Opinion | Editorials
Israel wants to make war while the sun shines
They could be seeing the possibility of a US president who seeks talks with Iran.
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:05 June 8, 2008
The preconceived opinion has always been that when the time is right, Israel will attack Iran over its nuclear energy programme. The US has long claimed Iran's nuclear energy is an ambitious and duplicitous attempt to acquire a nuclear arsenal, something Iran repeatedly denies.
Israel, not for the first time doing US bidding, decided to muscle in on the act and warn Iran of the consequences should it continue with its nuclear programme. Such threats were ignored by Iran, much to the chagrin of Israel, which likes to believe itself the principle operator in the region, supported by a paternalistic US.
It is obvious Israel is becoming more aggressive in its stance towards Iran. It could be they foresee the possibility of a Democrat president in the US - who has said there must be talks with Iran - against the present incumbent who has already threatened action against Iran, but was unable to get any allied nations onside other than Israel.
Certainly, with its military establishment occupied in Iraq and Afghanistan, the US would not want to wage a war against Iran alone, especially with the logistical problems involved, exacerbated by the fact that neighbouring Arab nations are not keen to take on Iran.
Perhaps it is because Israel has one eye on the future US presidency and the possible next incumbent, that it has also increased aggression against the Palestinians in Gaza, by making threats of increasing its assaults there.
The US administration has shown a high level of tolerance when it comes to the numerous attacks by Israel against Palestinians, while more than ready to condemn the few meaningless rockets lobbed over the wall on mainly empty land.
It is obvious Israel wants to increase tensions while it can - which is while President Bush is in the White House.
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