Is Chatter about Attack on Iran Dangerous for Israel?

The chatter about a possible Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear facilities has become loud and dangerous. At one point the Netanyahu government found the extensive discussion related to an imminent Israeli attack on Iran useful, as it expedited Western action against Iran in the form of tougher sanctions. However, all this talk may now put Israel in a dangerous position wherein Iran may use it as a pretext to strike first.

A February 2 report in the Washington Post that stated "U.S. Secretary of Defense is concerned Israel will launch an attack before Iran enters so-called ‘immunity zone' when military strike won't bust Iran's nuclear facilities." Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta is reported as saying that he believes that Israel will attack Iran in April, May or June. The Washington Post's David Ignatius wrote that Panetta thinks that Israel will attack because after the ‘immunity zone' expires the nuclear facilities will be heavily fortified and a military strike will no longer succeed.

Turkey's Siren Song on Iran

Turkey's foreign minister came to Washington on Friday, trying to push another fake "peace in our time" deal with Iran. Given the Obama administration's track record with Iran to date, they may take it – with disastrous consequences.

Ahmed Davotoglu hectored members of Congress and activists who have been pushing for tough measures on the Iranian regime, arguing that a spoonful of sugar was all that was needed to get Iran to "cut a deal on limits to its nuclear program."

"The deal is clear. It could be resolved in a few days," Davotoglu said. The problem was "mutual distrust," made worse by U.S. sanctions. "What happened [as a result of sanctions]? Iran produced more" enriched uranium, he argued.

Peace and Safety

Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,  for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. (1 Thess. 5:1-3)

The one time when people are sure to talk about peace and safety is just after they've experienced the horrible effects of war.  For example, I remember as a kid seeing movies of people dancing in the streets of New York when they learned that World War 2 had finally ended. Soon the military was all but dismantled and people everywhere expressed a joyous expectation of peace.  

Of course this turned out to be only an illusion.  A scant five years after the end of WW2 the US was at war again in Korea. But people have an amazing sense of optimism, even if it's only based on illusion, something I think we're about to have confirmed again in 2012.  I think circumstances are ripe for a brief but intense war in the Middle East. 

Report: Syrian Armored Forces Move Nearer to Israel

An interesting article headline caught my attention today and as I pondered the implications of such a move it struck me as being a potentially serious situation. As we all know Syria is under a near civil war that has been raging for 11 months now. The Free Syria Army is the main opposition group fighting Assad's forces. Assad's forces are trying desperately to maintain the deadly grip Assad has on Syria. Today's headlines show that the opposition group has seen indications that Assad is moving chemical weapons of mass destruction into the area in order to fight the Free Syria Army. The Israel National News website is reporting:

Iran sends 15,000 Elite Iranian Revolutionary Guard Soldiers to support Assad

With the state of Syria getting worse with each passing day, new signs point to continued problems in Syria as Bashar Assad deals with an uprising that is threatening his over decade rule. News reports coming out of the region are suggesting that the Iranians are indeed helping Assad as he tries to maintain his grip on Syria. With the Russians currently stationed on the coast of Syria at Tartus and new news reports that up to 15,000 Special Forces "Quds" troops from Iran are helping Assad to me it shows the dedication and importance that Syria's allies have made in trying to protect the Syrian regime. Russia has a stake in Syria as they are one of their largest, if not largest, arms importer of Russian military equipment. Russia is keen to keep the money flowing to it's arms industries.