Israel contradicts US findings on nuclear Iran
"It's apparently true that in 2003 Iran stopped pursuing its military nuclear programme for a time. But in our opinion, since then it has apparently continued that programme," Barak told army radio.

...The intelligence finding removes, "if nothing else, the urgency that we have to attack Iran, or knock out facilities", said Chuck Hagel, a Republican senator. "I don't think you can overstate the importance of this."

The following is a very interesting article that blogger New_Beginning pointed me to. I'm thinking this is probably why the U.S. is starting to back off Iran starting with it's "180 degree, U-turn National Intelligence Estimate report released yesterday. With the release of that report, Iran is now emboldened to continue on its course to pursue the destruction of Israel, "liberate" the Palestinians, and liberate al Quds (Jerusalem) from infidel hands in the name of Allah.

This sets up the perfect scenario for the Ezekiel 38-39 Gog and Magog War. The United States was the only impediment in Iran's plan to wipe out Israel. Now Ahmadinejad can freely try to wipe out Israel, and by so doing becoming a Muslim hero, who the Imam al Mahdi will richly reward when he returns with "the prophet Jesus" at his side...or so Mahmoud thinks.

Close to Armageddon
Charles Krauthammer wrote this in his September 21 Washington Post column: “Iran’s assets in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq are poised and ready. Ahmadinejad’s message is this: If anyone dares attack our nuclear facilities, we will fully activate our proxies, unleashing unrestrained destruction on Israel, moderate Arabs, Iraq and U.S. interests—in addition to the usual, such as mining the Strait of Hormuz and causing an acute oil crisis and worldwide recession.

The Strait of Hormuz is a six mile wide shipping lane where 25% of the world's oil flows through. It's no coincidence that the West's #1 enemy has an amazing vantage point over this major oil artery in these last days.

(click to enlarge)