The Basis for Iran’s Belligerence

Without doubt, Israel has some dangerous foes. Attempts to remove those foes by military means and regime change, without efforts at diplomacy, have only strengthened old enemies and created new ones. Israel has good reason to worry about Iran, as the country develops nuclear capability and the president calls for Israel’s destruction. Israel cannot really depend on the US, which now struggles in Iraq, to rally international cooperation on attacking Tehran or even imposing sanctions. By invading Iraq, the US only delivered volatility throughout the Middle East and strengthened Iran. Author Shlomo Ben-Ami argues that Iran is less motivated by destroying Israel than securing a reputation as a strategic regional power. A policy of détente could diminish Iran’s belligerence, but requires diplomacy and cooperation from the US. – Yale Global