in Lebanon surely have had an earth shattering effect. Maybe now the penny has dropped. The gungho realize other people are the same. Whether Arabs Chinese blue or brown. And to add insult to injury, capitalism is looking like a joke. And not even working in the favour of the imperialists!

Like petrol waiting for a spark: everyone can see through the poverty of our ruling juntas.

So what now, buy time, that won’t work. It is time for a radical change, some admission of guilt, which means a required demonising of the old guard, a new ‘gang of four’.

Bush is visiting Olmert in Israel, two empties in a vacuum, a manifestation of a vacuum, spin won’t even help. Is he going to announce more arms shipments, to who, the Lebanese Govt, Palestinian Authority, the Iraqi Govt forces.

Three more people were killed in Sadr city last night. A patriotic loyal officer insured this would happen, someone who thinks they believe in Bush or Olmert. Someone who grew up to be loyal to their country and to their kind.

The west empowers Iran!

Iranian expansion is root of Mid East crises says Israeli Army Radio.

Great your young will now hate Iran. Iran is just filling the void. The west has destroyed its two enemies, the Taliban and Saddam’s Baathists. Created a pro Iranian Government in Iraq. Nurtured the creation and success of Hamas. And created Hizbollah out of a forlorn peasant farmer class. The Iranians, Chinese and Russians are laughing themselves silly. And nobody can put a stop to it. Because the power is hidden and rooted in a fundamentalist anachronistic philosophy. Implemented by a capitalist armaments industry.

Sadr forces relinquish Basra

Sadr relinquishes Basra.

As the Israelis have outfoxed the Arabs.  Now Iran is Outfoxing the West.

By not allowing itself to be baited, and realizing time is on its side.

There must have been a lot of behind the scenes mediating.

How does Iran always come out smelling of roses and pushing for peace?

Presumably the oil revenues have been divied, this time there was no blowing up of the oil pipes.

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There are still unanswered questions, fighting continues in Sadr city, and Sadr is threatening an all out war. Well Rice’s unannounced visit is for a reason.