Think Progress

Retired Colonel: ‘We Are Conducting Military Operations Inside Iran Right Now. The Evidence Is Overwhelming.’»

Just now on CNN, Air Force Col. Sam Gardiner (Ret.) said, “We are conducting military operations inside Iran right now. The evidence is overwhelming.”

Gardiner, who taught at the U.S. Army’s National War College, has previously suggested that U.S. forces were already on the ground in Iran. Today he added several additional new points:

1) The House Committee on Emerging Threats recently called on State and Defense Department officials to testify on whether U.S. forces were in Iran. The officials didn’t come to the hearing.

2) “We have learned from Time magazine today that some U.S. naval forces had been alerted for deployment. That is a major step.”

3) “The plan has gone to the White House. That’s not normal planning. When the plan goes to the White House, that means we’ve gone to a different state.”

Watch it:

Screenshot

Digg it!

Read the full transcript HERE.

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287 Responses to “Retired Colonel: ‘We Are Conducting Military Operations Inside Iran Right Now. The Evidence Is Overwhelming.’”


  1. Toes Says:

    Does anyone expect that these guys will be accountable or responsible for anything they do?

    The U.S. is going in. No doubt about it.


  2. pgl Says:

    Newt is going to be SO happy - World War III - wheeee! And Forbes on Fox is likely going to start talking about which stocks to buy so they can make money as thousands die.


  3. Steve Says:

    I really hope that somehow the citizens of this country will stop PNAC from starting another war before Bush leaves office.

    Please?

    theworstpresidentever.org


  4. Matt O. Says:

    Just in time for November.


  5. Tom Says:

    King George will attack Iran and claim that the authorization for the use of military force approved after 9-11 to go into Afganistan covers this attack, there will be no congressional authorization. When we finally learn about the attack it will be too late to stop him.


  6. sjt Says:

    If he’s right, isn’t this leaking classified operational information? Shouldn’t he be frog-marched?


  7. Brian Says:

    Keep an eye on this one, but also be aware that Gardiner has been singing this same tune for a few years now, see e.g.,


  8. The DLC are Frauds Says:

    Well you know what? The Pope just publicly said something we all know and now the Muslims want to wage jihad because of it. I think it’s time we settled this. I have always sympathized with Muslims because I don’t think Israel is a righteous state. I think Israel stole thier land and I think it pulverizes the mideast.
    Having said that, the Muslims in the world WILL NEVER GET THE THINGS THEY WANT without moderate and lefty support. NEVER NEVER NEVER. And as long as they threaten to kill people for speaking they can freaking die for all I give a crap. I think the Pope is a joke, but I’ll defend his freedom to say whatever he wants. Screw Iran. Screw Muslims.


  9. Carl Says:

    No, NO, NOO—It can’t be…they can’t still be setting up the scenery behind the curtain for another INVASION PLAY with Bush as Heroic Leader crushing the evildoer Iranian’s nuucular threat!

    They can’t be that stupid, vicious and vacuous…CAN THEY?

    No need to answer that one…if they really carry this through tho, there will be growing anger and opposition in this country and all over the world—I’m not sure where it will end.

    God save us all.


  10. Suburban Guerrilla » ‘We’re In Iran Right Now’ Says:

    […] From CNN, via Think Progress: Just now on CNN, Air Force Col. Sam Gardiner (Ret.) said, “We are conducting military operations inside Iran right now. The evidence is overwhelming.” […]


  11. bones Says:

    As previously stated, Bush needs to start a war with Iran. Iran will have to protect their people and territory. As soon as they kill the first American soldier, sailor, or marine Bush is going to yell Islamofascist murderers, protect the homeland, remember the Maine, kill the Muslims, or anything else he needs to to justify expanding Iraq into Iran. By then we will be forced into full war because you can’t change your mind after you use a tactical nuke on an Iranian city. And Bush thinks this surge of “patriotic death dealing” will sweep the republofascists into power in November. Murderer. Asshole.


  12. Wayne Says:

    And so the PNAC plan advances another step…..

    This will be stirring a hornet’s nest, more suicide attacks, as Iran has promised if attacked. Which will lead to suspending our rights even further when Bush declares martial law.

    And Congress will sit on its hands and let it happen.
    We are toast. No one in power is trying to stop these maniacs.


  13. kelso Says:

    So we are going into Iran…let’s not bother showing the public any evidence at all on this one….just do it and justify it later…who cares if we have to change our justifications over and over and over….

    It worked in Iraq!


  14. Davis X. Machina Says:

    The nation faces a threat to its very survival, for which military action against Iran is not only necessary, but appropriate and proportionate: Democratic control of at least one House.


  15. --pseudolus Says:

    Time/CNN is reporting that the Navy has been orederd to prep for blockade of Iran. I don’t know how they expcet to do this without enough ssoldiers and equipment. Unless they plan on nuking Iran and not occupying it afterwards.

    link to CNN/Time


  16. Marie Says:

    Is this what Bush has planned to do BEFORE the Repugs lose control of Congress in November?
    With Dems in control - he won’t be able to pull this off so easily.
    When do the new guys take over - isn’t it January??


  17. John Doe Says:

    The Repugnants offer three things to the American people:

    1. Fear

    2. Tyranny

    3. Insolvency


  18. bones Says:

    And the beauty is this frickin asshat is GOING TO START A WAR without a Congressional declaration because HE’S THE DECIDER.


  19. Margaret Says:

    Don’t the people get to have any say about starting another war?

    Even the people who like the idea of dropping nukes on Iran have to admit that there’s obviously no imminent threat, nothing that can’t wait at least , oh five years or so, so it’s not worth the risk to do anythink rash.


  20. Ecotopian Says:

    Should I tell my nephews to be on the next plane to Canada? There is no way the US can fight this one without a draft.

    Where will it end? I’m not sure, but I feel really scared right now.


  21. turtle Says:

    This is what happens when a rogue Imperial President is not kept in checked in check by the other bracnes of government. Is it no wonder he runs amok?


  22. chuck Says:

    be afraid, be very afraid. And, you WILL love big brother.


  23. sjt Says:

    Sooooo…no frog-march for Gardiner?


