Lebanon: What U.S. Warships off the Coast Do -- and Do Not -- Mean

Forwarded:

This kind of thing has been a concern of mine for quite some time as
you already know.. War with Iran and Syria could get started via
Lebanon.. Especially if Israel goes back in there after Hezbollah..
That assassination in Syria was a deliberate attempt to provoke
retaliation from Hezbollah in order to give the Israelis an 'excuse'
to go back in.. How convenient for ships to be off the coast at such a
time.. Not saying that this will take place for sure, but it doesn't
look good... It would be right in accordance with the rest of the 'A
Clean Break' agenda (see the 'A Clean Break' post near the top of
http://NEOCONZIONISTTHREAT.BLOGSPOT.COM) as you already know (with a
co-writer of it being JINSA/PNAC associated Richard Perle who
routinely whispers in Cheney's ear from his perch up at AEI where
Cheney's wife is a fellow as well!).


-----Original Message-----


Sent: Friday, February 29, 2008 12:53 PM

Subject: Lebanon: What U.S. Warships off the Coast Do -- and Do Not --
Mean


Strategic Forecasting, Inc.
---------------------------

LEBANON: WHAT U.S. WARSHIPS OFF THE COAST DO -- AND DO NOT -- MEAN

Summary
At least part of the USS Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group will pause
in
the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Lebanon and Syria during a
routine deployment, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm.
Michael Mullen said Feb. 28. While the ships' presence is sure to grab
Syria's attention, it is not a precursor to a military strike. Rather,
the United States is signaling to Syria, Iran and Hezbollah that any
bold moves to impose their will on the Lebanese government or
retaliate
for the death of Hezbollah commander Imad Mughniyah could have serious
repercussions.

Analysis


At least a portion of the USS Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG)
will pause off the coast of Lebanon and Syria during a routine
deployment, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael
Mullen announced Feb. 28. The Nassau is set to join the USS Cole
(DDG-67), and the ships will probably remain over the horizon and
largely unseen from the coast (although the Nassau has a much more
imposing silhouette than the Cole).

The total number of U.S. warships in the eastern Mediterranean will
thus
likely rise above three -- something that is sure to get Syrian
President Bashar al Assad to sit upright in his seat. U.S. naval
presence off the Syrian coast could grow even more in only two weeks
or
so if other ships in the ESG arrive.

Syria is already facing mounting pressure from multiple sides to back
down on its aggressive campaign in Lebanon. While Washington and the
Gulf Arab states, led by Saudi Arabia, are pressuring Syria to strike
a
deal over the Lebanese presidency to pull that country out of
political
stagnation, Israel is strongly hinting that it is preparing for a
rematch with Hezbollah. The prospect of a coordinated U.S.-Israeli
military operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon is a signal to the
Syria-Hezbollah-Iran axis that any bold moves to force its political
demands in Lebanon or retaliate for the Feb. 12 assassination of
Hezbollah top commander Imad Mughniyah will likely be met with a heavy
blow to Hezbollah.

The Nassau ESG had been expected to deploy with the North Carolina-
based
24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), but those Marines were recently
retasked for a last-minute deployment to Afghanistan. Thus, despite
rumors circulating in the press, there are few if any Marines deployed
with this particular ESG. In addition, various components of the ESG
have left in a staggered manner, meaning that portions of the group
have
not yet joined up with the Nassau.

When fully assembled, the Nassau ESG will include some 2,800 sailors
and
will comprise:

The Nassau (LHA-4), a Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship that is
larger than a World War II aircraft carrier and normally carries more
than 1,500 Marines and some 50 helicopters and fighter aircraft;
The Ashland (LSD-48), a dock landing ship that can carry as many as
four
air-cushion landing craft;
The Nashville (LPD-13), an amphibious transport dockship whose sister
ship, the Trenton (LPD-14), was involved in the evacuation of some
3,500
U.S. nationals from Beirut in 2006 before it was transferred to the
Indian Navy in 2007;
The Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser Philippine Sea (CG-58);
The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers Ross (DDG-71) and
Bulkeley (DDG-84), which have the same capabilities as the Cole, with
the exception that the Bulkeley is a later Flight IIA variant that
likely carries two helicopters; and
The attack submarine Albany (SSN-753), an Improved Los Angeles class
variant with 12 vertical launch tubes for Tomahawk cruise missiles (it
might carry more internally).

