Picture This: Netanyahu’s Clear Red Line Steals the 67th UNGA
In a season of international ambiguity over how to address Iran’s unchecked nuclear program, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu illustrated the urgency of keeping the Islamic Republic from achieving weapons capability in clear, memorable terms.
He came into today’s United Nations General Assembly speech expected to call for a “clear red line” in dealing with Tehran. As cameras clicked away, he drew that line on crinkled poster board with a fat red marker.
And in this prop twist with an ACME-esqe bomb diagram, Netanyahu ensured that his drawing would be the image carried away from this year’s General Assembly.
Not the speech two addresses before Netanyahu, in which Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas accused Israel of “ethnic cleansing.” Not even the latest tieless, Mahdi-based rant yesterday from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
And even though the Iranian delegation was a predictable no-show, Netanyahu still took on his Iranian counterpart and his apocalyptic policy.
“Throughout our history, the Jewish people have overcome all the tyrants who have sought our destruction. It’s their ideologies that have been discarded by history,” Netanyahu said.
The prime minister said that today “a great battle is being waged between the modern and the medieval.”
“Israel wants to see a Middle East of progress and peace. We want to see the three great religions that sprang forth from our region — Judaism, Christianity and Islam — coexist in peace and in mutual respect. Yet, the medieval forces of radical Islam whom you just saw storming the American embassies throughout the Middle East, well, they oppose this. They seek supremacy over all Muslims. They’re bent on world conquest. They want to destroy Israel, Europe, America. They want to extinguish freedom,” he said.
“They want to end the modern world.”
To Abbas, Netanyahu said, “We won’t solve our conflict with libelous speeches at the U.N.”
To the regime in Iran, he lumped them with al-Qaeda as those who would “drag humanity back to an age of unquestioning dogma, unrelenting conflict.”
“I think the relevant question is this, it’s not whether this fanaticism will be defeated, it’s how many lives will be lost before it’s defeated? And we’ve seen that happen before too,” Netanyahu said. “Some 70 years ago, the world saw another fanatic ideology bent on world conquest. Now, it went down in flames, but not before it took millions of people with it. Those who oppose that fanaticism waited too long to act. In the end they triumphed, but at a horrific cost.”
At stake, he stressed, is not just the future of Israel but that of the world.
“Now, it makes little difference whether these lethal weapons are in the hands of the world’s most dangerous terrorist regime or the world’s most dangerous terrorist organization. They’re both fired by the same hatred, they’re both driven by the same lust for violence,” Netanyahu said.
He called the belief that Iran can be deterred a la the Soviet Union “a very dangerous assumption.”
“Militant jihadists behave very differently from secular Marxists,” the prime minister said. “…For the ayatollahs of Iran, mutually assured destruction is not a deterrent. It’s an inducement.”
“Iran’s apocalyptic leaders believe that a medieval Holy Land will reappear in the wake of a devastating Holy War, thereby ensuring that their brand of radical Islam will rule the earth,” he said. “Now, that’s not just what they believe. That’s what is actually guiding their policies and their actions.”
Ahmadinejad gave a lengthy sermon about the Mahdi in his own address. “The arrival of the ultimate savior will mark a new beginning, a rebirth and a resurrection. It will be the beginning of peace, lasting security and genuine life. His arrival will be the end of oppression, immorality, poverty, discrimination and the beginning of justice, love and empathy,” the Iranian leader said yesterday from the same dais.
Netanyahu noted that he’s been warning about the need to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons for more than 15 years.
“I spoke about it when it was fashionable and I spoke about it when it wasn’t fashionable. I speak about it now because the hour is getting late, very late,” he said. “…I speak about it now because when it comes to the survival of my country it’s not only my right to speak, it’s my duty to speak.”
Addressing the problem, he said, is “the duty of every responsible leader who wants to preserve world peace.”
And the obvious, he emphasized for yet another time, is that Tehran is using diplomatic negotiations to buy time to advance its nuclear program.
Before the Prime Minister unfolded his visual prop into a flat display, one could see the vertical dividing line between the two panels. This simple geometry reminded me of the common representations of the two tablets held by Moses coming down from the mountain. Am I the only one to get the religion about the urgency of stopping Tehran?
