Iranian Aid Ships Headed Towards Gaza Has US Worried
EmailABC's Kirit Radia and Luis Martinez report from Washington D.C.: There’s concern in Washington today about Iranian ships bound for Gaza. The State Department suggested that their movement is nothing but Iranian provocation with the potential for more violence if Israel tries to stop them like they did the flotilla. The ships claim to be carrying humanitarian aid, construction supplies, and toys for the isolated region. "Iran does not have a particularly constructive role in Gaza. It's a divisive country. I suspect very strongly that its intentions here are not humanitarian in nature,” spokesman PJ Crowley told reporters today. “But we are focusing our efforts, working to see how we can, you know, through the land borders between Israel and Gaza and Egypt and Gaza, increase the amount of assistance to the people of Gaza,” he added. Asked if he thought these aid ships were carrying arms for Gaza, Crowley said he didn’t know for sure, but said: “It remains a very legitimate concern that Israel — have. They have, in fact, in the past, intercepted ships that were carrying, you know, weapons and armaments that have been used to threaten the Israeli people. But we think through land routes is a much more effective way of increasing the flow of humanitarian assistance while being able to protect Israel's security.” Crowley’s comments also shed light on US efforts to work with Israel to widen the types of aid that can get into Gaza. After the flotilla violence the US said it was working with Israel to determine how aid can be better provided to Gaza, and officials suggested it might include ways to improve sea routes. But here Crowley hints that the changes will likely be to the overland aid channels. At the Pentagon, the officer in charge of US naval forces in the Mediterranean, Vice Admiral Harry Harris, was asked if he was concerned about these ships possibly being escorted by armed ships. “I’m concerned. I am concerned about that and we’ll be watching that closely,” he replied. “The concerns are that we might have more violence. We might have more loss of life. It’s hard to predict what would happen if that come to pass if that happens.” Asked what the US might do in this case, Harris replied, “I’m not going to talk about what we might do or could do, we’re watching it closely.” Harris said that when the flotilla was intercepted by the Israelis the US 6th Fleet did not have much more information than was coming out in the press. “We had no indication it would go down the way it did,” he said.
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“Attacked” That’s a pretty strong word… Makes it sound like they came aboard with guns blazing or they fired naval shells at it. How about intercepted and boarded.
Posted by: j85968 | June 14, 2010, 7:32 pm 7:32 pm
I agree, let’em duke it out on their own Best country wins. No help from other countries though.
Posted by: Johnny Boy | June 14, 2010, 7:41 pm 7:41 pm
Let the Israelis handle this. Other countries can pick up the flotsam after the comeuppance.
The US can be on call in case Iran’s shame is so great that they respond in a reckless manner.
Posted by: rakko_japan | June 14, 2010, 8:14 pm 8:14 pm
I just wish they would get it over with already. They are going to have to Nuke’em someday…….better sooner than later I fear.
Posted by: david | June 14, 2010, 8:20 pm 8:20 pm
Humanitarian Items cool just so that they don’t threaten Israeli’s or any one else
they don’t need weapons destructive devises
Posted by: Concerned | June 14, 2010, 8:39 pm 8:39 pm
Attacked” That’s a pretty strong word… Makes it sound like they came aboard with guns blazing or they fired naval shells at it. How about intercepted and boarded.
Posted by: j85968 | Jun 14, 2010 7:32:50 PM
Yes lets call it something it isnt makes it sound better.
Posted by: mike | June 14, 2010, 8:41 pm 8:41 pm
I agree, let’em duke it out on their own Best country wins. No help from other countries though.
Posted by: Johnny Boy | Jun 14, 2010 7:41:26 PM
Sorry we already gave Isrial nukes kinda like going to a knife fight with a gun you gave someone then say oh lets not get involved anymore.
