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North Korea Watch: Taepodong-2 Missile Launched by North Korea on July 4 Broke Up shortly After Launch
Reuters: N.Korean missile broke up soon after launch-reports
The Taepodong-2 long-range missile test-fired by North Korea on July 5 broke up and fell back to earth just after its launch, making its flight much shorter than previously believed, media reports said on Sunday.
The Japanese government had previously said the Taepodong-2 fell into the Sea of Japan about 640 km (400 miles) from the launch site.
Sources quoted by Kyodo news agency said the missile exploded in mid-air within 1.5 km of the launch site, either in a northeastern region of North Korea or in its territorial waters on the edge of the Sea of Japan.
It is apparent that North Korea has not yet developed the technology to guarantee ICBM capability. Nor is it clear that they can deliver a nuclear warhead tipped missile.
Good news for the United States but let’s not give North Korea the time nor the ability,including resources to obtain that capability and export it.
Experts have said the missile is potentially capable of hitting parts of U.S. territory.
The problem was most likely due to difficulties with the missile’s boosters, sources quoted by the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper said.
A Japanese government official quoted by the Yomiuri said the new analysis, which will be included in a report to be issued by the government early next month, indicated that North Korea’s missile technology was still immature.
“It will likely take a long time for North Korea to launch a Taepodong-2 again,” he added.
Perhaps.
Expect the unexpected in warfare……
Stay tuned……
Previous:
North Korea Watch: United Nations Security Council Votes for Limited Sanctions on North Korea
North Korea Watch: United States and Japan Press for United Nations Security Council Vote
North Korea Watch: Japan Demands Vote on United Nations Resolution
North Korea Watch: China and Russia Introduce Rival “Weakened†North Korea Resolution
North Korea Watch: North Korea Failing to Respond to China’s Diplomatic Efforts
North Korea Watch: North Korea States Conditions for Return to Talks
North Korea Watch: United Nations Security Council Vote on North Korea Postponed
North Korea Watch: China Asks Japan to Postpone United Nations Resolution
North Korea Watch: Japan Considers Pre-emptive Strike Against North Korea
Technorati Tags: NorthKorea, KimJongIl, MissileDefenseAgency
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Israel at War Watch: Israel Security Cabinet Approves Wider Ground Campaign
An unexploded Israeli missile lies in a street in the southern Lebanese border town of Bint Jbeil, the scene of intense battle between Hezbollah guerrillas and Israeli forces. Israel rejected mounting calls for a truce in its war on Hezbollah despite global outrage over an attack that killed at least 52 civilians, but a lull in raids allowed thousands of southern Lebanese to flee to safer havens.
AP: Israel approves wider ground offensive
Israel’s prime minister declared Monday that there would be no cease-fire with Hezbollah guerrillas, apologizing for the deaths of Lebanese civilians but saying “we will not give up on our goal to live a life free of terror.” His Security Cabinet approved widening the ground offensive.
Israeli warplanes hit Hezbollah fighters battling with soldiers near the border as the guerrillas fired mortars into Israel. But an Israeli suspension of most airstrikes in Lebanon — and a pause by the guerrillas on rocket attacks in northern Israel — brought both countries their quietest day since the conflict began three weeks ago.
Lebanese fled north in overflowing trucks and cars. About 200 people — mostly elderly — escaped the border town of Bint Jbail, where Israeli troops and Hezbollah guerrillas fought their bloodiest clashes. Two residents dropped dead on the road out, one of malnutrition, the other of heart failure.
These folks have had at least a week to “get out of Dodge.” What in the hell have they been waiting for? Or did Hezbollah convince them to stay?
An Israeli F16C fighter jet lands at the Ramat David Israeli air force base in northern Israel after returning from a mission over neighboring Lebanon on 20 July 2006.
Israel’s Security Cabinet early Tuesday approved widening the ground offensive, a participant said, and rejected a cease-fire until an international force is in place in southern Lebanon.
The participant, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to reporters, said Israel’s airstrikes would resume “in full force” after a 48-hour suspension expires in another day.
Thousands of army reserves have been called up in recent days in advance of the decision, which is expected to lead to sending more troops into the border area. Israeli leaders have said they want to carve out a zone about 1 mile wide that would be free of Hezbollah.
