Israel and Its Enemies

The US has been talking up a big exercise, suposedly a dress rehearsal for an attack on Iran's nuclear capabilities. The fact that the US is talking about it suggests that this has more to do with bluster than operations.

In the latest sign of escalating tension over Tehran's alleged nuclear program, Israel held a massive military exercise this month that involved the types of warplanes, distances and maneuvers required for airstrikes on Iran, according to senior U.S. officials.

The mock operation reflected a growing policy schism over Iran among major international players at a time when U.S. politics may freeze major decisions until a new administration is in place, its officials are confirmed and a policy review is complete.

More than 100 Israeli warplanes -- including F-15s and F-16s, refueling tankers and helicopters for pilot rescue -- were involved in the military exercise, which was first reported by the New York Times yesterday. Israeli warplanes flew as much as 900 miles across the Mediterranean and back, U.S. officials said.

To carry out a real attack, though, they would need to fly over Arab countries and US controlled air space. I don't think anybody doubts their ability to bamboozle Arab Air Forces more or less at will, but that isn't true of the US. So my guess is that they can't do it without our OK.

Which brings up the question: why are the Arab countries so impotent? I will save that for another post.

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