There are  reports that massive Israeli exercises in the Mediterranean may be a part of preparations for a strike on Iran’s nuclear installations. Indications that this could be a purpose of the drills practiced at sea have come from the US Department of Defence. In response, Iran has warned it too can deliver a ‘strong blow’ if forceful measures are taken against it. What is most likely is that the exercise, using Israel’s advanced air power, is essentially aimed at delivering a warning to Iran. Similar warnings have been issued before by the US, with the Tehran government now regarded by Washington as its principal enemy.

While one would imagine that its experiences in Iraq, where its troops remain entrenched in a hostile situation, would have been enough to prevent the US from even considering a strike on another country, this seems not to have been the case. Even while the US and its principal ally in the Middle East consider such action, they seem not to realize that among the greatest danger the world today faces is that of terrorism. Even news of the possibility of plans for a strike on Iran raises anger and hatred to a higher pitch across the Muslim world. This can only add fuel to extremism, rather than acting to defeat it. Quite obviously, the US needs to abandon its present policy on Iran and accept that in the world today, it is bridging gulfs that divide people rather than attempting to use force against those with whom differences exist that constitutes true victory and true success.