Flap thinks that this decision to widen the ground offensive has been long overdue. The rocket attacks on northern Israel have continued despite an intensive air campaign. Israel, if it wishes to suppress the military capability of Hezbollah, must destroy rocket launchers one by one, if need be.
Flap also thinks that Israel will desire a more extensive de-militarized zone (more than one mile) for the international force that eventually is deployed on the border.
In this photo provided by the White House, President Bush meets with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at the White House, Monday evening, July 31, 2006, to discuss her recent trip to the Middle East. The Israeli attack that killed 56 civilians in Qana, Lebanon, the deadliest single incident in the onslaught against Hezbollah militants, prompted Rice to cut her trip short.
Diplomacy by the Bush Administration will continue to be “slow played.” Israel is a sovereign state and must be allowed to defend itself against the non-state terrorists in Hezbollah who are waging an assymetric guerilla war.
Will an international force be sent to southern Lebanon to maintain the peace?
You bet, but not the blue helmeted United Nations forces. Probaby NATO will supply soldiers.
When?
After Israel wins a strategic victory against Hezbollah and not before.
Yesterday, Hezbollah and their minions in the western media were proclaiming victory for the Islamic terrorists and a defeat for Israel.
Flap thinks they celebrated too early.
Stay tuned…….
Captain Ed has Get Ready For The Offensive
While Israel earlier had asked for a 2-km buffer zone, reports say that the IDF incursion will penetrate much further than that. An Israeli commander interviewed on Fox said that they plan on pushing far into Lebanon to chase down and cut off Hezbollah. The IAF has successfully cut off many of the roads that Hezbollah would use to pull their equipment to safety in Syria, and they would need to act fast in order to take advantage of the cut in communications.
The French effort in Beirut has not yet hit the wires, but the French foreign minister has apparently requested an emergency meeting with the Iranian ambassador. France, which earlier today called Iran a stabilizing force in the Middle East, may try to get Iran to call back Hezbollah so that a settlement can be reached. I suppose it doesn’t hurt to ask, but one has to wonder how France would convince Iran that a war on Israel’s border doesn’t serve their national interest — which is, of course, the destruction of Israel.
France’s effort to engage Iran is more than likely to put a finger in the eye of Condoleezza Rice – just like they did to Colin Powell prior to the Iraq War. The French diplomats really are feckless unprincipled rascals who cannot be trusted. When Jacques Chirac
diesleaves office perhaps a new group will be more reasonable – maybe.
Previous:Israel at War Watch: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Tells Syrian Military to Raise Readiness
Israel at War Watch: Iran Foreign Minister Mottaki Arrives in Lebanon
Israel at War Watch: Israel’s Defense Minister Peretz – IDF Will Expand Ground Offensive
Israel at War Watch: Israel Agrees to 48 Hour Suspension Of Aerial Activity
Israel at War Watch: U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan Calls For An Immediate Cease-Fire in Lebanon
Israel at War Watch: Hezbollah Cowardly Civilian Blending Questioned?
Israel at War Watch: Iran – “This War is Our Warâ€
Michael Ramirez on the Cowardice of Hezbollah
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Israel at War Watch: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Tells Syrian Military to Raise Readiness
Syrian and Lebanese demonstrators carry pictures of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, top right and left, during a protest in front of the U.N. office in Damascus, Sunday, July 30, 2006 against an Israeli strike that devastated a building in Qana, Lebanon and killed at least 56 people, including at least 34 children, putting the total Lebanese death toll from the Israeli campaign at more than 500, the Lebanese Red Cross said.
Reuters: Raise readiness, Assad tells Syrian Army
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told the Syrian military on Monday to raise its readiness, pledging not to abandon support for Lebanese resistance against Israel.
“We are facing international circumstances and regional challenges that require caution, alert, readiness and preparedness,” Assad said.
“The barbaric war of annihilation the Israeli aggression is waging on our people in Lebanon and Palestine is increasing in ferocity,” Assad said in a written address on the occasion of the 61st anniversary of the foundation of the Syria Arab Army.Diplomats in Damascus say the Syrian army has been on alert since the Israeli onslaught on Lebanon began on July 12 after Hizbollah fighters captured two Israeli soldiers in a cross-border operation.
So, is Syria going to jump into this war?
Only to their demise……but certainly before the cowards in Tehran who hide behind the terrorists of Hezbollah.
