Commentary on the terrible tension in the Middle East.

Time has (almost) run out.

National Post -- Middle East could collapse into full conflict if international talks fail next week
An Israeli pre-emptive strike against Iran’s nuclear program will probably begin with a rain of Jericho missiles obliterating the heavy water plant in Arak and destroying four small nuclear research reactors at the Nuclear Technology Center in Isfahan.

Why time has (almost) run out.

New York Times -- The Bomb and the Bomber
If Iran goes nuclear it will change our world.

Telegraph -- Israel’s dogs of war are straining at the leash to attack Iran – can Barack Obama stop them?
An attack in September looks almost inevitable unless Tehran changes course on developing nuclear weapons.

Iran’s key player.

Washington Post -- Iran’s limited escape options
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has never been a gambling man. Since becoming “supreme leader” of Iran in 1989, he’s sought to preserve the status quo by eschewing transformative decisions.

Obama’s play for peace.

Washington Post -- Obama’s signal to Iran
President Obama has signaled Iran that the United States would accept an Iranian civilian nuclear program if Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei can back up his recent public claim that his nation “will never pursue nuclear weapons.”

The case for war. (ed’s note – it hasn’t changed since 2010)

The Atlantic -- The Point of No Return
For the Obama administration, the prospect of a nuclearized Iran is dismal to contemplate— it would create major new national-security challenges and crush the president’s dream of ending nuclear proliferation.

What an Israeli-Iran war might look like. (ed’s note -- it hasn’t changed since 2009).

Haaretz -- ANALYSIS / How Israel's war with Iran will be fought
Iran regime's Shiite ideology will dictate a prolonged war that will be measured in years, not days.

Tactical help. Azerbaijan.

Yahoo News -- Report: Israel given access to bases near Iran border
Former U.S. Ambassador John Bolton reacts.

 

If Israel attacks Iran and then Iran retaliates and attacks is Canada ‘obliged’ to assist (Israel)? (ed’s note – maybe )

Shalom Life -- Kent: An Attack on Israel is an Attack on Canada
Shalom Life speaks with Minister Peter Kent on Iran’s declaration that it is now a “nuclear state”.

Quote worth noting.

“Prime Minister Harper has made it quite clear for some time now and has regularly stated that an attack on Israel would be considered an attack on Canada.” -- Peter Kent