Posted by: mike | June 14, 2010, 8:44 pm 8:44 pm
NOW is the time for Israel to take out Tehran and the nuclear bomb making facilities. No more diddling around. I for one am waiting diligently for the end of the world and I pray it happens soon! Go Israel and God bless you forever…
Posted by: melton | June 14, 2010, 8:52 pm 8:52 pm
Let’s not call them privateers. They didn’t commit piracy on the high seas. Oh wait…
I wonder if grog is kosher?
Posted by: Scott Ernest | June 14, 2010, 8:54 pm 8:54 pm
A few torpedoes and a few sunken Iranian ships wouldn’t startle the world. After all, if the North Koreans can do it with impunity, why can’t the Israelis?
Posted by: rakko_japan | June 14, 2010, 8:55 pm 8:55 pm
our USA tax dollars at work….God Bless America!! that’s what the Israelis are saying….let’s see…50 or 60 years about $200 billion in US aid…another maybe 1/2 trillion in money laundering ( remeber bank Leumi?)…and what do we get?…1 billion people hating us,Jonathan Pollard the patriotic American jew who spied on us..they sunk the USS Liberty and killed a few dozens Americans…GOD BLESS AMERICA .thats what they are saying..
Btw i just sent my $ 1,060.00 check for my Blue cross coverage…The Israelis are getting free health care..GUESS WHO ARE THE SUCKERS WHO ARE PAYING FOR IT!!!????
get
Posted by: evan | June 14, 2010, 9:00 pm 9:00 pm
I would like to see Isreal search the ships if its goods fine otherwise sink them.If they want action blow them up.You know our Mar5xcist Presidante would not dare this .He would bow to them.
Posted by: Joeray | June 14, 2010, 9:01 pm 9:01 pm
What a croc.. there may be humanitarian aid on board.. but this is nothing but a thinly disguised attempt to cause trouble.. and it can not be allowed to carry thru with it.. including Americas help in stopping it from reaching Gaza… these replies that suggest the US not get involved it is ludicrous… Iran is directly responsible for at least 1/2 our problems in the world.
Posted by: Waruka | June 14, 2010, 9:02 pm 9:02 pm
rakko: you so right! South Korea is our ally, they were attacked and not a peep out of the US or the UN. Goes to show you how incompetent this circus of an administration is on defence and foreign affairs. North Korea and the whole world laughs at the scaredy cat US that has no more back bone. Instead we have Obummer and Slippery Hillie…ooooohhh, I’m so scared!
Posted by: melton | June 14, 2010, 9:04 pm 9:04 pm
It’s about time someone takes action against the Gaza blockade, the people have suffered for to long. If Israel were to even destroy one ship or kill one person, the consecuences may very well be a war against Iran and all of it’s allies. This could, in an absolutly worst case scenario become WW3. However, when the world just stand there watching women and children die in Gaza and do nothing about it, then maybe thats what we all deserve.
Posted by: Racer | June 14, 2010, 9:20 pm 9:20 pm
Racer:
You’re ODing on “progressive” BS! 100s of tons of food and other supplies are transfered into Gaza from Isreal via NGOs every week. There is no starvation except for the freedoms that the Jihadist HAMAS reime has imposed on the citizens. Get a clue!
HAMAS is dedicated to killing Jews and wiping-out Isreal. Just like Hizballah, it is a terror proxy for Iran.
Posted by: Ari | June 14, 2010, 9:35 pm 9:35 pm
All ships to GAZA!
Posted by: Soubie | June 14, 2010, 9:37 pm 9:37 pm
Soubie:
Especially those ships loaded with munitions and Jihadists.Right?
Ohterwise, let them go through the Arab nation of Egypt.
Posted by: Ari | June 14, 2010, 9:39 pm 9:39 pm
Soubie:
Especially those ships loaded with munitions and Jihadists.Right?
Ohterwise, let them go through the Arab nation of Egypt.