Just breaking…..the AP is reporting that the Israeli Security Cabinet has approved a widening of the ground offensive in Lebanon.
Will Damascus reciprocate?
Stay tuned….
Previous:
Israel at War Watch: Iran Foreign Minister Mottaki Arrives in Lebanon
Israel at War Watch: Israel’s Defense Minister Peretz – IDF Will Expand Ground Offensive
Israel at War Watch: Israel Agrees to 48 Hour Suspension Of Aerial Activity
Israel at War Watch: U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan Calls For An Immediate Cease-Fire in Lebanon
Israel at War Watch: Hezbollah Cowardly Civilian Blending Questioned?
Israel at War Watch: Iran – “This War is Our Warâ€
Michael Ramirez on the Cowardice of Hezbollah
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Israel at War Watch: TTLB – Crisis in the Middle East: Mapping the Conflict
The Truth Laid Bear: Crisis in the Middle East: Mapping the Conflict
Truly an amazing resource…..
For current news and blog coverage of the crisis in the Middle East, bookmark this site NOW.
Flap knows you will be glad you did.
Technorati Tags: Israel, Hezbollah, Iran, The TruthLaidBear
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Israel at War Watch: Iran Foreign Minister Mottaki Arrives in Lebanon
Protestors burn a representation of a U.S. flag during an anti-Israeli demonstration in front of the U.N office in Tehran, Iran, Monday, July 31, 2006.Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki is expected in Beirut later Monday in the first visit by an Iranian official to war-hit Lebanon since fighting broke out between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah guerrillas.
AFP: IRAN FM TO MEET FRENCH COUNTERPART IN BEIRUT
Visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, whose country is one of the main backers of Hezbollah guerrillas battling Israeli forces, told AFP he was set to meet his French counterpart Philippe Douste-Blazy in Beirut late Monday.
Mottaki said he would meet Douste-Blazy, who was holding talks in Beirut earlier Monday in a bid to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict, at the Iranian embassy in Beirut.No use for Condoleezza Rice to be in Lebanon. The feckless French to the rescue.
NOT!
Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki, right, shakes hands with his Lebanese counterpart Fawzi Salloukh, left, in Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, July 31, 2006. Mottaki arrived in Lebanon over land from neighboring Syria Monday, in the first visit by an Iranian official to war-torn Lebanon since fighting broke out between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah guerrillas.
Flap supposes Mottaki is in Beirut to meet with Nasrallah and to take orders for replacement rockets.
Flap hopes the Mossad learns where Nasrallah is meeting Mottaki and……..
Update #1
Iran: International organizations partners in Zionist crimes
The Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said in Beirut that “Those that support the Zionist regime and failed in international efforts to stop Israeli aggressions against Lebanon are partners in the crimes of the Zionist regime.”
“What we see after three weeks of fighting is that the International organizations have not fulfilled their duties,” he added.Does Mottaki mean the United States?
Really…….
And what do you have to say about the United Nations?
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Israel at War Watch: Israel’s Defense Minister Peretz – IDF Will Expand Ground Offensive
Israel at War Watch: Israel Agrees to 48 Hour Suspension Of Aerial Activity
Israel at War Watch: U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan Calls For An Immediate Cease-Fire in Lebanon
Israel at War Watch: Hezbollah Cowardly Civilian Blending Questioned?
Israel at War Watch: Iran – “This War is Our Warâ€
Michael Ramirez on the Cowardice of Hezbollah
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Israel at War Watch: Israel’s Defense Minister Peretz – IDF Will Expand Ground Offensive
Jerusalem Post: Peretz: IDF will expand ground offensive
Israel must not agree to an immediate cease-fire, but rather expand and strengthen its attacks on Hizbullah, Defense Minister Amir Peretz told an emergency session of the Knesset on Monday.
“We must not agree to a ceasefire that would be implemented immediately,” Peretz said at the start of the heated session.
Israel needs a victory not a bloody,messy staus quo. Flap believes Prime Minister Olmert must give the IDF the go-ahead for a large ground invasion in order to clear out Hezbollah strongholds. Strongholds that have proven to be much more fortified and numerous than previously thought. Air strikes alone have not been particularly effective in eliminating the rocket attacks on northern Israel.
