McKenna: Will Obama be successful in convincing Netanyahu not to strike Iran?

By: /
5 March, 2012
By: Catherine McKenna
Co-Founder and Executive Director of Canadian Lawyers Abroad

Yes at least in the short-term. Obama needs to not only show evidence that sanctions are working and raise doubts about Iran’s nuclear intentions, he needs make it very clear in military terms that a strike again Iran has little chance of successfully destroying its nuclear program and greatly increases the likelihood of retaliation against Israel. US military officials need to making the same case to their Israeli counterparts, emphasizing the disastrous consequences of an a strike (a position supported by very senior former members of Israel’s military establishment). The bigger challenge for Obama, especially in an election year, is not getting pushed into drawing a line in the sand beyond which US would support a strike down the road.

Before you click away, we’d like to ask you for a favour … 

 

Open Canada is published by the Canadian International Council, but that’s only the beginning of what the CIC does. Through its research and live events hosted by its 18 branches across the country, the CIC is dedicated to engaging Canadians from all walks of life in an ongoing conversation about Canada’s place in the world.

By becoming a member, you’ll be joining a community of Canadians who seek to shape Canada’s role in the world, and you’ll help Open Canada continue to publish thoughtful and provocative reporting and analysis.

Join us