Posted by: Ari | June 14, 2010, 9:39 pm 9:39 pm
Diplomacy: President Obama sat for a White House photo op with the Palestinian Authority’s leader and then announced a ((($400 million))) aid package for the West Bank and Gaza. What’s wrong with this picture?
The president seemed to go out of his way this week to please his latest guest, President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority, in a way he didn’t when Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, came calling last month. OBAMA CANT SEEM TO RUN OUR COUNTRY.
LET ISRAEL TAKE OUT IRAN ALONG WITH GAZA.
Posted by: chuck2251 | June 14, 2010, 9:41 pm 9:41 pm
Mr. Crowley says, “”But we are focusing our efforts, working to see how we can, you know, through the land borders between Israel and Gaza and Egypt and Gaza, increase the amount of assistance to the people of Gaza…” It’s called quit subsidizing Israel with 16 million dollars a day in US aid; maybe then Gaza would not have to turn to rogue states like Iran for help if we actually stood up for what we claim to stand for: a voice for the voiceless.
Posted by: William | June 14, 2010, 10:19 pm 10:19 pm
We may be late to the party, Gaza, but we Americans are starting to wake up to the crisis that is besieging you. Forgive us for taking so long to realise the truth.
Posted by: Luther | June 14, 2010, 10:23 pm 10:23 pm
Hands off! Israel has chosen to blockade shipping to another country, let them worry about it, not us.
BTW, are these so-called “ships” actual freighters, or just another middle eastern canoe club?
Posted by: john locke | June 14, 2010, 10:25 pm 10:25 pm
Iran is trying to stir up the bees nest.
Posted by: Bill from Pa. | June 14, 2010, 10:50 pm 10:50 pm
The only reason Iran is doing this is to try and provoke a fight. When they do the whole world will once again blame Israel and say how awful they are. Total BS. How sad most of the world is to stupid or biased to see this entire blockade running scam for what it is. I can’t help but wonder where all these whiners are when Israel was getting attacked by rockets on a daily basis.
Posted by: Stan in SC | June 14, 2010, 10:51 pm 10:51 pm
NOW is the time for Israel to take out Tehran and the nuclear bomb making facilities. No more diddling around. I for one am waiting diligently for the end of the world and I pray it happens soon! Go Israel and God bless you forever…Posted by: melton | Jun 14, 2010 9:04:04 PM*********************************
Great! What this world needs, another war monger nut.
Posted by: spacerook1 | June 14, 2010, 10:57 pm 10:57 pm
Why can’t we all just get along? This middle east fiasco is all about running the area dry of oil so the USA can be in charge of the oil. I want the next phase of technology so we can stop polluting our small little fish bowl that we all share. Ever see a fish tank that never gets cleaned? That is our world. Lets work on that issue if it’s not to late. Lets all become earth janitors! Take care fellow humans.
Posted by: coyner | June 14, 2010, 11:14 pm 11:14 pm
Brace yourselves people. WHEN hostilities begin, Pres Obama will be forced to do something.
Iran is provoking here. Iran is fully prepared for war. That is the goal, to wipe Israel off the map.
The time for pontification and discussing is gone.
When the shots are fired, we cannot sit idly by.
Pres. Obama needs to be discussing military action against Iran NOW, and trying to get Russia to talk Iran down from this crash course to WW3.
I have no hope that Obama is doing anything, however, except sitting on his hands, or writing a lukewarm speech.
In the absence of real leadership, Iran is becoming more bold.
You had better start hoping now. Everything is going to change.
Posted by: Miselaineous | June 14, 2010, 11:41 pm 11:41 pm
The only reason Iran is doing this is to try and provoke a fight. When they do the whole world will once again blame Israel and say how awful they are. Total BS. How sad most of the world is to stupid or biased to see this entire blockade running scam for what it is. I can’t help but wonder where all these whiners are when Israel was getting attacked by rockets on a daily basis.
