Search and rescue works are conducted at site after a Boeing 737 plane belonging to a Ukrainian airline crashed near Imam Khomeini Airport in Iran just after takeoff with 180 passengers on board in Tehran, Iran on January 08, 2020. (Photo: Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
There is now confirmation from “certain un-named U.S. officials” that based on data, Iran mistakenly shot down the Ukrainian flight with 167 people aboard. Given the Trump administration’s desperation to sell an unjustified war to the American public, can we trust these latest reports by U.S. Officials without knowing WHO the officials are specifically? Can we trust information given to the public by the Pentagon? How do we know what is true and what is propaganda from either side? Does it matter that the information was “leaked” and not disclosed officially?
It’s an uncanny coincidence that this incident involves Ukraine, right before the impeachment trial; Iran, in the middle of the conflict; and maybe Russia, Trump’s BFF.
I don't think this helps Trump at all. It's his fault they retaliated and if that retaliation resulted in them accidentally shooting the plane down, I see it as his fault for starting everything. They clearly aren't innocent, but this wouldn't have happened if Trump wasn't an idiot.
Agree💯%. It's obvious Iran wanted to do some damage somewhere-- and they chose the US-built 737-possibly leased by Ukrainian airline company. The Iranian bombers irbrevrngeknew there wouldway or a be casualties--which appears to be error-- of killing nationalities other than USA's. It's clear Iran will carry on with their revenge by all means.
I'm sorry, but considering how many times MY OWN GOVERNMENT has lied to drag us into wars, until Iran says "Oops! Our bad," I'm going to assume my own government, with the moldering orange menace at the helm, is up to their beady bloodshot eyeballs in this current fustercluck. Because yes, I do trust them more than I do tRump, any day of the week and twice on Sundays.
This is such an awful situation especially for all the families that have tragically lost loved ones. It's all very scary as Amee said, however, Republicans have for decades taken us to unjust wars and lied to us about WHY? They fill our military coffers with trillions but refuse to help Americans with even affordable healthcare. Trump has taken it to a new level by telling Congress that they shouldn't even ask hard questions about this attack or even question the President's decision. Trump's speech yesterday was terrifying - he is so UNFIT. This is also on Senate Republicans that have been bowing to fascist Trump for more than three years. This administration cannot be trusted in any way shape or form. The will never tell us the truth and currently we don't even know the half of it.
One of the consequences of this event is that our ongoing state of anxiety was been heightened. How many people said to me days leading up to Iran bombing the bases - So we’ll be in a war soon right? Everyone still fears that we will be cyber attacked and now we don’t trust anything our gov’t says. If I don’t read it somewhere else, I think - prove it. Whether it’s cancer rates are lower, the stock market is doing great, or Iran wanted to destroy the US embassy. It’s all said by the same person that we do not trust. What is THAT trickle down effect going to do to us?
If Americans were not on the plane, and the airline is not an American company, how would he sell it, I wonder? Might be premature to worry much, but I do not trust anything the Trump Administration tells us. I am curious about this missile mistake, however. And the black box.
Iran is very savvy and strategic. They know a direct conflict with America is a lose-lose proposition for them. However, they have the capability to turn their ire on those Middle East nations who give support to America. Thereby hurting America in the one place that is most sensitive - the pocket book. One would have to be very naive to believe this was a mistake and just a random coincidence.
Excellent analysis Jockular. Makes a tremendous amount of sense. And either the fuhrer was snorting a lot of blow, or he was lying like a rug as he usually does. (I suspect the later) His snorting was audible, annoying and may well be a give away as you say.
New York Times has confirmed that US had a 3 hour notice prior to the missile attack by Iran. Picture this. Iran intentionally gives up Soleimani and then shoots down a Ukraine 737 with no Americans aboard and at the same time lobs missiles at three Iraqi bases after providing 3 hour prior notice. No Americans casualties, only Ukrainians. I am not into conspiracy theories, but this is very very suspicious.
Next I expect Trump to triumphantly ink a deal with Iran and take a victory lap just before the election. Anyone?
Here's the thing about the Trump admin, which perhaps has gone under the radar: THEY LIE. Doubly weird is the confluence of Ukraine and Iran; perhaps just a strange coincidence. Hopefully there will emerge actual facts (remember those?).
