The “Nuked” Truth

As expected, the media was all over the presentation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The left pooh-poohed it, while the right applauded it. The charts and physical files and computer discs certainly aided him in his presentation. And, the fact that Israel’s Mossad was able to get into the heart of Iran and get all of the documentation is an accomplishment of major proportions that will certainly have Iran thinking twice before acting. The biggest argument against Netanuyahu’s “revelations” is that when all was said and done, there was no clear showing that Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapons agenda now. Iran responded to Netanyahu’s presentation, claiming it was merely another raving from “the boy who cries wolf”. What effect did it have on other countries and governments, as well as upon individuals? Undoubtedly, in the final analysis, much will depend on what their respective perspectives were regarding both the nuclear deal and Netanyahu prior to the broadcast.

Granted, his presentation did not reveal a smoking gun. But, it did focus world attention on Iran’s false and misleading conduct, which lead to the signing of the nuclear agreement in the first place. Are we missing something here? Are we failing to see the forest through the trees? From the outset, P.M. Netanyahu has been arguing against the deal that was made with Iran and six world powers (the P5 +1, it sounds more like a rock band than international leadership) that was intended to delay Iran’s entry into the realm of nuclear capability. He said that the agreement would, in effect, grant to Iran an open road to developing a nuclear weapon. Last night (Monday), he offered proof of his claims. If what he claimed is true – that Iran never stopped pursuing its nuclear ambitions – then the world needs to sit up and not only take notice, but to respond accordingly. And, if his claims are true, then the intelligence communities of the world have been duped into believing an outrageous lie, that the leopard has, indeed, changed his spots. Even John Kerry, who was then serving as Secretary of State during the Obama administration, said that the U.S. had “absolute knowledge” about Iran’s pursuits of developing nuclear weapons capability. The Israeli Mossad succeeded in obtaining a vast multitude of documentation that, if valid, would put to shame the faulty intelligence information that the six world powers possessed when they signed the agreement with Iran. Potential test sites and designs for nuclear warheads are enough to create serious concerns about Iran’s believability. Again, this information was only now disclosed, again pointing to faulty intelligence gathering by the “world powers”.

But, the consequences of the disclosures made by Netanyahu yesterday are far-reaching. If Israel’s claims are shown to be correct regarding Iran’s systematic lying to weapons inspectors and the International Atomic Energy Agency, then it could also impact the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty that was signed by Iran. If it lied the “big lie” once, the likelihood is that it continued to lie all along. Will the international community seek to penalize Iran for its deception? It’s difficult to say at this juncture. Much will depend on how President Trump will deal with the situation by May 12th. Netanyahu believes that Trump “will do the right thing”. Undoubtedly, he will do what he believes to be right. People usually do what they want to do, even if others close to them are against it. The bottom line that we always ask here is “whether it will be good for Israel”? If the U.S. cancels the deal, Iran will, indeed, have an open road to do what it wants. Sanctions against Iran have been removed and the nations of the world are only too happy to continue in business ventures with Iran. So, if the deal is nixed, why would Iran want to sit down and re-negotiate it? It could be affected and encouraged to renew the talks if new, strong and paralyzing sanctions are put into place. Is no deal better than a bad deal? It really depends on who the players are. If the nuclear deal with Iran comes to an end, the big question will be: Is there a “Plan B” for what will happen afterwards? 

Moving Towards War?

If the war planes that have been flying overhead all day are any indication, the natural perception is that Israel is preparing for war with Iran … and with some of its proxies in the region.

Responding today to Irans threats to, among other things, “annihilate” the cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa, Israel Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman stated: “Israel can not afford to ignore Iran’s threats that its leaders promise to destroy Israel…The threats from Tehran come week after week. They do not need excuses for that.” He did not expand on that and there is increased speculation that Israel might make a pre-emptive strike on strategic Iranian targets. One can beat the war drums for only so long before the drums stop and the tribes go after each other.

“I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war.” (Psalm 120:7)

“And He will judge between the nations, and will render decisions for many peoples; and they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, and never again will they learn war.” (Isaiah 2:4) May this speedily come to pass.

Bless, be blessed and be a blessing.

Marvin