While not having as rosy a view of Obama as JT Cornpone does, I still think there is a good case to be made that the stance he is now adopting (as expressed in the interview and, presumably, the one he'll put to Netanyahu) is designed to prevent an Israeli attack on Iran. What he is saying is: as soon as there is adequate proof that Iran is moving towards building a nuclear weapon the US will militarily intervene to stop it. This cuts out the ground from under Bibi's war rhetoric by implying: show me proof and the US will do what you are threatening to do. From this stance he can also adopt a much tougher line with Israel about not attempting a unilateral attack since this will cause the US many problems. This declaration guards his political flank, and reduces the scope for Republican (and AIPAC) attacks on this score. Obviously, he must be pretty confident that the evidence that the US intelligence community has means that he will not have to follow through on his threat. And that they will be immune to pressure and blandishments from the Ziocon lobby to change their findings. In effect, the issue of war and peace is now firmly in the hands of Clapper and his team. FB Ali
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This concisely sums up the position Now we will see what happens on Monday at the White House. pl