Peretz’s speech was frequently interrupted by Arab MKs, many of whom called the Defense Minister a “child killer” and “scoundrel.” Three Arab MKs were eventually ejected from the session, as Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik said she was giving them the “gift” of an ejection from the Knesset.
Aside from the Arab Party members, however, Peretz’s speech was widely echoed by MKs across the spectrum including Opposition Leader Binyamin Netanyahu who added that Hizbullah posed a strategic threat, and therefore required a strategic victory.
“The journey of war is like any other journey. It starts easily but midway there’s a difficult junction where we must decide whether we continue to climb the mountain or stop,” said Netanyahu. “I call on the government: Don’t stop midway. Complete the job.”
Well, if Olmert does not have the WILL to win this conflict with Hzbollah then Netanyahu will topple the Israeli government and finish the job.
There will be NO cease-fire until the Hezbollah threat is eliminated and the terrorists are disarmed. When Hezbollah no longer poses a military threat to Israel, the war will end – not before.
Israel needs to complete the job and with United States military support, if need be. The Israelis are fighting for America’s interests.
An IDF soldier stands in position at a concrete wall next to the Lebanese border in northern Israel, Sunday.
Captain Ed has Israel Will Expand Ground Offensive, Or Else ….
Netanyahu’s demands come as no surprise. He will want the war waged to maximum effect, and in a way represents a deterrent all on his own. If global pressure forces Olmert to leave Hezbollah in the field and still effectively attacking the Israeli north, Olmert’s Kadima coalition may well fail — and in wartime, the Israelis will likely turn to Netanyahu as the stronger alternative. Netanyahu will give the diplomats much less attention than Olmert, and may be tempted to widen the conflict to include Damascus.
Any “peace” that does not secure Israel against terrorist attack from Lebanon-based Hezbullah terrorists will be no peace at all. It could touch off a series of political changes that will create momentum for total war the likes of which have not been seen in the region for forty years.
Previous:
Israel at War Watch: Israel Agrees to 48 Hour Suspension Of Aerial Activity
Israel at War Watch: U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan Calls For An Immediate Cease-Fire in Lebanon
Israel at War Watch: Hezbollah Cowardly Civilian Blending Questioned?
Israel at War Watch: Iran – “This War is Our Warâ€
Michael Ramirez on the Cowardice of Hezbollah
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Iran Nuclear Watch: United Nations Security Council Passes Chapter 7 Resolution Deamanding Iran Cease Uranium Enrichment
U.S. Ambassador John Bolton arrives to a Security Council meeting regarding Iran’s Nuclear Program at United Nations headquarters, Monday, July 31, 2006.
AP: U.N. gives Iran until the end of August
The U.N. Security Council passed a weakened resolution Monday giving Iran until Aug. 31 to suspend uranium enrichment or face the threat of economic and diplomatic sanctions.
Because of Russian and Chinese demands, the text is weaker than earlier drafts, which would have made the threat of sanctions immediate. The draft now essentially requires the council to hold more discussions before it considers sanctions.
The draft passed by a vote of 14-1. Qatar, which represents Arab states on the council, cast the lone dissenting vote.
The ball is NOW in Iran’s court.
Stay tuned for more bloviations and threats from Ahmadinejad and the Iranian Mullahs.
But……the clock is ticking………Tick Tick……
A general view shows the Bushehr nuclear power plant in the Iranian Persian Gulf port of Bushehr, 1,200 Kms south of Tehran, in June 2006. France circulated a revised draft resolution in the UN Security Council that legally requires Iran to suspend all uranium enrichment and reprocessing activities. And this resolution passed the UNSC today.
Previous:
Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Rejects Terms of United Nations Security Council ResolutionÂ
Iran Nuclear Watch: United Nations “Provisional Agreement†on Iran’s Nuclear Program
Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran President Ahamdinejad Sends Letter to French President Jacques Chirac
Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran President Ahamdinejad Tells Israel “To Pack Up and Moveâ€
The Natanz uranium enrichment complex in Natanz is pictured in this January 2, 2006 satellite image.
Technorati Tags: Iran, Ahmadinejad
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Cindy Sheehan Watch: Anti-Israel Demonstrators Join Sheehan at Sacramento Street Protest
IndyBay: Cindy Sheehan Joins Peace Activists for Demonstration in Sacramento July 29th
Cindy Sheehan joined about 300 local activists at 16th & Broadway in Sacramento on the evening of July 29th for a demonstration against the ongoing occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan and Israel’s military offensive against innocent civilians in Lebanon.
