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Rowhani's test: Prove Iran is a peace-loving nation, and heal the economy
By Zvi Bar'el | Jun.16,2013 | 3:30 PM |
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One of the most significant results of Iran’s election of a relative moderate as its next president will likely be to postpone any Israeli decision on military action against Tehran’s nuclear program until next year.
Ever since U.S. President Barack Obama visited here in March, Israel has toned down its threats to attack the nuclear program, due to an agreement with Washington to wait until after the Iranian election.
But now, with Hasan Rowhani’s surprise victory last Friday, it seems the West will want at least several months to assess the meaning of this change. Until then, Israel will have trouble mustering international support for an attack on Iran. Though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s associates have frequently hinted that this will be the absolutely final year of decision on Iran, it seems he will have to wait another one.
More than a year ago, under heavy pressure from Israel and other American allies, Obama publicly announced that his policy was to prevent a nuclear Iran, not contain it. But opinions are divided on his willingness to back this statement with action. Obama has sought to reduce America’s military engagements overseas, and would be reluctant to launch a new military venture. This is evident from his handling of the Syria crisis, where even his decision to arm the rebels was reluctant and belated.
Though Obama has orchestrated unprecedently harsh international sanctions on Iran
Rowhani's test: Prove Iran is a peace-loving nation, and heal the economy
By Zvi Bar'el | Jun.16,2013 | 3:30 PM |
One of the most significant results of Iran’s election of a relative moderate as its next president will likely be to postpone any Israeli decision on military action against Tehran’s nuclear program until next year.
Ever since U.S. President Barack Obama visited here in March, Israel has toned down its threats to attack the nuclear program, due to an agreement with Washington to wait until after the Iranian election.
But now, with Hasan Rowhani’s surprise victory last Friday, it seems the West will want at least several months to assess the meaning of this change. Until then, Israel will have trouble mustering international support for an attack on Iran. Though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s associates have frequently hinted that this will be the absolutely final year of decision on Iran, it seems he will have to wait another one.
More than a year ago, under heavy pressure from Israel and other American allies, Obama publicly announced that his policy was to prevent a nuclear Iran, not contain it. But opinions are divided on his willingness to back this statement with action. Obama has sought to reduce America’s military engagements overseas, and would be reluctant to launch a new military venture. This is evident from his handling of the Syria crisis, where even his decision to arm the rebels was reluctant and belated.
Though Obama has orchestrated unprecedently harsh international sanctions on Iran