Israel and Iran: Beating the Drums of War

Before George Bush leaves office, Israel-- or perhaps the U.S.--will attack Iran. The question is when. The President desperately needs to turn American attention away from Iraq. How better than another war. But for that to happen there needs to be a enough justification. His capital is at a low ebb. The last time Israel engaged in military action they used a flimsy excuse to invade and devastate Lebanon. They'll need a better excuse this time around. The government, and military, of the Jewish state is itching for a rematch after getting it's nose bloodied in Lebanon. So both administrations are biding their time:

In a dramatic conclusion concerning the future of the state of Israel, the latest edition of the Middle East Strategic Balance, compiled by the Jaffe Center for Strategic Studies (JCSS) and released to the public on Thursday, calls for military action to stop Iran's nuclear program.

Prepared annually by JCSS at Tel Aviv University, the Middle East Strategic Balance provides an authoritative and indispensable guide to strategic developments and military capabilities in the Middle East by offering a comprehensive, insightful assessment of the complex strategic environment of the Middle East. The report is considered something of a bible for military analysts who follow developments in the region.

The 2005-2006 edition was compiled by former IAF Intelligence officer Yiftah Shapir and Brig.-Gen. (ret.) Zvi Shatuber. Shatuber is a former ambassador to the United Kingdom and was a member of Israeli delegations to peace talks with Syria and the Palestinians.