  24. kiamichi Says:

    If the Bush administration is stupid enough to start a war with Iran, and it seems to be, there will have to be a draft, and if there is, absolutely no exemptions! No more wars fought by minorities and the poor for the benefit of the rich!


  25. bones Says:

    Population of Iraq 26 million

    Population of Iran 70 million

    Can you say big frickin mistake?


  26. Jay Says:

    The only surprise here is that they didn’t start dropping bombs on Tehran earlier this year.

    Now can we start the revolution?

    All Bush backing keyboard jockeys, please report to your local recruiting office…your President’s next invasion beckons…..


  27. Zooey Says:

    OT: Keith just said he’s going to have another “Special Comment” re GWB’s “it’s unacceptable” statment.


  28. cynicalgirl Says:

    #19, he’s going to do it without Congress’ approval, so it doesn’t matter.

    Did anyone catch the follow up with Jamie McIntyre afterwards? He is in total denial. He sat there claiming that it’s not true with a copy of “Dereliction of Duty” on the shelf behind him.


  29. phil Says:

    Guys and Gals….its time to get back to church…Bush is determined to bring about the END.


  30. PNAC Says:

    Amazing, Osama is hiding out in Pakistan with help from people within the Pakistan government. Osama is one coup away from having the bomb and Bush is after Iran.


  31. PatrioticLiberalChristian(PLC) Says:

    If we are operating militarily in Iran, I pray, hope, and beg a high ranking CURRENT military person to stand up and reveal the details, even if risking his/her own career for our country. Then, I pray, hope, and beg Congress to do everything in their power to stop this, up to and including impeachment.


  32. HowThatch Says:

    The husband of a friend of mine is an Army Ranger… and she told me he just got sent to Lebannon after being in Iran for a few weeks. I thought she may have mistaken it for IraQ — but she was quite sure. It could’ve been on the Afghan border or something, but still — it sent chills up my back.


  33. Ronin_Tetsuro Says:

    I’m fairly sure that this Administration isn’t stupid enough to commit to a ground war. They will quietly air strike whatever they want to pieces and then pretend they had justification in the morning. Then they will redeploy all troops inside Bagdad’s new moat and try to wait out the ensuing shit hitting the fan. That said:

    YOU SONS OF BITCHES HAVE SOLD THE AMERICAN PEOPLE OUT FOR THE LAST TIME.

    I say if they bomb Iran, we take the streets. And I’m not talking about some panzy ass one day work walkout, I’m talking about NOBODY does NOTHIN until we get some answers and these people are removed from power. We the People are the worlds last best chance to be rid of these warmongering assholes.

    I don’t think we should let our country down in it’s time of greatest need.


  34. Republicans Are The Fear And Smear Party Says:

    Does this mean that Rumsfeld has assembled a new “mother” of coalitions to help with his latest invasion?


  35. Jlp Says:

    Big ugly war starts in October. Huge negative response from voters — but what will it matter. It will already be happening. And the Bush Boys don’t care what we think. That’s been maide pretty obvious. And if it gets too ugly here in the U.S. you can just forget about the 2008 elections. Get ready for Marshall Law and the end of Constitional law as we have known i.


  36. Barbell Says:

    Its almost nuclear winter time, take care of a bunch of things. Iraq, Iran, and global warming. Lets do it.


  37. DaveD Says:

    Let’s see. Iraq? Check! Iran? Check! Syria and North Korea? Stay tuned! The Axis of Evil should all be in-play by the end of W’s second term.


  38. tru_thordare Says:

    This is too close to resembling The Third Reich on the eve of Operation Barbarossa. How long before the UN decides WE are the rouge nation in need of regime change?



  39. bones Says:

    And if you don’t like 70 million Iranians and most if not all Arabs, throw in most Muslims who will see Iraq and Iran as an attack on all Muslims. Throw in China who will bank Iran for the oil rights.


  40. Mike Says:

    I sit here and ask myself what I can do about this insanity, and conclude that there is absolutely nothing I can do except to buy oil futures, and the devil take the hindmost.


  41. Spudge_Boy Says:

    Let us also not forget that Iraq and Iran are now good buddies with oil deals and everything.

    Is the friend of our friend our friend or is the friend of our friend our enemy?


  42. Pam Says:

    I agree, there are not enough troops to pull off a ground war with Iran. And I don’t think we’ll be able to count on much of a “Coalition of the Willing” anymore. So who’s going to fight this thing? It’s WAY past time for a revolution!! Takin it to the streets!!


  43. tru_thordare Says:

    I can see it now: Ronald “Goebbels” Dumbsfeld and KKKarl “Himmler” Rove ascending the steps of the Lincoln monument in preparation to announce “TOTAL WAR” to the nation.


  44. Pope Ratzo Says:

    In another age or place there would be hundreds of thousands of people in the streets of Washington DC every day over the outrageous behavior of this administration.

    I notice that Diebold is still providing the voting machines and the media is still providing cover for Cheney and Bush’s lies.

    Elections, op-eds and blogs aren’t going to get the job done. It’s past time that people take to the street. Maybe we could schedule mass protests or a general strike on a night when American Idol isn’t on TV.

    I am ashamed of the behavior of our government. Otherwise impotent, I will go ahead and vote as a Democrat in November with the understanding that if by some miracle the Dems are able to wrest a tiny bit of power away from the Bush Junta that I will hold the Dems to a standard much higher than previous governments. They are going to have to act right from day one. No Liebermans allowed.


  45. Bender Says:

    We’re boned.


  46. west virginia hillbilly Says:

    Lao-tzu said, if you want to stop something, first let it grow.
    It seems to me that only moderate muslims will defeat radical Islam.


  47. midwestblue Says:

    Sometimes I think the only thing that would stop this insane nonsense is a national work stoppage. No work, no purchasing: let everything economic come to a grinding halt. The President and Congress would be scrambling and screeching and begging, and then finally, they might stop and listen to us for a change.


  48. Barbell Says:

    Thought there might be some serious people here, guess I was wrong. 1. He’s a “Retired Air Force Col” no serious power to the throne, getting a paycheck to say stupid things. 2. Any attack on Iran will be overwhelming airpower… possibly nuclear. 3. No ground forces will be required, poison earth. 4. Calling people stupid names is childish.


