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If Israel finally goes off the deep end and initiates an attack, then all hell will break loose. What will Saudi Arabia, Syria, Egypt, Turkey and other surrounding nations do? Will they sit by and watch Israel bring the region to a boiling point, or will they immediately take sides and retaliate in any number of destructive ways?
What would Russia and China do? Both of these very powerful nations have direct interests in Iran that largely involve natural resources. Both have supplied Iran with sophisticated missiles. Will they just let the Middle East go in flames? I think not! What they would do is uncertain but to think that they will not enter the conflict in some way is wishful thinking. This could turn into a world nightmare of untold proportions, a scenario that we do not want to witness.
In a recent speech before the United Nations Security Council, President Obama called for a nuclear weapons-free world and a strengthening of the NNPT. The Security Council unanimously passed a U.S.-drafted resolution that endorses the eventual goal of "a world without nuclear weapons." It lays out steps for nuclear powers to trim their arsenals, while making it harder for other nations to convert civilian nuclear programs to military ones.
Hopefully, this program will get underway soon. But we know how slowly the wheels of the UN turn. So, in order to lay the groundwork for its eventual implementation, I would urge President Obama to start discussions with Israel that will result in opening up their nuclear program to UN inspection and to pressure them to join the NNPT. That, most likely, will probably be a near impossible outcome given Israel's rigid stance and agenda.
In the event that they should adamantly refuse to become a partner in the pursuit to eliminate nuclear weapons, then it will be time for the nations of the world to institute a comprehensive boycott that would put severe restrictions on their exports as well as their imports. That is not a radical idea since more and more nations seem to be coming to this conclusion. And any number of influential writers are suggesting the same.
Refusing to ship them needed products and materials, and ceasing major imports from Israel, is entirely feasible and relatively easy to implement. Taking such action would have an immediate, serious impact on Israel's economy and would make it clear to them that the world community of nations will no longer tolerate their belligerent attitude toward other nations. It could be the best way to force them to change their behavior and, best of all, it would involve no dangerous military actions.
The world cannot continue to look away and give a free pass to Israel any longer. It cannot allow that nation to escalate this dangerous situation into a Middle East inferno.
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