Posted by: Stan in SC | June 14, 2010, 11:54 pm 11:54 pm
The United states needs to tell Israel to declare a quasi open border for Gaza…stop the nonsense, this nation, our nation is taking a terribly destructive stance here….You told the pals to vote, you said you wouldnt negotiate with them if they didnt have a democratically elected gov, so they did, then you told them their choice of gov was wrong…what hypocrisy what incredible lies and corruption…now you tell these people they cant have the basics they need to live…once again what is the matter with this nation? HAVE ALL OF YOU LOST YOUR MIND HERE? The only thing that keeps our nation important is its money…PERIOD!!! THE IDEA THAT WE ARE A MORAL LEADER IS DEAD AND BURIED WITH OUR ACTIONS AGAINST THE PALESTINIANS, WE ARE A CORRUPT RACIST NATION THAT HAS NEARLY LOST ITS MIND, MUCH LESS ITS RIGHT TO LEAD…WHAT A JOKE. When our money runs out, life is likely going to get real disappointing for our political leaders….after that only self respect matters and thats long gone.
Posted by: Howdy | June 15, 2010, 12:15 am 12:15 am
Of course Iran is trying to provoke a response from Israel. Why else would they send ships there?!?!
Posted by: JustMe | June 15, 2010, 12:36 am 12:36 am
They should be blown out of the water if they resist the blockade.
Posted by: Bob | June 15, 2010, 12:38 am 12:38 am
If these are truly humanitarian aid ships they should have no problems with UN personnel boarding and inspecting who and what is on board the vessels. Why isn’t the UN in on this?
Posted by: Publius | June 15, 2010, 1:15 am 1:15 am
“Sorry we already gave Isrial nukes . . . “_______Go study and learn the overwhelming ethnicity of the team who invented and developed nukes; then you’ll know how pitiful it is to say: “we already gave israel nukes” Just because you hear Arabs femaledog about something for 50 years, doesn’t make it true.
Posted by: Ozarkess | June 15, 2010, 1:34 am 1:34 am
I’m so tired of listening to ‘suffering in Gaza’…time for truth..they get PLENTY of aid, they don’t use it because they allow it to go to terrorists. The streets are covered with signs praising people that murder innocent civilians..so facts are on the world stage you have lost the sympathy vote. This nonsense continues to spread across the world and we have hit the stage where we are better off without it. It’s time for the US to turn their head and let Israel do what needs to be done.
Posted by: D | June 15, 2010, 2:42 am 2:42 am
I had an better idea, let British navy stop Iran ship because Iran humbled them so deep before when Iran navy arrest them as they said that British small boat across Iran sea zone. Remember?
Posted by: Glenn | June 15, 2010, 4:33 am 4:33 am
Do you remember Iranian navy arrest UK navy personal in 2007? why not let UK stop Iran’s Gaza ship to inspect that ship even possible arrest some Iranian people.
Posted by: Glenn | June 15, 2010, 4:52 am 4:52 am
These guys are hellbent on drawing us into a fight. I’m not sure why we still play the game. Let’s get it on already!
Posted by: Chad | June 15, 2010, 5:34 am 5:34 am
Just think 2012 is right around the corner
Posted by: MikeM | June 15, 2010, 7:02 am 7:02 am
Forgive us, Gaza, for not helping you. Since we as Americans have disregarded what we say we believe-standing up for the downtrodden-you must turn to rogue states like Iran for help.
Posted by: William | June 15, 2010, 7:37 am 7:37 am
The reality of the situation is that Israel is burden on us. we should stop taking sides.
Israel has been a burden on us in so many ways other than financial.
We betray our own values when we side with the murderers simply because the murderers happen to be Israelis.
Let’s take the rights guaranteed by our Constitution. You’ll be hard pressed to find a single American who wouldn’t give up his or her life to protect those rights. Yet, when Israel deprives the Palestinians of those same God-given rights, we stick our heads in the sand.
