Iran: Barack Obama Holds the Key

Benjamin Netanyahu seems determined to wage war with Iran. It’s the worst option for the Middle East, which is already plagued by war and tension. The Israeli prime minister affirms that nothing will dissuade him from bombing Iranian nuclear power stations. According to many observers, the strikes are already planned and the only uncertainty that remains is when they’ll occur. Director of the Mossad, Tamir Pardo, has returned from Washington where he informed the White House of the situation because without the logistics of Uncle Sam, any Israeli military initiative would be nearly impossible to carry out.

The Iranian regime maintains that its only objective is to be equipped with civil nuclear energy. Of course, the international community needs to be extremely vigilant, considering Iranian theocracy. But Tehran’s actions are in no way unlawful. Especially since, as a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, the country continues to submit to inspections from the International Agency of Atomic Energy (IAEA). Reason would therefore suggest continuing with a policy of surveillance and dialogue to compel the Mullah regime to respect its “non-prolific” commitments.

If Netanyahu seems determined to disregard this, it is because he has weakened on the domestic policy scene, with multiple social movements reflecting the dissatisfaction of a population affected by both the crisis and military mismanagement. The strikes would be a classic diversion and a way to close ranks behind him. Authorities in Iran, also weakened by unemployment and soaring prices, could be tempted by a similar diversion in hopes of reuniting the population behind them, hence the abundant anti-Israeli sentiment from regime dignitaries.

Nevertheless, Barack Obama holds the key. He could stop trying to prevent his Israeli ally from attacking in hopes of making a point to Republican Party extremists, his opponents for the presidential election in November, who accuse him of being weak toward Iran. This vote-seeking calculation would not only cast a terrible shadow over the stature of the President of the United States, but it would trigger a regional explosion with immeasurable consequences.