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September 17, 2008

CIA director Michael Hayden: 'al-Qaida wants to use nukes'

Topics: War on Terror

Pointing to a critical reason to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, CIA director Michael Hayden says "there is no greater national security threat facing the United States than al-Qaida." According to Hayden, the terror group is the most likely to actually use nuclear weapons if it were to obtain them and the nuclear question involving North Korea and Iran is not one "of capability, but intent."

This news comes on the day that we learn both front-runners for the leadership of Israel's ruling party are vowing to take a hard line against Iran, threatening possible military force if sanctions do not halt what Israel believes is a covert nuclear weapons program. Israeli officials describe Iran as the biggest threat to Israel's existence, and cite Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's frequent calls for Israel's destruction and the Iranian development of long-range missiles capable of striking the Jewish state.

As offered at IBD today, bunker-busters may be the only thing standing between the civilized world and a country that is openly hostile. It's unfortunate, but pre-emption is looking like the only choice. To hold back, or to talk futilely to an Islamist wall, would likely bring only tragic consequences. With the West twiddling its proverbial thumbs, it looks like it may be up to Israel to safe the civilized world

I happen to strongly agree with IBD's assessment of Iran nuclear issue, only I'd modify the second to the last sentence in the above paragraph to read, "To hold back, or to talk futilely to an Islamist wall, will likely bring only tragic consequences for the West. After all, Ahmadinijad has made clear his intentions - to Islamicize the West or destroy it. As for Israel, his language has made it even more clear - he intends to destroy it.

It looks as though it's up to us to decide which, and that Islamist wall isn't getting any smaller nor is the time for a decision being extended. Although should Obama be elected President, no doubt he believes he can sweet talk them into giving up their nukes and joining the world in a great kumbaya.

Posted by Richard at September 17, 2008 12:20 AM

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• CIA director Michael Hayden: 'al-Qaida wants to use nukes' - Sep 17, 2008