There is NO doubt, those of us watching his speech from Israel were listening intently for his ‘red line’ declaration, even more so than others from across the world.
That being said, the PM’s speech was clear, succinct and compelling. The only confusing part was – since every other issuance, coming from those closest to Netanyahu, ascribed the heretofore ‘red line’ to no more than a few weeks away, where does the spring timeline fit it?
I have my ideas. What are yours? – http://adinakutnicki.com/2012/08/18/placing-israels-fate-in-us-hands-is-always-a-non-starter-commentary-by-adina-kutnicki/
The point being, in a perfect world, it would be best if the US & Israel joined hands in this ultimate world struggle against barbarism – light versus darkness.
However, Jerusalem surely knows that the clock is ticking a lot faster than US electoral politics. Therefore, even if Netanyahu is betting on Romney winning, thus having a more friendly POTUS at the helm, it will be too late.
Again, subtext….
Yes. You are. The rest of the world is laughing at that gangster’s nonsense. And even the most idiotic Evengelical stooges in America cannot affor another war.
Remember when an American president could be this clear, honest, and courageous?
“Muhammad declared undistinguishing and exterminating war, as a part of his religion against all the rest of mankind.” -John Quincy Adams
As sad as it makes me (not for anti-Semitic reasons), it is possible that the torch of Western Civilization is being passed to Israel.
I hope she takes good care of it.
She will have to… because it seems no one else can.
Israel is the one who lit the torch in the first place. WIthout Jesus of Nazareth announcing the Gospel, and his apostles carrying it forth to the Greek, there would be no Western Civilization for Islam to pervert and attempt to vanquish.
I think I know who Obama’s real father is. Mohammad raped a goat and the goat literally died from shame. The goat was buried in the desert and around 1960 archeologists dug it up and retrieved the sperm from Mohammad and impregnated Obama’s mother with it.
Look out! There are going to be outraged goats rioting everywhere!
Feral Cat, that is disgusting and has no place here. No matter how much I want to see Obama defeated, this is NOT the kind of rhetoric we should be employing.
It is interesting to see the huge amount of anti-Semitic postings generated on other sites because of this speech. Its all out in the open and uncensored. It makes your head spin. G-d help us if we ever put a poster on a NY subway.
At least they are identifying themselves.
I was in NYC a few years ago and saw half a torn and defaced pro-Israel poster in Port Authority and further down, an empty poster frame. Even further down the hall, there were hateful, Big Lie, Palestinian propaganda posters, unmolested.
Bibi is a mensch. Lechaim!
I just love that “Get Smartesque” bomb! I just love Bibi.
“Awesome is G-d from his sanctuary; the G-d of Israel – he is the one
who gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be G-d.”
-A psalm of King David, Psalm 68:35
Why can’t we get a guy like this to run for President of the USA? Instead we get to choose between Milquetoast Mitt and Muslim appeaser extraordinaire Obama.
Of all the world leaders on earth right now, it seems Bibi is the only one who really gets it, who really understands what’s at stake.
But what’s sad, what is truly heart-breakingly sad, is how very alone Israel is on the world stage at this time. There will be no help from Europe this time around, as they are bending over backwards to placate their Muslim immigrants, and will be over taken without a shot being fired. Same with Canada and the USA. I really cannot think of any nation other than Israel who truly understands the threat of Islam, and is doing anything about it.
And again, very sadly, there will be no violent struggle like World War II, as most of Western Civilization has already succumbed to Islam, at least in appeasement. That’s all they need, no violent overthrow necessary. We can now officially mark September 2012 as the year Western Civ finally breathed it’s last breath.
The whole reason Israel rose like a Phoenix out of the ashes back in the late 40′s is that those who had just been released out of the concentration camps wanted to have at least one country on planet Earth where they could truly feel safe. Students of history will recall, with disgust and horror, how even the western powers, including–and especially–the USA and the UK, turned their collective backs on the Jews’ plight, and only confronted Hitler when they had no other choice but to do so.
So, in a generation’s time, it seems as if the creation of Israel was, indeed, as necessary as the survivor of the concentration camps feared it would be–the last bastion where a Jew could, at the very least, fight back.