Perfect Trifecta: Iran, Ukraine, Trump. I see Putin pulling strings. He's been pulling strings since the December 30 (31?) phone call with Trump. Also: chaos, distraction, wag the dog. I can't wait for Pelosi's narrative twist to become available for viewing (to reference your previous article which was so damn good!).
i know this is really weird, but a part of me thinks it could be putin or iran, as putin claims to be upset about the assassination of the general & we don't really know how the meeting went between zelensky & him after macron & merkel left. where iran is concerned, i think they'd like for zelensky to fess up & tell the truth about what really happened with trump & the blackmailing about dirt on the bidens. show the world what scum he really is & in doing so, give a little merit to many of the things iran has said about him, many of which we know.
We live in a world where leaders lie more than they tell the truth. Zelensky I'm sure is scared of bully Trump. Still, no excuse for not telling the truth - if he spoke out, maybe the Senate would actually hold a fair trial or Bolton for that matter.
Another GOP scam even the conflict of interest between McConnell and Trump, remember Mitch's wife is in the administration and could lose her job if Trump was removed.
I find it hard to believe that the General had an apointment the next day with PM of Iraq, and was taken out just before, what was the CIA, afraid of or even the military, the reason Milley JOS is because he was liked by Trump not brains or experience sound like another Powell/GOP, selection precess...
What I find scariest of all is that DJT is directly disavowing any responsibility and telling us "people say" stories. What does DJT ALWAYS do when he's to blame? Lie, project, and lie some more.
Per CNN: "'I don't want to say that because other people have their suspicions,' Trump said, but added, 'Somebody could have made a mistake on the other side ... not our system. It has nothing to do with us.'"
It is horrible news for the families. If it was an Iranian mistake in the midst of war operations where they probably assumed it was an "enemy" aircraft and acted too hastily, I don't think it is fair to use that incident to stoke a war... Isn't that why US airlines announced they were avoiding flying over the Middle East? so that civilian planes do not turn into sitting targets and I am guessing the Iranians didn't take enough public safety precautions during the missile launches.
As I said earlier the planes departure was on one hour hold so all the missiles could be launched be the departure, anything could of happen on the ground or a total mistake..
The impulsive decision to assassinate Soleimani has resulted in the deaths of over 50 people crushed in the funeral procession and now all passengers and crew of a commercial flight have perished. Trump has the blood of how many innocents on his hands this week?
and now, tho they're fessing up, noone will believe they ever would have w/o the proof & still noone will believe it was accidental, cuz of their remarks about our shooting down of their plane in 88. so guilty or innocent, they're guilty in the world's eyes, which is how it was meant. i'm sure i sound like a terrorist sympathizer. i assure u, i am not, but in their place, i would have done the same thing, just prob. sooner. after the assassination, them bombing our bases, then an airplane flying over, how could they NOT be terrified? a split second decision to be made? wrong one picked. 50/50 chance. all started cuz trump wanted to show out, like the spoiled brat he is. all others be damned. ours, theirs, doesn't matter, as long as it's not him or his.
Given the limited information that we have and Trump's desire to deflect attention from the impeachment, I do not believe that Iran shot down the Ukrainian flight. The drone strike on Soleimani was an attempt to divert attention from the impeachment and give Trump a victory lap.
Trump boasts of his trust in TV pundits, conspiracy theorists, demogauges, and more over the intelligence agencies dedicated to the national security, who or what country can possibly trust anyone who supports or works for this administration anymore? to the question: Given the Trump administration’s desperation to sell an unjustified war to the American public, can we trust these latest reports by U.S. Officials without knowing WHO the officials are specifically
An article in the NYT specified "American officials" without saying who the officials were. I refuse to guess, and I never trust what the Pentagon says. I do put this whole scenario on Trump.
A complete passenger list should be made available to public. Too much shananigans with DJT acting like a crime boss with his demands. Soleimani was not the only man with blood on his hands. The one who ordered his murder has been a very bad man too. Enough is enough.
That's the sad fact--this Administration is so mendacious that even when it says something that may be true (and the Iranians have it entirely within their power to prove or disprove this by releasing the black box), we automatically (and rightfully) are skeptical.
