Iranian Missile Threat

With Bibi Netanyahu in Washington this week trying to convince President Obama that Iran is to be taken seriously and is an international threat that needs to be taken care of and fast, President Ahmedinejad seems to be playing right into his hands. What more evidence does one need of the suspicious intentions of the Iranian President than the testing of a new Sejil missile that can reach distances of up to 2,000km.

As far as Israel is concerned, the new missile is not particularly a threat as it could be easily targeted even with the older models that have a range of up to 1,500km. Instead, it is the European community that should be worried, according to Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister, Danny Ayalon, who said:

"The Iranian clock is ticking fast and has to be stopped."

But the Obama administration sees it differently. Instead, Iran only displays "troubling behaviour" and is to be dealt with by diplomacy, sanctions and isolation should they not heed to the warnings and offers of discussion by America. In the meantime, the expectations and pressure on Israel to stop the expansion of settlements is also high and Netanyahu will find himself squeezed from both the Iranians and the Americans with regards to how he handles both situations.

But Netanyahu, as the political maneuveurer extraordinare that he is, has a way out. For if there is to be a renewed negotiation with the Palestinians, there will need to be someone on that side of the table with whom to talk. But at present there isn't. Step in the Egyptians. As Bibi talks with Obama, President Mubarak is talking with Mahmoud Abbas, Khaled Mashaal and Ismail Haniyeh to come to an agreement on unity. This will be the fifth round of talks and so far shows no greater sign of reconciliation than the previous four.

And while the talking continues, the clock keeps ticking....