  49. Jay Says:

    Barbell,

    So far you’re the only batshit insane person on the thread…..keep making your points, it makes it so much easier for us to make ours.


  50. Willy Says:

    George Bush is insane. F**k all the morons who voted for him.


  51. Pissed Says:

    The first fired shot will be by Georgie boy in order to say his ass. for war crimes. The second will be by Iran and take out the green zone in Iraq.


  52. Barbell Says:

    like i said like being in kindergarden, lots of whinny people with no argument.


  53. Robert+Abooey Says:

    I don’t know about you but I’m loading up on Halliburton & oil stocks ASAP!! This is awesome!


  54. Jay Says:

    Barbell the equine philosopher say: “Naaaaayyyy, liberals are so whiiinnnnnnyyyy!


  55. Barbell Says:

    Jay
    the lil ol voice in me says your the poor girl seated 3 rows from the back on the left side of my kindergarden class. learn to spell, learn how to make a point and have another beer, seem you know what that is.


  56. km4 Says:

    No other country ( including the UK ) will stand with America for going into Iran and perhaps Russia and China will make things very difficult for the Idiot-In-Chief.

    I predict another major colossal failure for the Bush/Cheney Neocon cabal and a Dem takeover of both the House and Senate in Nov.

    Then impeachment proceeding can begin to be followed by a war crimes trial for these nutcases !


  57. Jay Says:

    Lil voice in my head is asking….why would barbell promote drinking to kindergartners? What no moral values? Lil voice also asking why wingnut criticize adversary for spelling when he spells kindergarten and whiney wrong? You’re so craaaaaazyy……


  58. Barbell Says:

    jay need some counceling…. obviously has a whomai problem. attack the obvious, but watch what;s sneaking up ur a$$


  59. Jay Says:

    Joking aside, km4, I agree, there will be a day of reckoning for these war criminals.

    Ray McGovern, 27 year CIA professional has written extensively on the documented war crimes of the Bush admin., they will be brought to justice.

    http://www.antiwar.com/mcgovern/
    http://www.antiwar.com/mcgovern/?articleid=7464


  60. Brownian Emotion Says:

    Are We Conducting Military Operations Inside Iran Right Now?…

    Retired Colonel: ‘We Are Conducting Military Operations Inside Iran Right Now. The Evidence Is Overwhelming.’ (Think Progress)
    It also seems pretty clear BushCo decided that war with Iran was the only way out of the hole they’ve dug, …


  61. Jay Says:

    Barbell, seriously dude, from one patriotic American with a passion for the written word to another, you need spellcheck. You wanted “counseling’ there…ok bud.


  62. eternal springs Says:

    I’m just tryin to figure out if I should be betting on the euro… like Cheney…

    http://www.kiplinger.com/ personalfinance/ features/ archives/ 2006/ 05/ president.html


  63. Barbell Says:

    seriously jay, im no dude, and looking for the patriotic. got a laptop with sticky keys and no spellcheck on this site. spellcheck really takes the bite off the primary subject doesnt it.


  64. adigal Says:

    I cannot believe that this government would be so stupid as to attack Iran. I cannot believe it, but my experience watching them for 6 years tells me otherwise.

    But if true, why was Georgie having a meltdown last week? If he knows that he will distract from war crime accusations, why so pissed about not getting his way.

    And I am in for any work stoppage if we bomb/invade Iran. IT is the only thing these monsters understand - a loss of $$.


  65. Peggy sue Says:

    We don’t need an army…our army has outsourced that job to plenty of mercenaries in the middle east (Blackwater anyone?) supported by our taxes for this & future wars to bring cash to the fat cats…and their corporations…Us in the streets? We are too comfortable with the remnants of comfort allow to us…and watching American Idols…


  66. EKIM Says:

    We are so screwed!


  67. Barbell Says:

    I believe the following is more important than my typing:

    1 . Al-Qaida in Iraq warned Pope Benedict XVI on Monday that its war against Christianity and the West will go on until Islam takes over the world, and Iran’s supreme leader called for more protests over the pontiff’s remarks on Islam.

    2. Willie Nelson and some of the others on his bus have been cited for misdemeanor drug possession.

    Now some “retired” Air Force Col speaking out of his a$$. What gives?


  68. Eargy Earp Says:

    Gotta be a crack or a hoax. No one could be this stupid…….
    O wait, except for one “Decider”.

    On the more rational side: West Virginia Hill has it right. It is the same for all religeous extremists. It’s the moderates that need to bring the massesback from the zealots, back to reason, and away from the insane. This goes for Muslims and Christians and Jews. Need to promote economies and stability in all of these countries and reason will win out.

    Look at the disaffected and how easily they are swayed. Germany’s Nazi’s are on the rebound in East Deutschland. Warum? Bad economy with no future = disaffected youths eager to be molded to blame others.

    Look, I don’t know how many times I’ve seen fear of being under attack being played by all sides lately: WS says Jews under attack, Nazis say German economy under attack, Christian right wing says - Christmas, 10 commandments, marriage under attack, Muslims say way of life, holy land under attack. The masses everywhere seem to be easily led.

    It is up to the moderates to rein them in from the inside. Attacks from the outside only seem to justify their purpose and excuse. We all need bring back the masses to the humanity and compassion of religion, not the fear of others.


  69. Eargy Earp Says:

    It’s a hoax I tell ya!


  70. DELBERT MATHANEY Says:

    — WELL, LETS SEE — DIEBOLD AND THE SUPREME COURT WITH HARRIS’ ABLE HELP — BUSH IS PREZNUT. 2000 AGAIN, DIEBOLD BUSH IS PREZNUT 2004 — AND NOW, MID TERMS WHERE HE KNOWS HIS ASS WILL GO TO THE SLAMMER — UNLESS HIS AG AND THE SUPREMEROOS [ NO HARRIS THIS TIME ] INTERPERT THE LAWS AGAINST IMPEACHMENT AND TRIALS. THE CONSTITUTION IS ‘ JUST A GODDADMN PEICE OF PAPER.’ recall others quoting Bushit? — DIEBOLD AND A REPUBLICAN WIN. TEMPERED SOME SO’S NOT TO RAISE THE MASSESS’ RED ASSES — I SEE NO IMPEACHMENT, OR TRIPS TO THE HAUGUE IN ANY POLITICANS’ BRIGHT FUTURE. EVEN IF THE DITHERING DEMOCRATS WIN BY ONE VOTE — THERES NOT ANY BALLS IN THE BUNCH OF THEM… CANADA WILL PASS A NON IMMIGRATION LAW — MORE RESTRICTIVE THAN OURS ON MEXICANS CROSSING OVER — BETTER GET YOUR PAPERWORK DONE AND HAVE IT PENDING –


  71. Eargy Earp Says:

    What is happening….No post?