The reason why this is even a question is that for OVER THREE YEARS we have heard from Trump & his administration is "oh they are liars, oh they are part of the deep state, oh they are crooked" NOW... They want us to trust the very same agencies and people?
Seems that if they shot it down they wouldn't want any outside investigation least of all from the US, as ICAB has invited NTSB/and others... i can't say without knowing who is speaking...
And in every city in Canada there is mourning - the Canadians and bright Iranian students who were killed on that flight. The blame falls to Trump's ego for starting this all up in the first place.
From the first second that the crash was reported, there was no doubt in my mind that it was NOT an accident! #PutinsPuppet and his enablers are responsible for Iran’s actions in this case.
Can we trust our government to tell us the truth? Why no. We can't. It's just as likely that the U.S. shot down the plane in order to blame it on Iran. Certainly wouldn't be the first time.
Because it is this specific administration that feeds us this information, we can't trust supposed "American officials" any longer. I wonder if there are even any such people, or if it's just a catchphrase at this point.
Wake me when it's over, Amee. Day after day we're exposed to unnecessary atrocities at the hands of the current administration, not to mention the Bush 41, 43, and Ronald Rayguns regimes. A long long time ago I used to trust the US government; not so much anymore. Now that Donald Tramp weaseled his way into the Oval, I don't believe anything that comes from the White House.
It’s an uncanny coincidence that this incident involves Ukraine, right before the impeachment trial; Iran, in the middle of the conflict; and maybe Russia, Trump’s BFF.
My thought exactly.
I don't think this helps Trump at all. It's his fault they retaliated and if that retaliation resulted in them accidentally shooting the plane down, I see it as his fault for starting everything. They clearly aren't innocent, but this wouldn't have happened if Trump wasn't an idiot.
for that matter, neither would the deaths of the people trampled in the funeral procession.
Those were my thoughts exactly! He started it and they made a mistake. His fault
Agree💯%. It's obvious Iran wanted to do some damage somewhere-- and they chose the US-built 737-possibly leased by Ukrainian airline company. The Iranian bombers irbrevrngeknew there wouldway or a be casualties--which appears to be error-- of killing nationalities other than USA's. It's clear Iran will carry on with their revenge by all means.
Without corroborating evidence from verified sources nothing this administration says can be trusted.
I'm sorry, but considering how many times MY OWN GOVERNMENT has lied to drag us into wars, until Iran says "Oops! Our bad," I'm going to assume my own government, with the moldering orange menace at the helm, is up to their beady bloodshot eyeballs in this current fustercluck. Because yes, I do trust them more than I do tRump, any day of the week and twice on Sundays.
This is such an awful situation especially for all the families that have tragically lost loved ones. It's all very scary as Amee said, however, Republicans have for decades taken us to unjust wars and lied to us about WHY? They fill our military coffers with trillions but refuse to help Americans with even affordable healthcare. Trump has taken it to a new level by telling Congress that they shouldn't even ask hard questions about this attack or even question the President's decision. Trump's speech yesterday was terrifying - he is so UNFIT. This is also on Senate Republicans that have been bowing to fascist Trump for more than three years. This administration cannot be trusted in any way shape or form. The will never tell us the truth and currently we don't even know the half of it.
Very well said Cindy. GOP cares more about money than Americans healthcare. That is a very sad reality for America.
Especially since our Navy did make a mistake the last time.
?
Remember when one of our ships shot down an Iranian jet? I suspect that's what's being referenced.
One of the consequences of this event is that our ongoing state of anxiety was been heightened. How many people said to me days leading up to Iran bombing the bases - So we’ll be in a war soon right? Everyone still fears that we will be cyber attacked and now we don’t trust anything our gov’t says. If I don’t read it somewhere else, I think - prove it. Whether it’s cancer rates are lower, the stock market is doing great, or Iran wanted to destroy the US embassy. It’s all said by the same person that we do not trust. What is THAT trickle down effect going to do to us?
The truth will come out. Always does. It does not surprise me at all. 45 has this on his hands if true.
If Americans were not on the plane, and the airline is not an American company, how would he sell it, I wonder? Might be premature to worry much, but I do not trust anything the Trump Administration tells us. I am curious about this missile mistake, however. And the black box.
I don't believe jack our government tells us.