As a gentile I’m greatly ashamed of the leadership of the western world, and if I could, I’d move to Israel tomorrow, and support their struggle in any way I could. Because right now I don’t see any hope for the United States, not even if Mr. Nice Guy gets elected, as it seems he’s totally incapable of fighting for what he believes in. Not so Obama.
I’m really missing Newt Gingrich at this time, I really am.
- Alexander the Great
I have a feeling we’d take you in, Alexander. If I ask myself what makes Bibi who he is, I believe it’s a combination of extraordinary parents, an other-wordly role model in his older brother, Yoni, his education, his native intelligence, and some of the harsh personal lessons of his own life.
It is true that the United States needs someone like this now as much as Israel does, perhaps more.
At times, I share the same feeling about being a Gentile and moving to Israel.
But we have a war to fight here, a spiritual war. Nihilism is trying to destroy the West, we must fight back and we must win.
Netanyahu reminded me of Churchill in his direct, clear way. His analogies also seemed very Churchill-esque, not to diminish either of the men’s character. It does point out though that both are/were acutely aware of the threats being faced and the ideologies involved. Remember, Churchill took a lot of crap from his fellows. He was despised by many; Usually the ones who were elitist snobs who couldn’t see how offending der fuhrer would help in any way.
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Alaxander the Lame – you are a DISGRACE. GO to Isrtael. Get out of the West. You defile a brilliant and Heroic White Leader’s name, with your craven and despicable grovelling. Go to the rotten little global gangter’s HQ – and then they can spit on you in person.
Always had great respect for him. I wish this country had such a leader.
Bibi’s a GANGSTER. Bennie Milikovsky is a vicious racist sociopath, determined to use the clueless American Goyim as the fodder for yet ANOTHER war of Israeli conquest.
Don’t worry, though. He IS your “leader” AIPAC runs America, and has run America into the ground. The new Host is China.
Little green men kept in secret desert bases,
Tin-foil hats to suppress evil invasives.
The Jews with their horns, and bright red colored wings,
These are a few of my conspiracy things…
Unfortunately he was speaking to a group that could care less if Iran obliterated Israel tomorrow.
The UN is a den of vipers, snakes, thieves, crooks and tyrants. The affect he had on the listeners there would be no greater than if the Chief Rabbi of Berlin directly pleaded to Hitler on behalf of jews.
There will be a war there very soon no matter who is president. The only difference is if Israel launches on Iran, Israel had better understand that Obama will not lift a finger to help Israel and he will also condemn them.
As long as Obama is president, the Israelis had better get real and understand that Obama hates their guts, he hates jews and he could care less if Israel was turned into a gigantic hole in the ground.
Netanyahu and Obama.
Clarity, strength, leadership, love of his people, competency, pride.
Obfuscation, weakness, follower, disdain for his people, incompetency, arrogance.
Can you tell who is who?
Addresing the problem is, “the duty of every responsible leader who wants to preserve world peace.” – Bibi.
He’s telling it like it is to all those mealy-mouthed, and double-minded politicking power-hungry phonies that think only about themselves. Bibi is a strong defender of Israel – that reminds me of someone else too. How can Obama sit back and ignore Bibi’s speech? I don’t think he can, because it’s the truth and I’m hoping and praying that whatever righteousness there is in Obama – even if it’s precious little – will be ignited and become strong; strong enough to show the world that he’s got Israel’s back and is willing to forego politics in order to secure the future for the United States of America.
Thank you Briidget, for the only thoughtful analysis of what may be remembered as the ‘medieval vs modern’ speech.
Still, never thought I would ever witness anyone compelled to defend the historical presence of Jews in Israel and Jerusalem. But, if it is true that Islam regards all 25 messengers and prophets to have originally been muslim, oh well, just glad to have PM Netanyahu with us.
Brilliant. Netanyahu’s little drawing will be remembered when the flowery nuanced speeches, like Obama’s, will fade away. It is all pert of his strategy which should be apparent.
Keep the spotlight focused on Iran.
That is what he has been doing all along. All of the drama including the cat and mouse game he has been playing with the White House is all about keeping everyone focused on Iran. He will do this even if it makes him look vacillating or annoying.
