Escalating Threats of Israeli Attack on Iran

By Jim Cason on 08/14/2012 @ 09:40 AM

Tags: Iran, War Is Not the Answer

Israeli newspapers this week are again featuring front page reports about the possibility of an Israeli attack on Iran, and the Israeli defense minister Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon suggested Sunday that the world powers should declare that diplomacy has failed to resolve suspicions that Iran intends to develop nuclear weapons.

But as Israeli newspapers and this Associated Press report notes, "all of Israel's recently retired security chiefs oppose an attack." Threats of attack and angry rhetoric from Israel, the U.S. or Iran are only going to increase the chance of war, not help to craft a solution. Congress recently passed additional sanctions on Iran while we at FCNL have worked to continue to promote diplomacy as the most effective way to resolve the crisis and persuade Iran to keep its nuclear program focused on energy production.

Part of the problem, is a lack of understanding between all of our countries. I don't pretend to be an expert on Iranian internal dynamics, but I was interested to read this Al-Monitor report on how Iranian leaders may be preparing their population for actions to comply with United Nations demands to be more transparent about their nuclear energy program.

The New York Times, in an editorial published today, says it best:

There is still time for intensified diplomacy. It would be best served if the major powers stay united and Israeli leaders temper loose talk of war.

Please contact your senators and make sure they are aware of these strong words in favor of continued diplomatic efforts.

I also encourage you to read this article from one of our recent newsletters that looks more closely at the reasons for the conflict between the U.S. and Iran and how Congress can help or hurt the prospects for peace between our two countries.