And by so doing, we lose our soul. That is not a financial loss. We should see the light not only because our tax dollars are diverted to a criminal state. We should see the light simply to save our own soul.
How can we live with ourselves when we have to suspend our conscience every time Israel commits a crime?
We always end up paying the price for Israel’s misbehavior. Is there presently a reason for the world to hate us other than siding with Israel every time it commits a crime? Or fighting Israel’s wars from Iraq, to Afghanistan, to Pakistan, to Iran, to God knows where else?
Sure we can argue that we were not innocent throughout our history. We have committed our own crimes against humanity, but that is no reason to add to that shameful past by committing additional crimes on behalf of Israel.
When we see our president who’s a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate unable to condemn a crime simply because the crime was committed by Israel, don’t we deserve to know why?
Don’t we deserve to know why no congressman can criticize Israel without jeopardizing his political career?
Why do our politicians pay allegiance to Israel and not the US? Can a single congressman criticize the prime minister of Israel with the same ease and immunity with which he can criticize his own President?
Why is the prime minister of Israel more immune to criticism in our own Congress than our own President?
Let’s ask ourselves those simple questions. The answers are even simpler.
Don’t we deserve to salvage our own humanity by being able to tell right from wrong?
Do we need Israel’s permission to save our own soul
Posted by: mike | June 15, 2010, 8:00 am 8:00 am
From freedictionary:
Noun 1. Hamas – a militant Islamic fundamentalist political movement that opposes peace with Israel and uses terrorism as a weapon; seeks to create an Islamic state in place of Israel; is opposed to the PLO and has become a leading perpetrator of terrorist activity in Israel; pioneered suicide bombing
The PLO has no authority over them and the US does not negotiate with terrorists- if you want to be like them go ahead and live there and enjoy!
Posted by: boss | June 15, 2010, 8:40 am 8:40 am
Perhaps we might classify this situation as “explosive”.
Iran is the last country in the world, that Israel will permit to send “aid” to Gaza. The potential for weapons, in the shipments, would be entirely too great.
The US should be greatly concerned……because this could be a very bad situation, indeed.
Posted by: Rick McDaniel | June 15, 2010, 11:22 am 11:22 am
For history’s sake, let them work it out!
Posted by: Gerald | June 15, 2010, 12:09 pm 12:09 pm
According to the Borgen Project:
$28 billion was the amount U.S. gave as foreign aid in 2009. “
Posted by: sara | June 15, 2010, 12:54 pm 12:54 pm
Israel DID come aboard the Mavi Marmarra with guns blazing. There was nothing but aid items on the flotilla. Israel put out a video showing weapons being discovered, but the video was exposed as a fake taped aboard the Mavi Marmarra’s sister ship. Iran DOES NOT have a nuclear weapons facility. Israel is the only nuclear-armed country in the Middle East. If Israel stayed inside her borders and didn’t massacre a score of innocent people every time “someone” fires a bottle rocket over the fluid border, there would be peace.
Posted by: Witness | June 15, 2010, 1:21 pm 1:21 pm
So the US is “worried” about ships full
of food and medicine for a starving
people. The US violates it’s own laws
(the symington amendment)to fund and
support a war crime (collective
punishment) and a nation trying to ease
the suffering is the provocateur???? Well
I guess we now know who the US government
really works for don’t we.
Posted by: Fred54 | June 15, 2010, 1:37 pm 1:37 pm
Does the US not yet understand that their war
mongering empire building incestual relationship with Israel is the talk of the world? These sleeze bags wouldn’t tell you the truth if you were standing there watching it with them. Iran by the way, culturally speaking makes Israel look like the Beverly Hillbillies.
Posted by: Jim | June 15, 2010, 1:50 pm 1:50 pm
We need to elect politicians who work to help Americans first second and third. Let the middle east eat itself. We all learned what Isreal really thinks of us on 9/11.
Posted by: Metropolis | June 15, 2010, 2:02 pm 2:02 pm
too bad american politicians aren’t worried about america instead.