Excuse me……
Israel is defending itself from the terrorists of Hezbollah who started this war by killing and kidnapping Israeli soldiers across the southern Lebanon border. This was an UNPROVOKED attack upon Israel.
So, Cindy do you subscribe to this anti-Israel view?
And what kind of peace talks are you attending in Jordan? Are they sponsored by Hezbollah or your buddy Hugo Chavez’s new friend, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the President of Iran?
Cindy Sheehan joined about 300 local activists at 16th & Broadway in Sacramento on the evening of July 29th for a demonstration against the ongoing occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan and Israel’s military offensive against innocent civilians in Lebanon. The demonstration was sponsored by Steve and Virginia Pearcy. Considering the short notice (24 hours), the turnout was impressive and can largely be attributed to Cindy’s star power. No one personifies the American Peace Movement like Cindy does and local members of the peace and justice community were excited at the opportunity to meet her in person.
Note the Impeach AIPAC sign.
Traffic through the intersection was fairly heavy and the reaction of passing motorists was almost entirely supportive, as evidenced by their horns, thumbs ups and peace signs. At one point Cindy stood near the edge of the curb on the southeast corner of the intersection with a picture of her son Casey and smiled and gave the peace sign to motorists stopped at the light. The sharp increase in the number and length of the honks of support made it obvious that many of the motorists recognized Cindy. The demonstration continued until nightfall, with signs, anti-war displays and colorful fags of many nations, which looked quite spectacular in the steady breeze.
Yes, lots of flags but only one small American flag depicted upside down.
Disgraceful…….
Stay tuned…..
Previous:
Cindy Sheehan Watch: Sheehan Heads to the Middle East for Peace Talks?
Technorati Tags: CindySheehan
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John Bolton Watch: Senator Schumer – Democrat Filibuster Unlikely
The UN Security Council has expressed “extreme shock and distress” at an Israeli air strike that killed 52 people, mostly children, and called for an end to the violence. US ambassador John Bolton, seen here, led opposition to any stronger wording in the Security Council statement during another tough day of negotiations over Lebanon.
New York Sun: Schumer Says Bolton Won’t Face Filibuster
A Democratic filibuster of John Bolton’s nomination as United Nations ambassador is “unlikely,” Senator Schumer said yesterday.
Mr. Schumer supported an effort last year to block Mr. Bolton’s nomination from gaining a full Senate vote, but he confirmed that he is considering changing his position.
New York’s senior senator said he was weighing Mr. Bolton’s backing of Israel against his unwillingness to work with other countries at the United Nations. “There’s a good part of Bolton. He’s been a staunch and very good defender of Israel,” Mr. Schumer said on CNN’s “Late Edition.” “There’s a bad part of Bolton. He seems to have a ‘go it alone’ attitude at a time when we need the nations of the world on our side. We’ve seen that in Iran and North Korea.”
John Bolton has been a good United Nations ambassador. It is doubtful that the Democrats will be able to sustain a filibuster in any case during an election year. The Dems simply do not wish to appear to be obstructionists – especially for a friend of Israel.
So, what is Schumer doing?
Why floating a “TRIAL BALOON.”
Flap handicaps John Bolton WILL be confirmed in September when the Senate reconvenes.
In this photo released by China’s Xinhua news agency, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton, right, confers with Israeli counterpart Dan Gillerman during a break in an emergency session of the Security Council Sunday, July 30, 2006 at the United Nations headquarters. The session was called after an Israeli airstrike Sunday killed at least 50 people in a southern Lebanese village.
Captain Ed has No Bolton Filibuster: Schumer
I’m happy that Schumer has decided to stop playing partisan politics with foreign-policy positions, which clearly fall into the purview of the White House and have tenure limited to that of the president’s term. Hopefully, his caucus will follow his lead and quit acting like petulant children. However, it would also be nice if they could finally make up their mind about whether multilateralism is a virtue or a vice and get their stories straight forthwith.
Previous:
John Bolton Watch: Too Effective
Democrats Block Bolton Nomination
Technorati Tags: JohnBolton, UnitedNations
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Day By Day by Chris Muir July 31, 2006
Discuss this blog post and MORE…. at the FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blogs, My Dental Forum.