[Peace-discuss] Diplomatic revolution, to some extent

[C. G. Estabrook]

[As usual with stories of this sort, the interesting question is why the sources 
choose to release them now.  Roughly, these two seem to illustrate how the USG 
war plans for the Middle East include a rapprochement with Iran -- regardless of 
of Israel's rage at its regional rival -- so that the war in AfPak can be more 
vigorously prosecuted, and Iran's acceptance of that role. Iran seems to accept 
the US view that a "strong Pakistan" = one that follows US orders and is not a 
source of opposition to effective US occupation of the region. --CGE]


	Obama to Israel: Don't surprise US with Iran war
	Thu, 14 May 2009 00:25:01 GMT

US President Barack Obama has sent a message to the Israeli prime minister to 
warn him against 'surprising' the US by launching a military attack on Iran.

A senior US official has met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel to 
convey Obama's message, Haaretz reported on Thursday.

Obama, in his message, voiced US's concern about a possible Israeli war against 
Iran.

The Americans do not want to face the facts on the ground at the last minute, 
President Obama reportedly said in his message.

The message seems to be so urgent that Obama preferred not to wait for 
Netanyahu's visit to Washington that is scheduled for next Monday.

The new Israeli government has vowed to halt Iran's nuclear program, even 
through launching military attacks on the country's nuclear facilities.

Israel, which is the only possessor of nuclear weapons in the Middle East, 
accuses Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons.

Tehran has repeatedly declared that its nuclear program is aimed at civilian 
purposes.

http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=94657&sectionid=351020104

	Iran favors a 'strong Pakistan'
	Wed, 13 May 2009 23:17:28 GMT

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki has highlighted the importance of 'a 
strong Pakistan' for the Muslim world.

"A strong and stable Pakistan will have a high importance to the Muslim world," 
Mottaki said in a meeting with Chief Minister of Punjab Province, Shahbaz 
Sharif, in Tehran on Wednesday.

The top Iranian diplomat added that Iran regards Pakistan's security as its own 
security.

Mottaki stressed that insecurity in Pakistan and Afghanistan will not affect 
only those countries and that it could spread to other countries.

Sharif also called for the expansion of ties between Iran and Pakistan in 
different fields.

The Pakistani official also briefed Mottaki on the latest developments in Pakistan.

http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=94651&sectionid=351020101

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