Even without the MEU aboard, this would represent an impressive naval
force unlike anything the United States has parked off the Levant in
some time. In addition to the Albany's capabilities, the surface
combatants soon to arrive off the Syrian coast are equipped with
Aegis,
Harpoon anti-ship and Tomahawk cruise missiles, as well as 5-inch
guns.
That represents the most naval hitting power currently positioned in
the
Eastern Mediterranean.

Copyright 2008 Strategic Forecasting, Inc.





James Morris wrote:

After reading the following take a look at the 'A Clean Break'/war for
Israel agenda as discussed by respected American intelligence author/
writer James Bamford via the link near the top of http://NEOCONZIONISTTHREAT..BLOGSPOT.COM
:

U.S. sends warship off Lebanon coast (Reuters)
By Sue Pleming and Andrew Gray
Thu Feb 28, 6:52 PM ET

Signaling impatience with Syria, the United States has sent its USS
Cole warship off the coast of Lebanon in a show of support amid
Beirut's political crisis, U.S. officials said on Thursday.
Officials said the Bush administration was concerned about political
deadlock in Lebanon, which Washington blames on Syrian meddling, and
the move underlined that worry.
"The presence is important. It isn't meant to send any stronger
signals than that but in fact it does signal that we're engaged, we're
going to be in the vicinity," said Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the
U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Mullen said the decision was not aimed only at Syria but at the region
as whole.
"That's a very, very important part of the world and stability there
as well as in the broader Middle East is an important outcome for us,"
he told reporters at the Pentagon.
A U.S. defense official said the Cole, a destroyer, left Malta on
Tuesday heading toward Lebanon, adding it would not be within visible
range of Lebanon but "well over the horizon."
A couple of U.S. Navy refueling ships were also in the area, the
official said.
Lebanon's Western-backed governing coalition and its Syrian and
Iranian backed opposition have failed to reach a deal to end the
country's political conflict.
"The United States believes a show of support is important for
regional stability," said a senior Bush administration official, who
spoke on condition he was not identified.
"We are very concerned about the situation in Lebanon. It has dragged
on very long."
The Cole was attacked off the coast of Yemen in October 2000 by al
Qaeda militants. Seventeen U.S. sailors were killed.
Mullen said a group of ships will operate in the eastern Mediterranean
"for a while."
The Lebanese government had no immediate comment.
But Hezbollah ally and Christian opposition leader Michel Aoun said
the United States sent the Cole to display its deterrence capability
and he was not worried about the action.
OTHER SHIP EN ROUTE
Two U.S. defense officials said the Cole could be replaced by the USS
Nassau, an amphibious assault ship on a course for the Mediterranean.
Such ships can transport U.S. Marines but there are no Marines on the
Nassau, one official said.
A third defense official noted the Nassau was accompanied by other
vessels as part of an expeditionary strike group and suggested some of
them may be more likely to relieve the Cole.
The presidential election in Lebanon was postponed again this week to
March 11 from February 26, the 15th such delay, after rival leaders
failed to reach a deal.
The deadlock has threatened to degenerate into sectarian violence and
continues to poison inter-Arab relations in the run-up to an Arab
League summit in Syria next month.
"The Arab League is engaged but it has not been successful. In those
set of circumstances we think a show of support for regional stability
and regional solutions is important," said the senior Bush
administration official.
Saudi Arabia, a close U.S. ally which supports the pro-Western
coalition, has also voiced concern over events in Lebanon and
discussed the issue with President George W. Bush last month during
his visit to Saudi Arabia.
Bush ordered the move earlier this week as a sign of concern over
Lebanon and consulted U.S. allies such as France and Britain about it
as well as those in the Middle East.
Bush administration officials declined to say whether the decision was
taken partly because of Saudi pressure.
"The president is concerned about the situation in Lebanon and
discusses the issue regularly with his national security team," said
National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe.
The United States has increased pressure on Syria in recent weeks,
targeting more individuals with sanctions.
The U.S. Treasury froze assets of four Syrians on Thursday, saying
they facilitated the flow of money, weapons and terrorists through
Syria to al Qaeda in Iraq.
(Editing by Cynthia Osterman)

