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. 

David, it pains me to see dead and burned men, women and  children in Gaza. Today there was a story on Al Alam television. The reporter said that the wounds of this war will never heal over time because the scars of this war will remain on the bodies of its victims forever. Certainly, the IDF has prided itself for having a purity of arms. Palestinians are all too familiar with such purity. But this is not purity, this is inhumanity. According to reports on the ground, the weapons the IDF is using makes people loose their eyes and sight. They will never see again. Forget eye to eye.  For 18 days, Arab and Western leaders have remained silent despite the extreme human suffering in Gaza. When will it end? How many people have to die? How many people have to go blind?

it is difficult to get away from the war and its impact on everything you believe in. As Israeli Army bombs Gaza I do not recognize it,as the army I served in. It is brut force,that leaves behind it only scorched earth, it is not eye for an eye but 100 eyes for and eye.

david