  72. Jay Says:

    The folks that have been referring to the Bush “junta” and their 2000 coup d’etat have had it right all along, becomes clearer by the day. I know that the Iranian president is dangerous, but only for his misguided and overblown rhetoric…he hasn’t killed any innocent civilians yet (unless he’s killing his own people which of course is likely) and we can’t say the same about Bush. He’s responsible for the deaths of 10’s of thousands of innocents. These are just the facts. Let’s face it fellow Americans, seems Ahmadinejad, Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro are the only men on earth willing to stand up to the Cheney/Bush crime family, they have lots of oil and natural gas (and cigars!) in their respective countries….life is filled with strange and disconcerting ironies.


  73. Barbell Says:

    jays pipe dream, how many cuban’s u talked to lately?


  74. Jay Says:

    Delbert, I think you’re right about Democrats that currently hold office, there’s too much money to be made for both parties when war is perpetual and they ALL have their lobbyist-soaked hands deep inside the cookie jar. However, there are going to be changes for Republicans AND Democrats as the grassroots build coalitions and uncorrupted challengers for House seats start to make inroads and win elections. The stomach-churning caveat is Who Count’s the Votes?


  75. john Says:

    What do you guys think about the articles at this site?

    http://www.canadafreepress.com/


  76. wisedup Says:

    Start now,before the DRAFT….”HELL NO,WE WON’T GO”…..again and again.


  77. Sharon Cox Says:

    Well if you all want to do something,the total shut down is the answer, but get busy and do it right..Organize with the trucking and shipping bunch, get all the Cindy bunch and all the group’s you can think of together with one plan in mind before the rat basterd drop’s the first bomb not after…On Oct 5th there is the other march, join up with that….Call all the unions, teachers and any that have been affected by bunch and make it work..Starting it here is a good idea but tomorrow do more than sit in front of you’re computer and write comment’s…Get on the phone assemble and plan……Blessings


  78. swamp fox Says:

    wolfy is an idiot who carries water for the neocons. he longs for war to support his first allegiance. send him back to alma mater jerusalem post.


  79. twonosetom Says:

    Which part of
    * - No warrants are needed
    * - No trial is will be held
    * - You will have no access to a lawyer
    * - Your vote won’t be counted at the next electionshould scare us the most?
    Besides the part about disappearing, possibly forever, into whatever spot George Bush decides is appropriate for people who oppose him?


  80. Marshal Says:

    OK I agree that if this country were really filled with patriots, we would flood the streets, and not just to chant or hold signs. But this country is soft, flabby, and weak and wouldn’t see tyranny coming if it bit them in the ass. No amount of righteous blogging is going to change anything.

    This country needs to be brought down a peg or two. Let’s roll against a few more countries and see how well an isolated Amerika does in a world economy, when it is totally dependant on foreign oil and cheap 3rd world labor. Let’s continue to erode the manufacturing sector and concentrate all wealth into the hands of fewer and fewer elite good-ol’-boys. Let’s see how well those “support the troops” bumper stickers protect us from $5/gallon gas. Let’s keep humping the flag and imagining we are so superior that our empire will never fade. That our god is better than their god.

    Meanwhile I’ll invest in canned goods and shotgun shells. Nothing we say here matters people. Cover your ass.



  81. DigitalGalt Says:

    I love you Marshal


  82. Da Hammer Says:

    Just a test kiddies to see how Joe Sixpack is going to respond.

    That’s all!


  83. 2007 Draft at bobblog Says:

    […] Otherwise, I’m not sure how we’d continue these alleged operations going on in Iran. […]


  84. Watt Says:

    It’s not that I think Dumbya and his gang aren’t dumbya enough to try
    this, but Gardiner has been saying we’ve had soldiers in Iran since at least last April, here:

    http://www.democracynow.org/ article.pl?sid=06/ 04/ 17/ 143241

    So, gosh, you would think the Iranians would be looking fairly hard and have had at least a few run ins by now. Any credible reports?


  85. Dude Says:

    You guys are worrying a little too much. War cannot happen for many realistic reasons:

    - No troops left (as many have said)
    - A ton of oil leaves the Middle East through a pipeline that runs through Iran. Any military action will stop that flow of oil, and send prices through the roof.
    - Recently, unfavorable opinion against the Republicans has lessened due to the falling prices of oil. Do you think the administration would do something to risk that , esp before elections?
    - A war with Iran would probably result in our own country falling into all kinds of public protests and turmoil, I can’t see how it could happen with the opinion of the war in Iraq at such lows.


  86. pbg Says:

    If George Bush orders nuclear bombs to be dropped on Iran, would the military do it?


  87. Sonny Says:

    Why not invade Iran? They have smuggled some 7 Nukes here into the States, and the Canada Free Press has issued a Warning to all Muslims to LEAVE AMERICA before Ramadan. As that is when Al Qaeda is planning to detonate these 7 NUKES, in a Town Near YOU!!!

    Have a Nice Day =)


  88. Eargy Earp Says:

    What, another Hoax.

    Shutup!


  89. Nancy goes to Crawford » Blog Archive » US Troops in Iran Now Says:

    […] VIDEO…Fmr. Colonel: “We Are Conducting Military Operations Inside Iran Right Now”… […]


  90. Eargy+Earp Says:

    Fear mongering Sonny-of -B*tch.


  91. Mr. Evil Says:

    Just be thankful that this boob wasn’t president when the old Soviet Union was still around. Can you mutually assured destruction?!


  92. Jay Randal Says:

    This “October Surprise” is not really much of a surprise, since war on Iran has been expected, and Bush knows warfare causes Americans to become goofy voting stupidly for insane Republicans! Pray we survive!


