If Obama decides it is in America’s interest to make an example of Israel after the Gaza flotilla incident in order to win goodwill in Cairo, Beirut, Tehran, and Ankara, then he must also recognize that the leadership in Jerusalem is going to conclude that it cannot trust the United States to safeguard its security, and that therefore it must take matters into its own hands on any number of issues, not the least of which is Iran’s nuclear program. In effect, if the White House decides to come down hard on Israel now, it is the same as giving a green light for Israel to strike Iran.
Rubin quickly claims that he is not engaging in “advocacy” for an Israeli strike on Iran, just as he claims to be opposed to military against Iran in general. (The real question, of course, is not whether bombing Iran would be his first choice but whether he prefers war to containment and deterrence as a last resort). But the threat is clear: keep quiet on the flotilla attack, or Israel starts a war with Iran — thereby destabilizing the region and jeopardizing the U.S. military efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The obvious word for this is “blackmail”.
I disagree. Israel would need US backing for an attack on Iran. If it perceived that the US wouldn’t back it, I don’t think it would make the attempt. Judging by the disgusting apologetics coming from so-called progressive politicians, yes, those very same progressives who fought for health care and financial reform, Israel would never get the idea that the US doesn’t back each and every one of its war crimes. Time to rethink the concept of “progressive”?
The full of hot air israelis’ better be prepared to lose 70% of their strike force, should they foolishly decide to attack Persia & I believe they know it. The classical behavior of a bully & we know how bullies should be dealt with. I believe the Persians (& now the Turks) do. israel has been thoroughly checkmated.
Israel is DEFINITELY a bully and should be boycotted at every instance.
my question: why does the usa care if isreal attacks iran?
Israel attacked a Non-Hostile NATO flagged ship in international waters using Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters in violation of the Arms Export Control Act. An American teenager was shot 4 times in the head. The IDF then used demonstrably false photographic evidence as justification for their actions.
If any other foreign power had done this there would be repercussions and a huge public outcry. There should be in this instance also