Trading Threats With Iran - Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said his country will assist any nation or group that “confronts” Israel, describing it as a “cancer.” He vowed to retaliate — especially against the United States — for t
- From: rst9 <rst9wxyz@xxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 08:01:36 -0800 (PST)
Trading Threats With Iran
Published: February 3, 2012
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/04/opinion/trading-threats-with-iran.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha211
The posturing and saber rattling from both Iran and Israel are getting
frightening.
Will Israel Attack Iran? (January 29, 2012)
Europe Takes Bold Step Toward a Ban on Iranian Oil (January 5, 2012)
Iran threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz after the European Union
and the United States tightened sanctions. On Friday, Iran’s supreme
leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said his country will assist any
nation or group that “confronts” Israel, describing it as a “cancer.”
He vowed to retaliate — especially against the United States — for
tough new oil sanctions and Western military threats.
On Thursday, Israel’s defense minister, Ehud Barak, told a security
forum that time is running out for halting Iran’s nuclear advance.
“Whoever says ‘later’ may find that later is too late,” he said. Moshe
Yaalon, a deputy prime minister, warned that Iran was developing a
missile with a range of about 6,000 miles that could hit the United
States.
There should be no illusions. Iran’s nuclear ambitions are real and
dangerous. But there is no proof that it has made the decision to move
from producing fuel to building a bomb. American officials say that
reports of a missile with a 6,000-mile range are premature and wildly
exaggerated.
The costs of an Israeli military strike — with or without American
support — would be huge. It would likely only set Iran’s nuclear
program back for a few years. It would unite Iranians around their
government at a time when it is fast losing popular support. It would
also shatter the international coalition for sanctions and direct more
anger against Israel and the United States.
President Obama has spent three years rallying the toughest sanctions
ever on Iran — including a European Union oil embargo. Tehran is
increasingly isolated; its economy is reeling. The administration was
right to warn Iran against any attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz.
We hope it is also looking to privately persuade Iran of the need for
a negotiated solution.
American officials say they have counseled Israel on the need for
patience and warned that a military attack could backfire. They need
to keep pressing on both fronts.
Washington still believes there is “time and space” for sanctions to
work. But there is a frightening scenario going around Washington and
several European capitals that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of
Israel may attack Iran before the summer — believing that President
Obama will not try to stop him in the middle of a re-election
campaign.
Israel must defend itself. This country’s alliance with Israel is
crucial. We hope for everyone’s sake that Israel’s leaders weigh all
of the consequences before they act. A military attack would almost
certainly make things worse. Tough sanctions and a united diplomatic
front are the best chance for crippling Iran’s nuclear program.
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