  93. worp Says:

    There is a bill in the House right now intending to reinstate the draft! The death-dealing sponsors of this bill should hear from us immediately! Read the bill first, then contact the sponsors to tell them NOT TO DRAFT OUR CHILDREN!

    http://thomas.loc.gov/ cgi-bin/ query/ D?c109:2:./ temp/ ~c109ItDoQ7::


  94. Shelly Antibush Says:

    The treasonous George Bush gang has apparently decided that their previous tactic, lying to convince the servile Congress and gullible American public to go to war, won’t work any more. Congress probably won’t vote for a Bush war again. And on January 3rd the Democratic House and the 4 new Democratic senators will make it impossible to get funding for a big war ( although bombings of some sort might not be blocked by the wimpy Congress.)

    So, as we speak, the Bushies are calculating whether to trump up an “immediate threat” that will enable Bush to quickly go to war under a pretext of urgent necessity. Betting that said servile Congress will be hesitant to say anything that can instantly be used in campaign ads accusing them of “favoring the enemy.” The election is 49 days away - the Democrats are ahead, so they will reason that the best thing to do is lie back and not say anything too critical of Bush. Of course, this pacifistic “don’t attack Bush” strategy didn’t quite succeed for Kerry in 2004, because, either due to election shenanigans in Ohio by Ken Blackwell and Karl Rove or legitimate Republican get-out-the-vote efforts in Ohio, Kerry didn’t quite get there vote-wise.

    The main factor Bush and his gang will utilize in making the decision will be WILL IT HELP US OR HURT US IN THE ELECTION? If they think that it will rally Republicans, the Christian right and others, who are disturbed by Bush’s lying, his incompetence, his stupidity, and his importation of massive numbers of illegal aliens, but who will vote Republican if they think an imminent threat from the Great Satan Iran has been beaten back by the Great Bushhead, then they will attack Iran. If they think that moderate Republicans, independents and Democrats who normally don’t vote will finally be roused from their torpor and collectively say, “enough lies! enough false pretext wars!”, and outnumber the Christian radicals at the polls, then they will not attack Iran. Its as simple as that - and as sick as that.

    As in 2003, Bush will attack another sovereign nation that poses no threat to us, based mainly on the prospect of winning the next election. Will we let him do it again?


  95. S Irret Says:

    Regardless if this is just a scare, I, as well as you, should call your Congressional Reps/Sens and tell them that even this hint at going to war with Iran, will deeply affect how you vote in November. I know, I know, it sounds trivial, but a mass call to the House and Senate, will sure to have an impact. Regardless, it would be interesting enough if people would post the response they received. Can we really afford to go to war, even if this is just speculation? Sorry to buckle to the usual “aggressiveness” that this blog promotes, but I am very scared that we could strike on Iran, and really put our country, and thousands of more lives in peril.


  96. Mr. Evil Says:

    What these neocon assholes fail to realize, among everything else, is that most kids today are bloggers in one form, fashion or another. They learn what is going on and don’t want anything to do with the military. Most people understand that if we were actually, verifiably attacked by another sovereign nation, most anyone would try to join up or help in any manner.
    But with this sick, sadistic, convoluted PNAC agenda for the world at our expense, you couldn’t entice me with $10,000,000. As for my son, I’ll kill anyone that tries to take him for this demented ideal.

    We should be building and creating and reveling in each other’s cultures. Not using them to foster hate, death and destruction.


  97. The+Oracle Says:

    Remember, the only thing we have to fear as citizens of the United States and the world…is the Bush administration itself.

    BushCo has big plans for 2007.

    First, one our their houseboys in the House of Representatives snuck a provision into a bill that gives the White House complete control over all of our nation’s military forces, including national guard units, which (after this law is passed) will no longer be under the control of our state’s governors. Hey, BushCo is just trying to streamline the command hierarchy by cutting out the middlemen and middlewomen, you know, our state’s governors.

    Second, Bush awarded a $385 million contract to Halliburton to build “detention centers,” i.e. prisons, around our freedom-loving country. Of course, Halliburton will also hire those who will run the prisons, so BushCo will have their own personal gulags ready for occupancy sometime in 2007.

    Third, the Air Force Secretary, Wynne, rolled out the idea of using ?non-lethal? high-tech weapons like high intensity microwave beams on any unruly crowds in the United States, before exporting this technology overseas to use on foreigners. Hmmmm. Holy crowd control, Batman. Also, it helps to loosen the Geneva Conventions’ “torture” definitions…to allow for torture.

    Fourth, BushCo is determined to launch airstrikes against suspected nuclear sites in Iran, either by the end of 2006 or sometime in 2007. Times awastin’. Hurry. Hurry. Hurry.

    So, what does all this have to do with BushCo plans for 2007?

    Once BushCo starts another conflict by attacking Iran, concerned U.S. citizens might get a little restless, hell, they may even riot, calling for the heads of the people in BushCo responsible for leading us (the United States) into another neo-con Republican disaster.

    Aaaah, that’s when BushCo control of all of our nation’s military, the building of $385 million worth of prisons and new crowd control weapons will come in handy.

    I just wonder when 2008 rolls around whether or not our beloved country will still be a democracy or will instead be a right-wing, banana republic dictatorship under BushCo’s imperial presidential control.

    Remember, the only thing we have to fear as citizens of the United States and of the world…is the Bush administration is itself.


  98. C.Phaulkon Says:

    Getting in always so very easy. Sticking around the real trick without
    ripple effects heading off in bad,unforseen or underestimatied ways.
    See Iraq for more on how attacking part was easy but sticking around
    for the real gaming now seen as multi -no near exits. JUMP AROUND.


  99. Miro Says:

    King George will attack Iran and claim that the authorization for the use of military force approved after 9-11 to go into Afganistan covers this attack, there will be no congressional authorization. When we finally learn about the attack it will be too late to stop him.

    And though the fact of this hurts, ie, to know how he is stomping on American Democracy and grinding his heal into it, save your numbness for the grunts in the military that are in harms way. Iran is no Iraq. It isn’t on the verge of internal social chaos.

    The day Bush moves against Iran to a degree that Iran feels it will not be condemned for protecting itself, means there will be retaliation.

    The tragedy of the resulting deaths of US soldiers…..


  100. stephen miller Says:

    To our country’s everlasting shame this vile cabal was re-elected in 2004.