Iran is very savvy and strategic. They know a direct conflict with America is a lose-lose proposition for them. However, they have the capability to turn their ire on those Middle East nations who give support to America. Thereby hurting America in the one place that is most sensitive - the pocket book. One would have to be very naive to believe this was a mistake and just a random coincidence.
Especially since the plane was delayed an hour so they coul launch the missile attack before the plane released by traffic control for departure.
And it does make sense that in the future Iran will strike back through proxies anywhere in the world. That is generally how they operate anyway.
Excellent analysis Jockular. Makes a tremendous amount of sense. And either the fuhrer was snorting a lot of blow, or he was lying like a rug as he usually does. (I suspect the later) His snorting was audible, annoying and may well be a give away as you say.
New York Times has confirmed that US had a 3 hour notice prior to the missile attack by Iran. Picture this. Iran intentionally gives up Soleimani and then shoots down a Ukraine 737 with no Americans aboard and at the same time lobs missiles at three Iraqi bases after providing 3 hour prior notice. No Americans casualties, only Ukrainians. I am not into conspiracy theories, but this is very very suspicious.
Next I expect Trump to triumphantly ink a deal with Iran and take a victory lap just before the election. Anyone?
This has the ring of possibility
Here's the thing about the Trump admin, which perhaps has gone under the radar: THEY LIE. Doubly weird is the confluence of Ukraine and Iran; perhaps just a strange coincidence. Hopefully there will emerge actual facts (remember those?).
Hey, now we all know this administration doesn't rely on facts (what are they)
This administration relies on "alternative facts". Cheepus, what a term. Only a trumpista could come up with that.
There are no coincidences.
Perfect Trifecta: Iran, Ukraine, Trump. I see Putin pulling strings. He's been pulling strings since the December 30 (31?) phone call with Trump. Also: chaos, distraction, wag the dog. I can't wait for Pelosi's narrative twist to become available for viewing (to reference your previous article which was so damn good!).
Agree about Putin.
Is it possible that Russians hacked the missile launcher? It was Russian-manufactured.
I suspect anything is possible in this drama.
I doubt it, it's not China, Russians made and sold a lot of them to the middle east...
The US defense contractors made and sold a lot to every country.
It is just as likely that Russia shot a Ukrainian airliner down to help out their puppet.
It has happened before, remember.
Need to disclose what’s in the BLACK BOX.
i know this is really weird, but a part of me thinks it could be putin or iran, as putin claims to be upset about the assassination of the general & we don't really know how the meeting went between zelensky & him after macron & merkel left. where iran is concerned, i think they'd like for zelensky to fess up & tell the truth about what really happened with trump & the blackmailing about dirt on the bidens. show the world what scum he really is & in doing so, give a little merit to many of the things iran has said about him, many of which we know.
We live in a world where leaders lie more than they tell the truth. Zelensky I'm sure is scared of bully Trump. Still, no excuse for not telling the truth - if he spoke out, maybe the Senate would actually hold a fair trial or Bolton for that matter.
Another GOP scam even the conflict of interest between McConnell and Trump, remember Mitch's wife is in the administration and could lose her job if Trump was removed.
I find it hard to believe that the General had an apointment the next day with PM of Iraq, and was taken out just before, what was the CIA, afraid of or even the military, the reason Milley JOS is because he was liked by Trump not brains or experience sound like another Powell/GOP, selection precess...
What I find scariest of all is that DJT is directly disavowing any responsibility and telling us "people say" stories. What does DJT ALWAYS do when he's to blame? Lie, project, and lie some more.
Per CNN: "'I don't want to say that because other people have their suspicions,' Trump said, but added, 'Somebody could have made a mistake on the other side ... not our system. It has nothing to do with us.'"
It is horrible news for the families. If it was an Iranian mistake in the midst of war operations where they probably assumed it was an "enemy" aircraft and acted too hastily, I don't think it is fair to use that incident to stoke a war... Isn't that why US airlines announced they were avoiding flying over the Middle East? so that civilian planes do not turn into sitting targets and I am guessing the Iranians didn't take enough public safety precautions during the missile launches.
As I said earlier the planes departure was on one hour hold so all the missiles could be launched be the departure, anything could of happen on the ground or a total mistake..