Additional at the following URL:

http://www.itszone.co.uk/zone0/viewt...=420529#420529

James Morris wrote:
Generals to quit if US strikes Iran

http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?i...onid=351020101

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:49:33
Some senior US military commanders are prepared to resign if President
Bush orders a military strike against Iran, a new report says.
"There are four or five generals and admirals we know of who would
resign if Bush ordered an attack on Iran," The Sunday Times quoted
Monday a source with close ties to British intelligence .
"There is simply no stomach for it in the Pentagon, and a lot of
people question whether such an attack would be effective or even
possible," the source added.
If proven true a revolt on such a scale would be unprecedented because
'American generals usually stay and fight until they get fired," said
a Pentagon source.
Robert Gates, the defense secretary, has repeatedly warned against
striking Iran and is believed to represent the view of his senior
commanders.
Iran has announced that in face of any aggression it will respond like
a 'tsunami'.
MT/DT
Count of views : 538
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Additional at following URL:

http://www.itszone.co.uk/zone0/viewt...1055&start=620

http://NEOCONZIONISTTHREAT.BLOGSPOT.COM

Iraq's Deeply Tragic Future (US to bomb Iran next for Israel as well)
By Scott Ritter

View this story online at: http://www.alternet.org/story/76318/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes, There Is a Guerrilla War Against Zionism in the U.S. What Should
Jewish Institutions Do?:

http://www.philipweiss.org/mondoweis...it-of-a-h.html

Finkelstein, a Victim of the Israel Lobby, Denies That It Has Power

http://www.philipweiss.org/mondoweis...all-norma.html

If you do a search for 'Mearsheimer' in the search field at
CBSNEWS.COM, the following article that Phil Weiss wrote for 'The
Nation' about Mearsheimer/Walt appears as the only reference::

Ferment Over The 'Israel Lobby':

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/...e=search_story

Additional about Congressman Howard Berman on Israel and the pro-
Israel lobby:

http://www.warwithoutend.co.uk/zone0...ic.php?t=85265

Read the first part of the following article for how Obama pandered to
the pro-Israel lobby as well just as Hillary Clinton has done:

The Lobby Strikes Back:

http://www.amconmag.com/2007/2007_12_03/cover.html

Can hear the latest C-SPAN viewer call which mentioned the 'A Clean
Break'/War for Israel agenda which is linked near the top of the
following URL:

http://NEOCONZIONISTTHREAT.BLOGSPOT.COM

Jewish Advocates of Pre-Emptive War with Iran Come Under Increasing
Criticism:

http://www.itszone.co.uk/zone0/viewt...=422015#422015

On Feb 29, 3:53*pm, NOMOREWARFORISRAEL
wrote:
Forwarded:

This kind of thing has been a concern of mine for quite some time as
you already know.. War with Iran and Syria could get started via
Lebanon.. Especially if Israel goes back in there after Hezbollah..
That assassination in Syria was a deliberate attempt to provoke
retaliation from Hezbollah in order to give the Israelis an 'excuse'
to go back in.. How convenient for ships to be off the coast at such a
time.. Not saying that this will take place for sure, but it doesn't
look good... It would be right in accordance with the rest of the 'A
Clean Break' agenda (see the 'A Clean Break' post near the top ofhttp://NEOCONZIONISTTHREAT.BLOGSPOT.COM) as you already know (with a
co-writer of it being JINSA/PNAC associated Richard Perle who
routinely whispers in Cheney's ear from his perch up at AEI where
Cheney's wife is a fellow as well!).