    We have one chance left to take back the congress and prosecute these monsters before they leave office. We must do that; we can’t just let them slither away without repudiating everything they’ve done, or it will be the end of this nation’s greatness.


  101. wilcow Says:

    Does this mean the NFL season will be cancelled?


  102. Jackie Says:

    If the idiot Bush attacks Iran he will do it alone. Watch the UN and all the other countries put a halt to Bush’s action. As for approval to attack Bush doesn’t need it he has already destroyed the constitution. Look for the honest Republicans and the Dems to call for the fast impeachment of Bush and removal of Cheney and Rummy. A baseless attack with innocent lives lost will put this country in the leadership of the real axis of evil and other countries will step up to protect Iran.


  103. a crank’s progress :: links for 2006-09-19 Says:

    […] Think Progress » Retired Colonel: ‘We Are Conducting Military Operations Inside Iran Right Now. The Evidence Is Overwhelming.’ (tags: iran war worstpresidentever) […]


  104. Justin Hamilton Says:

    October Surpirise?

    I set up this prediction market to examine the likelyhood of an October surprise (i.e. attack Iran).

    Stop by and put your two cents in.


  105. Justin+Hamilton Says:

    October Surpirise?

    I set up this prediction market to examine the likelyhood of an October surprise (i.e. attack Iran).

    Stop by and put your two cents in.


  106. Famous and nonfamous strangers » Blog Archive » The Man, politics, women and posing Says:

    […] I’m wondering what the guys reading think of this? Do you think she’s dressed inappropriately, or posing in an obvious or ridiculous way? Does she look like Monica Lewinsky? And at a time when we are fighting and losing two wars–and spoiling for a third–could anything matter less? […]


  107. kk Says:

    keep fuking up the world bunch of loosers!


  108. American Nightmare Says:

    There will be an attack on Iran right after another staged terrorist attack. Think USS Maine, think Gulf of Tonkin, think Reichstag (again). Be it in the US or in the Middle East, there will be another staged attack and it will start the war.

    All the infrastructure is in place for the Bush admin to enforce martial law, postpone or cancel elections, jail all Muslims dems and protestors, and reactivate the draft. Want proof? Patriot act, (google video) FEMA camps, NSA phone database to keep track of who you are, where you are and what you are saying, the military wanting to use new weapons on American civilians to put down protests, and on and on.


  109. Marco Says:

    Well, I think that what most of the people has not yet understood is that Bush is not interested in winning a war, not even marginally. All that he wants is providing some fresh terror to his electors, and some new business opportunity for his friends (a war transfer money from the country, read tax-payers, in the hands of the few rich people lending money to the state and owning war-related industry). A war against Iran will not be another Iraq-like failure. It will be a catastrophe. Iran has much more forces than Iraq, and *has* nuclear missiles. For real, now, not the maybe-WMD or in-five-year-nukes-if-they-are-lucky. They can kill American people, not only the soldiers. So do something *NOW*. Please, do act! Tell your friends, organize public demonstrations, attach a sign out of your house. Don’t wait, it’s your life and the life of your dears that are at a stake now.


  110. Mark Seydel Says:

    Read the PNAC site. This is what Bush and his crooks want. They want us to be attacked. They are trying to destroy America ON PURPOSE. We are screwed and there is nothing we can do. It’s already in the works. We will fight each other next.

    Make no mistake. WWlll started a while ago…………..


  111. Tobey+Tall Says:

    The plan is exactly what i thought - Its to get Iran worried and stop the uranium enrichment .. Its bullshit

    If America forces were inside Iran they would be captured very easily - By Having Black ops in Iran is also an act of war ???????

    Put Bush back on a lead ??? and muzzle him


  112. 1 Boring Old Man » hubris! Says:

    […] THINKPROGRESS and TIME magazine suggest that President Bush is lining up for war with Iran, or that it has already started. I don’t understand his authority for such an action. The war powers belong to the Congress. No rational stretch of the imagination would say he has Congressional approval for such an action. There is little question, however, that this is a mandate for taking back Congress from the Republicans in the midterm elections. Without a voting majority in the Congress, these megalomaniacs cannot be checked. […]


  113. Tobey+Tall Says:

    Both Bush and Ahmadinejad are at the UN today

    “In August, Ahmadinejad challenged Bush to participate in a “direct television debate with us,” so Iran can voice its point of view on how to end problems in the world. The White House called the offer a “diversion” from international concerns over Iran’s nuclear program, Reuters reported.”

    Proof Bush is trying to stay clear from a debate in which he would lose
    “I’m sure both will have minders working hard to keep them apart,” said U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Mark Malloch Brown. “So probably, the great clash of the titans, the rumble of the jungle — whatever you want to call it — is not going to happen.”

    Bush Quote ” War is my last choice” er second last that is direct talks is my last choice

    America needs at stronger leader one who can debate matters , not one that sneeks around the UN hoping not to bump into any debate


  114. CyraBrown Says:

    Scott Ritter predicted this exact event happening years ago. He was right about Iraq and he is right about this too. Events are already in motion. BushCo denied that any plans had been made regarding Iraq, when they were already dropping bombs on them, trying to provoke Saddam into retaliating, so they could point at him and say “See? Now we have to attack him.” But he didn’t, so they came up with WMD’s instead. Just know that everything they are saying about Iran is crap too. But we are already there.


  115. Tobey+Tall Says:

    Gaza: The children killed in a war the world doesn’t want to know about
    Jihad Abu Snaima is just the most recent of more than 37 children under 18 who have been killed in the operations mounted by the Israeli military in Gaza since 25 June, according to new figures.

    Thats right America keep supporting atrocites and say its OK - you are just as guilty


  116. monte letourneau Says:

    oooh! how exciting!
    another war to raise the price of gas!
    enjoy it while you can all y’all
    soon all you’ll be able to afford is a personal sustainable relationship with the mother
    Allness be praised!
    time to drill water wells

    vote! Green Party!
    then count the Diebolds,
    before you check your powder


  117. nocensorship..almost Says:

    Scott Ritter among others have pointed out this since 2005. Like Iraq this is all false, they knew there is no evidence and that’s why the office of special plans are putting together bogus intelligence for another imperialist war for the PNAC crowd.
    People should know that 9/11 merely gave the pre-text to attack all these middle-east countries, the agenda was already there. Read “rebuilding america’s decences”, the neocon mein kampf!


