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Richard Cochrane is trained in chemistry and metallurgy but is far more interested and practiced as a political and fund raising consultant, writer and amateur historian. He grew up in a Navy family and with his two younger brothers carried on its 500+ year tradition of naval service to Great Britain and the USA then enjoyed a career with one of the largest advertising and public relations agencies working with numerous Fortune 500 companies and many of America's premier educational institutions. He maintains friendships and acquaintanceships around the world. He lives in Santa Barbara, California.

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Israel Grimly Planning For Multi-front War: Not Counting on U. S.

June 17th, 2009 • Richard Cochrane
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idf-emblemIsrael’s military has intensified coordination between the army and air force to conduct simultaneous operations in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. fighting  such adversaries as Iranian backed Hamas, Hizbullah and Syria.

In an address to Israeli military officers on June 9, Israeli Defense Minister Ehad Barak envisioned a bloody war with far greater Israeli casualties

“The country will have many challenges, but what matters is the resiliency of the Israel Defense Forces and its ability to come out on top in every battle,” Barak said.

“You must not delude yourselves. During combat things have a tendency to go wrong and, in the end, the completion of the mission is measured by bravery and determination.”

Officials said the military has intensified training, particularly in urban areas. They said the military-led Turning Point-3 civil defense exercise, held in late May, envisioned missile strikes on Israel from Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.

“We are faced with many challenges from distant lands through nations that share a border with us, threats from conventional weapons and threats from those who are trying to attain unconventional abilities,” Israeli Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Dan Harel said.

“Today I can say that the IDF has learned the lessons of the war, has implemented them, and is now a stronger army — more adept and more qualified to deal with the substantial security challenges that face us today,” Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who also addressed the officers, said.

On June 15, Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi convened senior officers for a review of the war in the Gaza Strip. Ashkenazi said the anti-Hamas campaign drew on lessons from the Hizbullah war, with successes attributed to preparation by the standing army and reserves.

“Being prepared for war is the IDF’s constant mission, and we must be prepared to our utmost ability,” Ashkenazi said. “The conclusions of this operation are not only relevant in the southern front, and they must be implemented in a general work plan.”  

The withering alliance with an Obama run U. S. is the dark cloud over Israel’s grim preparations, and could drive it into the willing embrace of Putin’s Russia.

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