-----Original Message-----

Sent: Friday, February 29, 2008 12:53 PM

Subject: Lebanon: What U.S. Warships off the Coast Do -- and Do Not --

Mean

Strategic Forecasting, Inc.
---------------------------

LEBANON: WHAT U.S. WARSHIPS OFF THE COAST DO -- AND DO NOT -- MEAN

Summary
At least part of the USS Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group will pause
in
the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Lebanon and Syria during a
routine deployment, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm.
Michael Mullen said Feb. 28. While the ships' presence is sure to grab
Syria's attention, it is not a precursor to a military strike. Rather,
the United States is signaling to Syria, Iran and Hezbollah that any
bold moves to impose their will on the Lebanese government or
retaliate
for the death of Hezbollah commander Imad Mughniyah could have serious
repercussions.

Analysis

At least a portion of the USS Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG)
will pause off the coast of Lebanon and Syria during a routine
deployment, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael
Mullen announced Feb. 28. The Nassau is set to join the USS Cole
(DDG-67), and the ships will probably remain over the horizon and
largely unseen from the coast (although the Nassau has a much more
imposing silhouette than the Cole).

The total number of U.S. warships in the eastern Mediterranean will
thus
likely rise above three -- something that is sure to get Syrian
President Bashar al Assad to sit upright in his seat. U.S. naval
presence off the Syrian coast could grow even more in only two weeks
or
so if other ships in the ESG arrive.

Syria is already facing mounting pressure from multiple sides to back
down on its aggressive campaign in Lebanon. While Washington and the
Gulf Arab states, led by Saudi Arabia, are pressuring Syria to strike
a
deal over the Lebanese presidency to pull that country out of
political
stagnation, Israel is strongly hinting that it is preparing for a
rematch with Hezbollah. The prospect of a coordinated U.S.-Israeli
military operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon is a signal to the
Syria-Hezbollah-Iran axis that any bold moves to force its political
demands in Lebanon or retaliate for the Feb. 12 assassination of
Hezbollah top commander Imad Mughniyah will likely be met with a heavy
blow to Hezbollah.

The Nassau ESG had been expected to deploy with the North Carolina-
based
24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), but those Marines were recently
retasked for a last-minute deployment to Afghanistan. Thus, despite
rumors circulating in the press, there are few if any Marines deployed
with this particular ESG. In addition, various components of the ESG
have left in a staggered manner, meaning that portions of the group
have
not yet joined up with the Nassau.

When fully assembled, the Nassau ESG will include some 2,800 sailors
and
will comprise:

The Nassau (LHA-4), a Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship that is
larger than a World War II aircraft carrier and normally carries more
than 1,500 Marines and some 50 helicopters and fighter aircraft;
The Ashland (LSD-48), a dock landing ship that can carry as many as
four
air-cushion landing craft;
The Nashville (LPD-13), an amphibious transport dockship whose sister
ship, the Trenton (LPD-14), was involved in the evacuation of some
3,500
U.S. nationals from Beirut in 2006 before it was transferred to the
Indian Navy in 2007;
The Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser Philippine Sea (CG-58);
The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers Ross (DDG-71) and
Bulkeley (DDG-84), which have the same capabilities as the Cole, with
the exception that the Bulkeley is a later Flight IIA variant that
likely carries two helicopters; and
The attack submarine Albany (SSN-753), an Improved Los Angeles class
variant with 12 vertical launch tubes for Tomahawk cruise missiles (it
might carry more internally).

Even without the MEU aboard, this would represent an impressive naval
force unlike anything the United States has parked off the Levant in
some time. In addition to the Albany's capabilities, the surface
combatants soon to arrive off the Syrian coast are equipped with
Aegis,
Harpoon anti-ship and Tomahawk cruise missiles, as well as 5-inch
guns.
That represents the most naval hitting power currently positioned in
the
Eastern Mediterranean.

Copyright 2008 Strategic Forecasting, Inc.

