Barack Obama expressed confidence last week that Israel would not attack Iran without first consulting him. "It is unacceptable for Iran to possess nuclear weapons and we are going to do everything we can to prevent that happening," Obama told Israel's Channel 2 television. "I think the relationship between the US and Israel is sufficiently strong that neither of us try to surprise each other."
But Obama left a lot unsaid. He did not say he would oppose or try to block future Israeli air strikes on Iran's nuclear plants – only that he expected to hear about them in advance. And he did not say Washington would refuse to assist or participate, directly or indirectly, in any such attack. The US preferred a diplomatic solution, he said. But then came the familiar mantra: "I assure you I have not taken options off the table."
Read Full Article »