The rhetoric will heat-up even more between Tehran and Tel Aviv in the coming months. But there will likely be no major actions taken. Israel has been simulating attacks on Iran for many years—war games. Although, the upcoming military exercise will be the biggest in its history. Likewise, Iranian President, Ahmadinejad, has, for too long, spewed his inflammatory rhetoric about Israel. But, most people understand that Ahmadinejad has little power in a country controlled primarily by the religious elite, who are much more rational and calculating.

All sides know that any military strike will be disastrous for the entire region, not just the two sides involved. So, I don’t share your doomsday scenario of war in the region. U.S. President Obama’s peacemaking efforts in the region will be critical in lowering the desert temperaments and bringing both sides down to earth, safely.

This report by Russia Today discusses the growing tension between Israel and Iran, highlighting that, ironically, the largest Jewish population outside of Israel is in Iran.