James Morris wrote:

After reading the following take a look at the 'A Clean Break'/war for
Israel agenda as discussed by respected American intelligence author/
writer James Bamford via the link near the top ofhttp://NEOCONZIONISTTHREAT.BLOGSPOT.COM
:

U.S. sends warship off Lebanon coast (Reuters)
By Sue Pleming and Andrew Gray
Thu Feb 28, 6:52 PM ET

Signaling impatience with Syria, the United States has sent its USS
Cole warship off the coast of Lebanon in a show of support amid
Beirut's political crisis, U.S. officials said on Thursday.
Officials said the Bush administration was concerned about political
deadlock in Lebanon, which Washington blames on Syrian meddling, and
the move underlined that worry.
"The presence is important. It isn't meant to send any stronger
signals than that but in fact it does signal that we're engaged, we're
going to be in the vicinity," said Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the
U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Mullen said the decision was not aimed only at Syria but at the region
as whole.
"That's a very, very important part of the world and stability there
as well as in the broader Middle East is an important outcome for us,"
he told reporters at the Pentagon.
A U.S. defense official said the Cole, a destroyer, left Malta on
Tuesday heading toward Lebanon, adding it would not be within visible
range of Lebanon but "well over the horizon."
A couple of U.S. Navy refueling ships were also in the area, the
official said.
Lebanon's Western-backed governing coalition and its Syrian and
Iranian backed opposition have failed to reach a deal to end the
country's political conflict.
"The United States believes a show of support is important for
regional stability," said a senior Bush administration official, who
spoke on condition he was not identified.
"We are very concerned about the situation in Lebanon. It has dragged
on very long."
The Cole was attacked off the coast of Yemen in October 2000 by al
Qaeda militants. Seventeen U.S. sailors were killed.
Mullen said a group of ships will operate in the eastern Mediterranean
"for a while."
The Lebanese government had no immediate comment.
But Hezbollah ally and Christian opposition leader Michel Aoun said
the United States sent the Cole to display its deterrence capability
and he was not worried about the action.
OTHER SHIP EN ROUTE
Two U.S. defense officials said the Cole could be replaced by the USS
Nassau, an amphibious assault ship on a course for the Mediterranean.
Such ships can transport U.S. Marines but there are no Marines on the
Nassau, one official said.
A third defense official noted the Nassau was accompanied by other
vessels as part of an expeditionary strike group and suggested some of
them may be more likely to relieve the Cole.
The presidential election in Lebanon was postponed again this week to
March 11 from February 26, the 15th such delay, after rival leaders
failed to reach a deal.
The deadlock has threatened to degenerate into sectarian violence and
continues to poison inter-Arab relations in the run-up to an Arab
League summit in Syria next month.
"The Arab League is engaged but it has not been successful. In those
set of circumstances we think a show of support for regional stability
and regional solutions is important," said the senior Bush
administration official.
Saudi Arabia, a close U.S. ally which supports the pro-Western
coalition, has also voiced concern over events in Lebanon and
discussed the issue with President George W. Bush last month during
his visit to Saudi Arabia.
Bush ordered the move earlier this week as a sign of concern over
Lebanon and consulted U.S. allies such as France and Britain about it
as well as those in the Middle East.
Bush administration officials declined to say whether the decision was
taken partly because of Saudi pressure.
"The president is concerned about the situation in Lebanon and
discusses the issue regularly with his national security team," said
National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe.
The United States has increased pressure on Syria in recent weeks,
targeting more individuals with sanctions.
The U.S. Treasury froze assets of four Syrians on Thursday, saying
they facilitated the flow of money, weapons and terrorists through
Syria to al Qaeda in Iraq.
(Editing by Cynthia Osterman)