It is very tempting to write of Iran or look the other way. Nobody wants war and the problem seems intractable. Who really cares about one more nuke state anyway, right? Nobody ever seems to actually use them. While we were in Iraq that is exactly what we did. We still would be if Bibi were willing to do the same.
In a way we are fortunate that Ahmedinijad is such a clown. So easy to push his buttons. A smart leader would have said very little about Israel. If he had done that he would have the bomb by now and a better conventional force besides. Sometimes I think that the reason we did not support the Iranian opposition was out of concern that someone competant would take his place.
Iranian defenses are getting weaker. Recently it was announced that one of their 3 aging Kilo class subs was back in the water following needed refurbishment. The Russians would not do it so they had to make the parts themselves. I think persian rugs in place of sonar absorbing panels are going to affect the slealth factor a bit.
Who does his graphics? Wile E Coyote?
A great speech by a great Leader.
The only Leader in the whole West.
Now I understand how the Holocaust could happen.
You just need some Obamas, and the gates of hell are open again.
While I firmly support Israel, especially via-a-vis the Iranian threat, this crappy graphic is an embarrassment. Here’s hoping this wasn’t an accurate rendering of the Israeli arsenal. Will they also be employing catapults?
If he was going to use the old-school cartoon bomb graphic, he might has well have employed the Mohammed turban bomb cartoon for effect.
He probably drew it himself in his hotel before the speech. He does things like that.
It is intentional. A slick professional job would be less memorable and would seem contrived. Now everyone is talking about it and even those who are mocking it are picturing it in their heads.
What does a talking lizard have to do with insurance?
Reminded me of the turban bomb as well. Or the bombs from the old road runner – coyote cartoons. I think Netanyahu runs the ACME company where apparently Iran is getting some of their vital nuclear equipment.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/iran-official-german-firm-planted-bombs-in-parts-meant-for-nuclear-program-1.466214
Look, Netanyahu’s speech was for the imbecile in the audience. Since we know the UN is mostly filled with idiot parasites it was necessary to make the points and draw the pictures for the idot and the imbecile in the audience, otherwise they would be held guiltless. Now they will be called to account.
Just think, our president is so dull he doesn’t get it either.
it is a simple drawing because the issue is not complicated although muslims complicate everything so as to confuse the “enemy”. it is their way. their cultural language. it has never been ours. certainly not israel’s.
there is no confusion with this drawing.
you see the bomb. you see what level iran is at.
you see where the red line is and how close to nuclear confligration.
do something. don’t do something. we will all go down together.
What happened once the mountain was found, the mountain where uranium was being enrich?ed No consequences for a regime lying to the UN? That’s was the red line. We now need more red lines? Democrats know only the color gray, and have the most minimal boundaries which keep everyone unmotivated and poor. If it feels good today, Democrats will eat poison candy and hand it out to others. At least the Repubs disgustingly spin tales in favor of our country. Disgusting in distortion and deception, not in patriotism. When Obama attempts to look patriotic, I either feel ill or laugh, usually the former. I’m unsure how he tricks anyone who has caught children lying, unless they think they are getting something from him. Everytime he walks up to the podium it’s to tell a lie.
That P J Media published # 3 “Feral Cat”) vomitive words,
r
enders the talk-backm section totally, absolutely irrelevant,
for any sane reader.
And for “Feral Cat”: I wish yout to burn in Hell, among “boiling
excrements”, to use a talmudic expression. Sincerely, from a Jew.
How does some random person posting a comment turn into “PJ Media published vomitive words”?
Are saying that no website should allow anyone to post a comment unless it first gets approved as the narrative the site chooses to portray? The MSM would surly love this complete control idea! Freedom of speech be damned, what we all really need is a communist-like suppressor standing over our shoulder telling us what we can and cant say on any given topic?
Sure, his post was complete trash; but you didnt manage to do much better yourself. Here’s a tip – dont like it? Ignore it; like any sane, rational reader would do…
This is a great video of a former Obama supporter who is Jewish.
http://www.therightscoop.com/must-watch-blockbuster-mini-documentary-on-the-obama-admin-and-israel-absolutely-uncertain/