To support or to abstain, that is the question.
With recent intelligence of Iran focusing its efforts in obtaining nuclear warheads, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has begun the push to take immediate action to curb Iran’s nuclear advancement. Netanyahu has been pressuring for U.S. support via social media, asking us to join Israel in imposing “red lines” and threatening military action if nuclear development continues.
In an exclusive interview [with Meet the Press](http://presspass.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/09/15/13886754-netanyahu-on-mtp-iran-guided-by-unbelievable-fanaticism?lite), Netanyahu said, “Iran is guided by a leadership with unbelievable fanaticism.” He continued by asking if the American public really wanted those with this fanaticism that is currently very anti-democracy to possess nuclear weapons.
This desire for U.S. support in facing Israel’s archenemy is only following an agenda. This doesn’t go to say that nuclear war isn’t a concern, but with instability plaguing the Middle East, it’s understandable that the U.S. isn’t gung-ho about supporting Israel’s decision for military reinforcement. With the recent attacks on U.S. embassies, the U.S. might want to think more about the immediate safety of its citizens rather than possible allegations of nuclear build-ups in Tehran.
U.S. caution over military action in Iran due to suspicions of nuclear weapons is understandable. The attention that Israel is sparking seems very reminiscent of post-9/11, when the U.S. first invaded Iraq due to the suspicion of weapons of mass destruction. Caution and reason should have been exercised more then, and after more than a decade of involvement in Afghanistan and Iraq, the heed and attention that the U.S. is taking with Iran should be greatly appreciated.
In the words of former CIA director George Tenet, is this another [“slam-dunk”](http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A14030-2004Jun3.html) or is this another one of the rumor mills spewing out drama in order to keep the newsroom running?
The International Atomic Energy Agency [did receive new intelligence](http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/48989182#__utma=14933801.2143908579.1347993317.1347993317.1347993317.1&__utmb=14933801.1.10.1347993317&__utmc=14933801&__utmx=-&__utmz=14933801.1347993317.1.1.utmcsr=(direct)|utmccn=(direct)|utmcmd=(none)&__utmv=14933801.|8=Earned%20By=msnbc%7Cworld%20news%7Cworldnewsfranchise=1^12=Landing%20Content=Original=1^13=Landing%20Hostname=worldnews.nbcnews.com=1^30=Visit%20Type%20to%20Content=Earned%20to%20Original=1&__utmk=77830420) that Iran is advancing its work in calculating the destruction power of atomic warheads with computer technology and models. Reports say Iran has been conducting nuclear research for the past three years. If this intelligence is proven correct, then the IAEA will have to strengthen its concerns in regard to Tehran.
Iran denies the allegations of nuclear buildup, calling them fabrications concocted by Israel and the U.S. intelligence. At the same time, Iran rebuffs IAEA’s attempts at investigating the claims. So what can be done? Without proper evidence, why would the U.S. send in troops?
Continued pressure from Israel to engage in military “red lines” is not going to make the U.S. jump on board. With already strict sanctions imposed, we can only hope this will dissuade Iran from nuclear expansion. The time is not right for military action with the approaching November elections, recent attacks on American embassies abroad and an unstable economy. The government’s focus needs to be on the home front.
This break from the U.S. backing of Israel is somewhat of a surprise. President Barack Obama has been, in recent years, the first commander-in-chief unwilling to stand with Israel in the face of danger. But now, he is faced with a dilemma: continue with the Israeli-U.S support system or risk an election, thousands of dollars in funds and American lives. Israel has backed the U.S. into a corner, and no solution is looking all that great.
All this speculation and intelligence is new. Officials will need some time to sort through the information and determine its validity. The best course of action at the moment is to sit and wait. If Iran does become an even bigger threat, then negotiations and “red lines” can be drawn. Until then, let’s simmer down.