>… Yet, for some reason, major Western news channels and newspapers are treating this story in somewhat of a cavalier fashion, placing it way behind the turmoil in Syria, Iraq and Nigeria. This may be because such mutual belligerence between the West and Tehran has been going on for years – or, more likely, news outlets have been advised by governments to avoid incitement.
The real battle is not about the potential of an Iranian nuclear bomb, which even if it existed would be used as a deterrent. It is driven by a fundamental clash of ideologies but at its kernel is domination of the oil-rich Gulf. GCC states are the victims of this power play that’s been ongoing since the folding of the British Empire when its foothold was replaced by the US and its man, The Shah. …
From the US perspective, Iran and its ally Syria together represent the last bastion of anti-Americanism in the area obstructing Washington’s hegemonic ambitions. …
The Israeli point of view is far simpler. …
The question is what’s the end game of this cacophony of saber rattling? …
The bottom line is that there are only two ways this standoff can be resolved: The type of dialogue and carrot and stick diplomacy used to bring Pakistan, Myanmar and, less successfully, North Korea into the fold – or death, destruction and economic suicide. For responsible leaders with a conscience this would be a no-contest decision.