March 5, 2012

Netanyahu's Existential Decision

By Ron Lipsman
For the fourth time in Israel's relatively brief existence, its prime minister is faced with an existential choice, a matter to be the focus of his talks with President Obama today.  Anyone who is paying attention recognizes that Benjamin Netanyahu is confronted with the agonizing decision whether to launch a pre-emptive military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.  The threats to Israel, to Iran, indeed to virtually the entire world posed by the consequences of his decision are staggering.  Depending upon the outcome of an Israeli strike -- should it occur -- the consequences could include: Tens of thousands of missiles (launched by Hezb'allah, Hamas, and Iran itself) raining down upon all of Israel, resulting in calamitous destruction and death. The closing of the Strait of Hormuz and a confrontation between Iran and the U.S. that could easily escalate into a broader war engaging many nations. Widespread acts of terror against unknown Western targets, conceivably...(Read Full Article)