  118. Pari ib Says:

    What are you people waiting for: impeach this guy. Try Rumsfeld and Cheney and Rove for war crimes. Get rid of these people before they bankrupt the whole country (your country the USA) while they fill their pockets with war mongering MEGA BUCKS.

    This is shameful. A complete disgrace and you are just sitting on your backsides and letting this happen.

    Get the judiciary, the policy, whoever you can ONTO these people.

    If necessary turn them over to the International War Crimes Tribunal. You don’t need this !!


  119. JPV Says:

    This sort of information has been leaking out for the past several months. Remember the Sy Hersh piece in the New Yorker? Personally I’m of the opinion that it’s all intentionally being leaked as a bluff in order to intimidate Iran.

    I guess that only time will tell.


  120. TomPaine Says:

    I would like to know who in the hell is going to fight the ground war in Iran. It’s not going to be the Army or the Marines who have 50% of their assets tied up in Iraq at any given time and the other 50% prepping to go back. Are they going to take all the sailors off their boats give them rifles and turn them into infantry companies? Sure would be an interesting experiment. Where are they going to get the fire support from field artillery? Most of the the Army and Marines artillerymen have been changed to MP and Infantry companies and are completely out of practice for safely firing rounds. There are no ground forces to fight it so this cant be a conventional war. Look at the troop rotations for Iraq. It’s not rocket science all you had to do is simple math, and the troops just aren’t there to fight another useless war and get bogged down in yet another BOG heavy, civil-military conflict. Unless they plan on doubling the size of the military within the next year, and that would be just enough personnel to keep constantly deployed in Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan. This is after the General in Anbar, where I am currently located, says he needs another division, and Afghanistan needs another brigade.


  121. PrahaPartizan Says:

    TomPaine at #129:

    I would like to know who in the hell is going to fight the ground war in Iran.

    It won’t be fought on the ground during the first two weeks and that’s all that matters to this White House. They are interested only in stirring up their most ardent supporters enough to go out to vote. This is essentially the most expensive, twisted GOTV campaign in the history of the planet. They’ll be whipping their acolytes into a frenzy and likely even launching air strikes against Iranian targets, but not too soon before the election. It must be timed just right so that the repercussions from their rash and irresponsible policy can be hidden from the electorate. Figure that the attacks occur ideally about five days before the election, maybe up to two weeks, tops. The last new moon occurs on October 22nd, so stealth night attacks might be possible up until October 26th, twelve days before the election. Retaining control of the Congress is all that matters now to this crowd and means are immaterial.



  122. liz Says:

    I believe this gentlemen far more than any elected American. Funny how that works. Yes Bush is fighting Iran. Bush is fighting Americans. All Bush does is fight fight fight.


  123. aahpat Says:

    I am not surprised at all. The October surprise will be the cancelation of Nov. elections under a national security threat.


  124. MICHAEL JAVICK Says:

    IMPRISON THE #1 TERRORIST ON PLANET EARTH- G W BUSH


  125. Happy+Guy Says:

    OOhhhh the war will raise gas prices, ohhh the war is for oil to lower prices, oh oh oh do you always take both sides so you can claim you are right? Kerry tried this and look what is go him.

    You whack-jobs claim “October Surprise” every year. But it never happens. Do you ever look back at your own words? Can you say delusional conspiracy nuts?

    Go to Canada, go to France just go.


  126. neopro Says:

    IMPEACH BUSH!!!!!!!!


  127. Vanna Says:

    Gardiner is retired Air Force and he learned it “from Time magazine? What’s not weird about that?


  128. Wontie Says:

    In my humble opinion (being a European citizen), democracy in the USA has been stepped upon for years. There’s a minority in your country that realizes this, but a lot of corrupt -and dangerous!- politicians don’t care about you, now do they? If you want to take action, it’d better be some kind of preemptive revolution.
    I don’t see this happening soon enough though, and by the time you will really try to change the situation, things will have already turned out for the worst. Thousands of innocents death, thousands of “free thinkers” incarcerated.
    Where is this going? I fear looking into the crystal ball, because all I see is darkness…


  129. Nickels Says:

    Iran was the target hub all along. And it will be Israel that attacks first and retreats behind the layered deployment of the US in Iraq. At least that was the plan when Israel helped the US perpetrate 9/11.


  130. Massachusetts+Liberal Says:

    Matt O. —–

    Just in time for November? That seems to mean that the public is behind this operation, or at least would rally behind it? Can this possibly be true? Is there anything legal about this?


  131. Averager Joe Says:

    Usually when some idiot announces stuff like this on Fox or CNN it means nothing is going to happen. It’s just posturing and saber rattling.

    Attacking Iran would be a fatal mistake for the US. The US middle class is struggling to pay the bills right now. Throw another war into the mix and things could get really ugly. Who is going to buy all the houses on the market if everyone is in Iran getting their asses shot off? Dead guys don’t buy houses, widows with three kids live in poverty in their parents’ homes or in run down apartments.


  132. Otherworld » Argh me maties, it be the night of the Jaguars and the day of the Pirates! Says:

    […] Aye, have we already begun a secret war against Iran? A retired general who spoke out last eve certainly seems t’ think so…and the proo’ he has makes you wonder if this is how Bush is goin’ t’ repeat Iraq all o’er again: by startin’ another war without the permission o’ Congress. A pence for an old man o’de sea? […]


  133. xingu Says:

    Does the Bush administration have the legal right to attack Iran? In other words did Congress give him the authority to do so?


  134. J Says:

    Wolf was acting all surprised and defensive. If he was truly a “journalist” he would know these things.



  135. ina hymes Says:

    I would like to e-mail this page to my friends. How can I do that. I do not see a link to do this.


  136. Frank Says:

    The October surprise is the gift to Bush from Israel, of an Israeli attack on Iran. The Israelis know that whatever little credibility Bush has now, Bush the most sycophantic presidential supporter of Israel ever, will lose even more credibility when the true gravity of the law breaking antics of this administration is revealed through committee hearings. Israel’s support by Americans diminishes lock step with Bush’s poll numbers.


