Iran Israel War

WASHINGTON — Taking sharply different stands, President Barack Obama on Monday urged pressure and diplomacy to prevent Iran from getting a nucle...

A closer examination of Mr. Netanyahu's record and his philosophical approach to the problems of Middle East leads us to conclude that the talk of war is more than rhetoric and, indeed, indicative of his intent.

It is lack of political courage that has permitted this looming confrontation. Only courage and will can bring us out of it. The question is whether Obama can muster that will in an election year when any compromise is bound to be cast by Republicans as a betrayal of Israel.

As U.S. rhetoric intensifies with the prediction that Israel will attack Iran sooner rather than later, the president has an opportunity to stop war with an ace in the cards he has yet to play.

History reveals several pathways to war; but, as the tension between the West and Iran revs up, two seem particularly relevant because of the lessons they offer for those seeking to contain the crisis.

It makes no sense. And yet, due to the pressure of the pro-war lobby, it is diplomacy that is barely on the table, while war, always the direst option, is front and center.

A war with Iran would end any possibility of Israel ever achieving either peace with the Muslim world or any semblance of security. Forever.