Working together? President Obama talks with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. (Photo Courtesy of Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Not everyone sounds entirely pleased with the Russian intervention to prevent a strike on Syria, following that regime’s brutal chemical weapons attack on its own people. In fact, some people sound concerned. Israeli media are reporting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted this week that his country might have to take care of itself now, rather than rely on the US.
In comments released by his office he said, “The rule that has guided me in my most of my actions as Prime Minister… is perhaps more valid than ever: If I am not for myself, who will be for me? …And the practical translation of this rule is that Israel will always be able to defend itself by itself against any threat.”
Netanyahu linked the situation in Syria to Iran and their illegal nuclear program, noting that “the message that Syria receives will be received in Iran.”
“It must be ensured that the Syrian regime will be disarmed of its chemical weapons and the world needs to make certain that those who use weapons of mass destruction will pay the price for it,” Netanyahu was quoted as saying.
Israel has long warned that Iran is buying time in talks with the West to develop nuclear weapons capability. Considering Iran is a world sponsor of terrorism and believes the US to be a great evil, that’s a real concern to you as well.
It was unclear from Netanyahu’s comments if a full disarmament of Syria’s chemical weapons, which the Russians have proposed, would send the right message to Iran or not.
However, Israeli media sensed a lack of confidence in America’s ability to defend Israel. Netanyahu actually quoted US President Barack Obama in saying that “’’Israel, can defend itself with overwhelming force’ and this is true. This is the basis of our security.”
Russia, long a friend of Syria, is leading the plan to disarm Syria, which has left some wondering how trustworthy such a move may be. Iran, for example, has long pretended to be open to negotiations over its nuclear program, but has yet to take any dramatic steps to stop its progression toward nuclear weapons.
If Iran learns from this that the US can be backed into a corner and forced to take an untrustworthy compromise, then that would be bad for more than just Israel. It’d be bad for you, too.
(By Joshua Spurlock, www.themideastupdate.com, September 12, 2013)