Posted by: skeptico | June 15, 2010, 2:20 pm 2:20 pm
“Letting Israel investigate the attack on the aid flotilla is like letting Charlie Manson investigate the Sharon Tate killings.”
Posted by: BarbaraDiamond | June 15, 2010, 2:20 pm 2:20 pm
So the US wants to publicly criticize Israel over the flotilla, basically giving a green light to Iran or anyone else to challenge the blockade, then is worried and surprised when Iran wants to challenge the blockade a few weeks later? How many times does Obama need to make the same mistake, act weak to Muslim countries, they INCREASE conflict. It’s not that complicated. Maybe they’ll eventually figure out what the Israel learned a long time ago, Muslims nations only understand the language of force.
Posted by: Bomb | June 15, 2010, 2:59 pm 2:59 pm
“Iran does not have a particularly constructive role in Gaza.” And Israel does? After the seige that left 1,400 Gazans dead, we’re concerned about Iran? Iran hasn’t invaded anyone in 200yrs. US/Israel’s record speaks for itself. “Focusing on efforst to get ais to Gaza”? That’s easy. Tell Israel to stop hijacking(and murdering aid workers) relief ships in international waters. Cut off Israel’s 3B annual free lunch. You want to impose sanctions on someone? How aabout Israel for war crimes violations? Print the truth sometime. You’re supposed to be a watchdog not a lap dog.
Posted by: robertsgt40 | June 15, 2010, 3:43 pm 3:43 pm
Israel has caused all of america,s trouble in the middle east. And as long as we keep believeing in myths or children will continue to die for israel.Please wake up America, Israel is useing us like a cheap hooker.
Posted by: tommy | June 15, 2010, 4:23 pm 4:23 pm
Let me get this straight
The US is fighting two wars based on lies.
The gulf is full of oil and they can’t stop it.
The economy is tanking.
Twenty per cent of Americans are outta work.
And youre worried about some aid ships?
Who’s worried?
Posted by: Lee | June 15, 2010, 5:28 pm 5:28 pm
If I try to run through airport security with a bag full of canned goods and they stop me does that make them evil?
Posted by: Bomb | June 15, 2010, 6:25 pm 6:25 pm
Couldn’t Iran help by giving the money to the United Nations to buy food for these people?
Why did Iran feel the need to make a personal appearance? It wasn’t necessary and it is stirring the pot.
The world is watching.
I hope Israel doesn’t take the bait. Iran has gone fishing – for trouble!
Posted by: Next time, send a neutral country to bring the goodies! | June 15, 2010, 7:47 pm 7:47 pm
I hope Israel SINKS EM in the Suez!!!
Before they even reach the Med….
And – Saudi has just given Israel the Green Light to use their Air Space?!
Sure to make for an Interesting Week!
Wonder why Saudi all of a sudden just gave Israel the Green Light?! Seems someone knows something?!
Nice knowing ya Tehran and Damascus!!!
Peace Out!!!!
G-d Bless Israel!!!
Posted by: magend | June 16, 2010, 3:00 am 3:00 am
Iran wants the bomb, and soon we will let them have it! no one in the history of man kind was able to break the spirit of the jewish people, empires have come up and went down trying to destroy the Jews, Iran you are next in line, it took us 2000 years to come back to our homeland and we ain’t leaving cause GOD said so.
Posted by: Israeli | June 18, 2010, 10:46 am 10:46 am
Obama”s farcical foreign policy has succeeded in a) driving Turkey into the Iranian orbit; b) allowing Pakistan to play the U.S. like a fiddle; c) empowering Iran and its terrorist Surrogates , Hamas and Hizbollah, through appeasment; d) alienating our one true Mideast ally, Israel;and e) allowing Russia to trump U.S. influence in the middle east;
Posted by: darrin | June 18, 2010, 1:11 pm 1:11 pm