Additional at the following URL:

http://www.itszone.co.uk/zone0/viewt...=420529#420529

James Morris wrote:
Generals to quit if US strikes Iran

http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?i...onid=351020101

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:49:33
Some senior US military commanders are prepared to resign if President
Bush orders a military strike against Iran, a new report says.
"There are four or five generals and admirals we know of who would
resign if Bush ordered an attack on Iran," The Sunday Times quoted
Monday a source with close ties to British intelligence .
"There is simply no stomach for it in the Pentagon, and a lot of
people question whether such an attack would be effective or even
possible," the source added.
If proven true a revolt on such a scale would be unprecedented because
'American generals usually stay and fight until they get fired," said
a Pentagon source.
Robert Gates, the defense secretary, has repeatedly warned against
striking Iran and is believed to represent the view of his senior
commanders.
Iran has announced that in face of any aggression it will respond like
a 'tsunami'.
MT/DT
Count of views : 538
---------------------------------------------------------------------------*----------

Additional at following URL:

http://www.itszone.co.uk/zone0/viewt...1055&start=620

http://NEOCONZIONISTTHREAT.BLOGSPOT.COM

Iraq's Deeply Tragic Future (US to bomb Iran next for Israel as well)
By Scott Ritter

View this story online at:http://www.alternet.org/story/76318/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes, There Is a Guerrilla War Against Zionism in the U.S. What Should
Jewish Institutions Do?:

http://www.philipweiss.org/mondoweis...it-of-a-h.html

Finkelstein, a Victim of the Israel Lobby, Denies That It Has Power

http://www.philipweiss.org/mondoweis...all-norma.html

If you do a search for 'Mearsheimer' in the search field at
CBSNEWS.COM, the following article that Phil Weiss wrote for 'The
Nation' about Mearsheimer/Walt appears as the only reference::

Ferment Over The 'Israel Lobby':

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/...560594.shtml?s...

Additional about Congressman Howard Berman on Israel and the pro-
Israel lobby:

http://www.warwithoutend.co.uk/zone0...ic.php?t=85265

Read the first part of the following article for how Obama pandered to
the pro-Israel lobby as well just as Hillary Clinton has done:

The Lobby Strikes Back:

http://www.amconmag.com/2007/2007_12_03/cover.html

Can hear the latest C-SPAN viewer call which mentioned the 'A Clean
Break'/War for Israel agenda which is linked near the top of the
following URL:

http://NEOCONZIONISTTHREAT.BLOGSPOT.COM

Jewish Advocates of Pre-Emptive War with Iran Come Under Increasing
Criticism:

http://www.itszone.co.uk/zone0/viewt...422015#422015- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

You are eithier on some serious medication or need to be.
For umpteen years you have several times a month predicted the
immediate start of hostilites with some nation or other by the US to
further the "Zionist Conspiracy".

Seriously, seek professional help.

uss cole back on station - and what us warships "say" patroling
the coast of lebanon .... us is a blue water navy, we "own the
seas" and will come hunt you down anywhere, anytime...uss
cole back for some "pay back" ........ careful out there boys and
girls !!


on behalf of all us navy fans here in colorado......







On Feb 29, 1:53*pm, NOMOREWARFORISRAEL
wrote:
Forwarded:

This kind of thing has been a concern of mine for quite some time as
you already know.. War with Iran and Syria could get started via
Lebanon.. Especially if Israel goes back in there after Hezbollah..
That assassination in Syria was a deliberate attempt to provoke
retaliation from Hezbollah in order to give the Israelis an 'excuse'
to go back in.. How convenient for ships to be off the coast at such a
time.. Not saying that this will take place for sure, but it doesn't
look good... It would be right in accordance with the rest of the 'A
Clean Break' agenda (see the 'A Clean Break' post near the top ofhttp://NEOCONZIONISTTHREAT.BLOGSPOT.COM) as you already know (with a
co-writer of it being JINSA/PNAC associated Richard Perle who
routinely whispers in Cheney's ear from his perch up at AEI where
Cheney's wife is a fellow as well!).



