July 20, 2009

Reassurance?

You are joking, of course.

Washington Post:

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates plans to visit Israel on July 27 for talks likely to focus on Iran's nuclear ambitions and U.S.-Israeli strategic ties, officials involved in planning the trip said on Sunday...

"This (Gates visit) may be an American attempt to reassure Israel on Iran as part of Washington's pressure for movement on the Palestinian track," the official said.


What is it he has to offer Israel?

Preemptive strike on Iran? Gates has been against any Iran strike for years. The Israelis will have to not only go it alone, but will have to do it with Israel weapons systems.

Never-battle-tested missile defense? He would kill the program altogether if the North Koreans would just chill out for a year or two.

Faith that Iran's leaders are rational actors? Easy to claim when you're in DC. Not so convincing when you're in Tel Aviv.

And in exchange for this, the United States offers Israel indefensible borders and an armed, terrorist-exporting Palestinian state (or two).

Posted on 20 July 2009 @ 15:42 GMT