2/20/07

Jerusalem Post editorial: From Crisis Opportunity

An interesting editorial details the intricacies and complexity involved in the current escalation of tensions between the US and Iran. The author notes the declining popularity of Iran's president both with his electorate and fellow politicians, stating there is speculation that soon impeachment could remove him from office. Nevertheless,



A MILITARY strike, either from the US, or from Israel, would derail these developments and be welcomed by regime hard-liners. During a recent visit to Teheran I spoke to both hard-liners and moderates. Many felt that the consequences of outside intervention would lead the Revolutionary Guard to declare a state of emergency, marginalizing moderate influence for the next decade. This would escalate Iran's thrust to become a nuclear weapon state. A surge of nationalistic fever could secure Ahmadinejad's position.


Jerusalem post
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