-----Original Message-----

Sent: Friday, February 29, 2008 12:53 PM

Subject: Lebanon: What U.S. Warships off the Coast Do -- and Do Not --

Mean

Strategic Forecasting, Inc.
---------------------------

LEBANON: WHAT U.S. WARSHIPS OFF THE COAST DO -- AND DO NOT -- MEAN

Summary
At least part of the USS Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group will pause
in
the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Lebanon and Syria during a
routine deployment, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm.
Michael Mullen said Feb. 28. While the ships' presence is sure to grab
Syria's attention, it is not a precursor to a military strike. Rather,
the United States is signaling to Syria, Iran and Hezbollah that any
bold moves to impose their will on the Lebanese government or
retaliate
for the death of Hezbollah commander Imad Mughniyah could have serious
repercussions.

Analysis

At least a portion of the USS Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG)
will pause off the coast of Lebanon and Syria during a routine
deployment, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael
Mullen announced Feb. 28. The Nassau is set to join the USS Cole
(DDG-67), and the ships will probably remain over the horizon and
largely unseen from the coast (although the Nassau has a much more
imposing silhouette than the Cole).

The total number of U.S. warships in the eastern Mediterranean will
thus
likely rise above three -- something that is sure to get Syrian
President Bashar al Assad to sit upright in his seat. U.S. naval
presence off the Syrian coast could grow even more in only two weeks
or
so if other ships in the ESG arrive.

Syria is already facing mounting pressure from multiple sides to back
down on its aggressive campaign in Lebanon. While Washington and the
Gulf Arab states, led by Saudi Arabia, are pressuring Syria to strike
a
deal over the Lebanese presidency to pull that country out of
political
stagnation, Israel is strongly hinting that it is preparing for a
rematch with Hezbollah. The prospect of a coordinated U.S.-Israeli
military operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon is a signal to the
Syria-Hezbollah-Iran axis that any bold moves to force its political
demands in Lebanon or retaliate for the Feb. 12 assassination of
Hezbollah top commander Imad Mughniyah will likely be met with a heavy
blow to Hezbollah.

The Nassau ESG had been expected to deploy with the North Carolina-
based
24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), but those Marines were recently
retasked for a last-minute deployment to Afghanistan. Thus, despite
rumors circulating in the press, there are few if any Marines deployed
with this particular ESG. In addition, various components of the ESG
have left in a staggered manner, meaning that portions of the group
have
not yet joined up with the Nassau.

When fully assembled, the Nassau ESG will include some 2,800 sailors
and
will comprise:

The Nassau (LHA-4), a Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship that is
larger than a World War II aircraft carrier and normally carries more
than 1,500 Marines and some 50 helicopters and fighter aircraft;
The Ashland (LSD-48), a dock landing ship that can carry as many as
four
air-cushion landing craft;
The Nashville (LPD-13), an amphibious transport dockship whose sister
ship, the Trenton (LPD-14), was involved in the evacuation of some
3,500
U.S. nationals from Beirut in 2006 before it was transferred to the
Indian Navy in 2007;
The Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser Philippine Sea (CG-58);
The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers Ross (DDG-71) and
Bulkeley (DDG-84), which have the same capabilities as the Cole, with
the exception that the Bulkeley is a later Flight IIA variant that
likely carries two helicopters; and
The attack submarine Albany (SSN-753), an Improved Los Angeles class
variant with 12 vertical launch tubes for Tomahawk cruise missiles (it
might carry more internally).

Even without the MEU aboard, this would represent an impressive naval
force unlike anything the United States has parked off the Levant in
some time. In addition to the Albany's capabilities, the surface
combatants soon to arrive off the Syrian coast are equipped with
Aegis,
Harpoon anti-ship and Tomahawk cruise missiles, as well as 5-inch
guns.
That represents the most naval hitting power currently positioned in
the
Eastern Mediterranean.

Copyright 2008 Strategic Forecasting, Inc.