  137. Frank Says:

    The October surprise is the gift to Bush from Israel, of an Israeli attack on Iran. The Israelis know that whatever little credibility Bush has now, Bush the most sycophantic presidential supporter of Israel ever, will lose even more credibility when the true gravity of the law breaking antics of this administration is revealed through committee hearings. Israel’s support by Americans diminishes lock step with Bush’s poll numbers


  138. Frank Says:

    The October surprise is the gift to Bush from Israel, of an Israeli attack on Iran. The Israelis know that whatever little credibility Bush has now, Bush the most sycophantic presidential supporter of Israel ever, will lose even more credibility when the true gravity of the law breaking antics of this administration is revealed through committee hearings. Israel’s support by Americans diminishes lock step with Bush’s poll numbers


  139. coachjason Says:

    Frank, Frank, Frank… Echo, Echo, Echo….


  140. indy675 Says:

    We are going to hit Iraq.

    There is no doubt about it, and I don’t think there is anyway of stopping him.

    Bush, actually, believes the whole messianic spin thing about himself. He has convinced himself, with a little help from his friennds, that if he doesn’t invade Iran, it won’t ever get done because no one else is strong enough to get this thing done,, and he is convinced that Iran is a danger to Irsael and that Ahmenijhad (or whatever), is going to have a nuke, so it’s now or never. (Actually, most respected sources are saying 10 years for an Iranian nuke)

    Who knows, maybe he thinks he is the Archangel Michael, come to rid the world of evildoers before J.C. gets here.

    This just makes my head explode.

    Wasn’t there something awhile back going on in Congress? Someone was saying that Bush had to come back to Congress before he makes a military move against Iran.

    Maybe this is just more Rovian political games; the Bushites plan on leaving this country and the world in such a huge goddamned mess, that no Democrat will want it in 2008.


  141. coachjason Says:

    RE:147, 148, & 149;
    What reason would America(ns) have to not support Israel?


  142. Madison Guy Says:

    The thing about Iran is, we need to pave the way by getting people thinking about nuclear war in a more positive manner . Get them worked up about the Iranian “threat.” And on the other hand — just in case we need to use those nuclear bunker busters — make the idea of using nukes a little more thinkable. We need a little infotainment…

    How about a “high-concept” TV soap featuring a plucky red state small town with a biblical name surviving nuclear catastrophe while those sinners in the big cities apparently burn in hellfire and disappear? Yeah, new CBS show “Jericho” just might do it.


  143. brian Says:

    Who do you want to win in a WAR? We need to finish WWIII before it starts - else they will beat us.

    These people will not rest until their radical islam dominates.


  144. Keith Says:

    You know, I told several friends that he was going to go after Iran next, well now this and i am thinking and it does frighten me. Its pretty much a sure bet he is going after Iran, and then what Libya? I mean there are so many places over there. I agree something needs to be done to get him under control, but if not, my biggest fear is that he has pushed soo many people away from us with his “my way or no way” attitude and stance on things, that if things deteriorate which I think they will rather quickly, we are going to be in serious need of allies, and very short on friends because nearly everyone else will see this as a way to knock the US down a couple of pegs, because they feel that under shrub we have gotten ” way too big for our britches”… know what I mean, and seriously… aside from Britain, or England, and then I dont even think that is a lock anymore, what with them all PO’ed at Blair. Who would stand with us????


  145. coachjason Says:

    Geography lesson 101… Of course we will attack Iran, get out your globes, your maps, or even GoogleEarth, and you will see that Iran is directly between Iraq and Afganistan. That’s why Iran was mentioned in the whole “axis of evil” speech. How else would “good guy” Bush deal with “evil guy” Ahmadeenijhad (sp)… He has to surround him… DUH!


  146. Ben Says:

    Keith your friends must be impressed by your predictions. I mean WOW!!!


  147. coachjason Says:

    Brian… funny you should mention radical Islam… Did you see on the news lately how Muslims are outraged and rioting over something the Pope said about them dating back to like the 14th century? Where was that outrage and rioting when 2 planes hijacked by muslims were crashed into the twin towers, and a 3rd into the Pentagon, and a 4th into the ground in Pennsylvania in the name of Allah and Islam? Have we even gotten an apology yet?


  148. snorkel Says:

    I am seeing a lot of fictional comments here, you people all need to get a grip……


  149. Left in the West » Blog Archive » “We are Conducting Military Operations Inside Iran Right now.” Says:

    […] to Retired Air Force Colonel Sam Gardiner. | Permanent LinkCategories:FrontPage […]


  150. rudie Says:

    I think the reason they will use to justify an attack on Iran, will be the “nuking” of us cities by “Al Qaeda”

    Check out this link:

    http://www.coasttocoastam.com/shows/2006/09/18.html#recap


  151. paul Says:

    We are in a mess. Diplomacy is very important. The U.N. security counsel has agreed that it is important that Iran stop with their nuclear program. They didn’t agree that it was Iran’s right to possess nuclear weapons. Iran has no plans to stop. Now, France is unwilling to sanction. The Bush administration is being potrayed unreasonable because it wants santions in the event of Iranian non-compliance. So, what is it? Does the security counsel believe it is a problem that Iran is pursuing nukes or not. If you make a resolution, but don’t require compliance, does it make any sense to have a resolution. Does anybody out there have a definition for the word resolution.


  152. Don Says:

    An army spokesman says there is overwhelming evidence that Iran is training and supporting insurgents in Iraq, but is unable to cite evidence.
    A retired air force colonel says there is overwhelming evidence that the US is conducting military operations in Iran, but cites no evidence.
    Personally, I am under-whelmed by all this non-existent “overwhelming evidence.” Is there no such thing as truth any more? And why does TP publish unsubstantiated statements? We are wallowing in lies–why raise the level?


  153. Patriot Says:

    this has to happen, this is the crusades all over again. are we to let islam take over everything. they are getting a foothold in south america. look at the french, they are too scared to do anything. if islam is a peaceful religion why are they the first to burn and blow up churches, they have come out and have said to hunt down and kill the pope, when do christians come out in masses and do that? maybe we should! we have been pushed long enough.


  154. Retired Colonel: We Are Already in Iran | Andymatic Says:

    […] Details… Filed under Journal, (Possible