Unnamed US officials- Ivanka and Hannity
Jared, the Middle East Expert.
The impulsive decision to assassinate Soleimani has resulted in the deaths of over 50 people crushed in the funeral procession and now all passengers and crew of a commercial flight have perished. Trump has the blood of how many innocents on his hands this week?
No, we can’t trust anything that comes out of this criminal administration. Un named officials? A mistake? Too vague. Did Iran admit this?
and now, tho they're fessing up, noone will believe they ever would have w/o the proof & still noone will believe it was accidental, cuz of their remarks about our shooting down of their plane in 88. so guilty or innocent, they're guilty in the world's eyes, which is how it was meant. i'm sure i sound like a terrorist sympathizer. i assure u, i am not, but in their place, i would have done the same thing, just prob. sooner. after the assassination, them bombing our bases, then an airplane flying over, how could they NOT be terrified? a split second decision to be made? wrong one picked. 50/50 chance. all started cuz trump wanted to show out, like the spoiled brat he is. all others be damned. ours, theirs, doesn't matter, as long as it's not him or his.
Given the limited information that we have and Trump's desire to deflect attention from the impeachment, I do not believe that Iran shot down the Ukrainian flight. The drone strike on Soleimani was an attempt to divert attention from the impeachment and give Trump a victory lap.
I don't believe one word from the White House about what has happened. Especially that there were no casualties from the Iran bombs!
of course the reports can't be trusted.
Trump boasts of his trust in TV pundits, conspiracy theorists, demogauges, and more over the intelligence agencies dedicated to the national security, who or what country can possibly trust anyone who supports or works for this administration anymore? to the question: Given the Trump administration’s desperation to sell an unjustified war to the American public, can we trust these latest reports by U.S. Officials without knowing WHO the officials are specifically
In a war the truth is always the first casualty.
Personally, I am sick of "unnamed U.S. sources". Speak up or shut up, because it's all just starting to sound like a cacophony of political BS to me.
In a few hours or tomorrow trump will change his story. He always does. And he lies every single time.
An article in the NYT specified "American officials" without saying who the officials were. I refuse to guess, and I never trust what the Pentagon says. I do put this whole scenario on Trump.
A complete passenger list should be made available to public. Too much shananigans with DJT acting like a crime boss with his demands. Soleimani was not the only man with blood on his hands. The one who ordered his murder has been a very bad man too. Enough is enough.
That's the sad fact--this Administration is so mendacious that even when it says something that may be true (and the Iranians have it entirely within their power to prove or disprove this by releasing the black box), we automatically (and rightfully) are skeptical.
The reason why this is even a question is that for OVER THREE YEARS we have heard from Trump & his administration is "oh they are liars, oh they are part of the deep state, oh they are crooked" NOW... They want us to trust the very same agencies and people?
Seems that if they shot it down they wouldn't want any outside investigation least of all from the US, as ICAB has invited NTSB/and others... i can't say without knowing who is speaking...
We shouldn't internalize tragedies.
And in every city in Canada there is mourning - the Canadians and bright Iranian students who were killed on that flight. The blame falls to Trump's ego for starting this all up in the first place.
I wonder what Uncle Boris thinks?
From the first second that the crash was reported, there was no doubt in my mind that it was NOT an accident! #PutinsPuppet and his enablers are responsible for Iran’s actions in this case.
Waiting for verified sources. Haven’t started catching up this evening. Hopefully an international consensus on the cause will be agreed upon soon.
We can't trust any information at this point. Which is exactly where Putin wants us. #activemeasures
Can we trust our government to tell us the truth? Why no. We can't. It's just as likely that the U.S. shot down the plane in order to blame it on Iran. Certainly wouldn't be the first time.
Iran is Trump's Jack Ruby.
Because it is this specific administration that feeds us this information, we can't trust supposed "American officials" any longer. I wonder if there are even any such people, or if it's just a catchphrase at this point.
Wake me when it's over, Amee. Day after day we're exposed to unnecessary atrocities at the hands of the current administration, not to mention the Bush 41, 43, and Ronald Rayguns regimes. A long long time ago I used to trust the US government; not so much anymore. Now that Donald Tramp weaseled his way into the Oval, I don't believe anything that comes from the White House.