James Morris wrote:

After reading the following take a look at the 'A Clean Break'/war for
Israel agenda as discussed by respected American intelligence author/
writer James Bamford via the link near the top ofhttp://NEOCONZIONISTTHREAT.BLOGSPOT.COM
:

U.S. sends warship off Lebanon coast (Reuters)
By Sue Pleming and Andrew Gray
Thu Feb 28, 6:52 PM ET

Signaling impatience with Syria, the United States has sent its USS
Cole warship off the coast of Lebanon in a show of support amid
Beirut's political crisis, U.S. officials said on Thursday.
Officials said the Bush administration was concerned about political
deadlock in Lebanon, which Washington blames on Syrian meddling, and
the move underlined that worry.
"The presence is important. It isn't meant to send any stronger
signals than that but in fact it does signal that we're engaged, we're
going to be in the vicinity," said Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the
U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Mullen said the decision was not aimed only at Syria but at the region
as whole.
"That's a very, very important part of the world and stability there
as well as in the broader Middle East is an important outcome for us,"
he told reporters at the Pentagon.
A U.S. defense official said the Cole, a destroyer, left Malta on
Tuesday heading toward Lebanon, adding it would not be within visible
range of Lebanon but "well over the horizon."
A couple of U.S. Navy refueling ships were also in the area, the
official said.
Lebanon's Western-backed governing coalition and its Syrian and
Iranian backed opposition have failed to reach a deal to end the
country's political conflict.
"The United States believes a show of support is important for
regional stability," said a senior Bush administration official, who
spoke on condition he was not identified.
"We are very concerned about the situation in Lebanon. It has dragged
on very long."
The Cole was attacked off the coast of Yemen in October 2000 by al
Qaeda militants. Seventeen U.S. sailors were killed.
Mullen said a group of ships will operate in the eastern Mediterranean
"for a while."
The Lebanese government had no immediate comment.
But Hezbollah ally and Christian opposition leader Michel Aoun said
the United States sent the Cole to display its deterrence capability
and he was not worried about the action.
OTHER SHIP EN ROUTE
Two U.S. defense officials said the Cole could be replaced by the USS
Nassau, an amphibious assault ship on a course for the Mediterranean.
Such ships can transport U.S. Marines but there are no Marines on the
Nassau, one official said.
A third defense official noted the Nassau was accompanied by other
vessels as part of an expeditionary strike group and suggested some of
them may be more likely to relieve the Cole.
The presidential election in Lebanon was postponed again this week to
March 11 from February 26, the 15th such delay, after rival leaders
failed to reach a deal.
The deadlock has threatened to degenerate into sectarian violence and
continues to poison inter-Arab relations in the run-up to an Arab
League summit in Syria next month.
"The Arab League is engaged but it has not been successful. In those
set of circumstances we think a show of support for regional stability
and regional solutions is important," said the senior Bush
administration official.
Saudi Arabia, a close U.S. ally which supports the pro-Western
coalition, has also voiced concern over events in Lebanon and
discussed the issue with President George W. Bush last month during
his visit to Saudi Arabia.
Bush ordered the move earlier this week as a sign of concern over
Lebanon and consulted U.S. allies such as France and Britain about it
as well as those in the Middle East.
Bush administration officials declined to say whether the decision was
taken partly because of Saudi pressure.
"The president is concerned about the situation in Lebanon and
discusses the issue regularly with his national security team," said
National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe.
The United States has increased pressure on Syria in recent weeks,
targeting more individuals with sanctions.
The U.S. Treasury froze assets of four Syrians on Thursday, saying
they facilitated the flow of money, weapons and terrorists through
Syria to al Qaeda in Iraq.
(Editing by Cynthia Osterman)

Additional at the following URL:

http://www.itszone.co.uk/zone0/viewt...=420529#420529

James Morris wrote:
Generals to quit if US strikes Iran

http://www.presstv.com/detail.aspx?i...onid=351020101

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:49:33
Some senior US military commanders are prepared to resign if President
Bush orders a military strike against Iran, a new report says.
"There are

...

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Hey **** for brains, it's only the annual Fleet Fishing Derby.
They are hoping to catch lots of 'Talibut'!

no license required......no limit either....


On Mar 2, 4:50*pm, Moose47 wrote:
Hey **** for brains, it's only the annual Fleet Fishing Derby.
They are hoping to catch lots of 'Talibut'!