Let's calm down. Messianic Bush isn't about to rain down nukes on Iran: So David Aaronovitch blithely reassures us, dismissing Seymour Hersh in the process.

Hersh's article was based largely (exclusively?) on anonymous sources. This is a discredited tactic in American journalism and Hersh, because of his track record and reputation for integrity, is one of the few who could get away with using it on a major story like this. The journalist's reputation is why it became world news.

It remains to be seen whether Bush will indulge in the supreme folly of a nuclear or conventional attack on Iran. I think it possible but unlikely. Hersh's view is that the US administration definitely wants to do it but may (or may not) be deterred in the end by the consequences, the complications, and resistance from other sectors of the US elite.

The Turkish FM has come out with a forthright statement which should be emulated by all countries including Australia:

"Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said Sunday that his country refused a request from the United States to attack Iran from its Air Force base in Incirlik, despite the U.S. offer of a nuclear reactor, according to a report in Al Biyan.

"In an interview for the United Arab Emirates newspaper, Gul noted that America’s efforts to attack Iran are “imaginary” and that Turkey’s stance is “strategic” and refuses the use of its land for any belligerent activity against neighboring countries."

Appeasement of US aggression must end.

Let's calm down. Messianic Bush isn't about to rain down nukes on Iran: So David Aaronovitch blithely reassures us, dismissing Seymour Hersh in the process.

Hersh's article was based largely (exclusively?) on anonymous sources. This is a discredited tactic in American journalism and Hersh, because of his track record and reputation for integrity, is one of the few who could get away with using it on a major story like this. The journalist's reputation is why it became world news.

It remains to be seen whether Bush will indulge in the supreme folly of a nuclear or conventional attack on Iran. I think it possible but unlikely. Hersh's view is that the US administration definitely wants to do it but may (or may not) be deterred in the end by the consequences, the complications, and resistance from other sectors of the US elite.

The Turkish FM has come out with a forthright statement which should be emulated by all countries including Australia:

"Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said Sunday that his country refused a request from the United States to attack Iran from its Air Force base in Incirlik, despite the U.S. offer of a nuclear reactor, according to a report in Al Biyan.

"In an interview for the United Arab Emirates newspaper, Gul noted that America’s efforts to attack Iran are “imaginary” and that Turkey’s stance is “strategic” and refuses the use of its land for any belligerent activity against neighboring countries."

Appeasement of US aggression must end.