Olmert: The Time Has Come (Signs?)

OLMERT: THE TIME HAS COME TO ACT AGAINST IRAN
By Yechiel Spira

The nuclear threat from Iran remains atop of Prime Minister Ehud
Olmert's agenda as he calls upon the international community to act.

In his White House meeting this week, Mr. Olmert focused on the threat
resulting from Iran's continued nuclear enrichment towards
constructing an atom bomb. While America is sensitive to Israel's
concerns, the European community and Russia are not as anxious to act
against Tehran, preferring to take a more diplomatic approach,
opposing stiff American sanctions.

Speaking to a Los Angeles Jewish forum on Tuesday, the prime minister
called upon moderate Arab nations, too, to act against Iran, warning
that the point of no return has arrived.

Earlier in the week, Vice Premier Shimon Peres stated that a nuclear
Iran is a threat to everyone, including Russia. He warned of the
instability that will result if Tehran is permitted to achieve nuclear
independence.

Addressing the General Assembly of the United Jewish Communities of
North America, known as the GA, Mr. Olmert stated that a nuclear Iran
will result in a level of instability that has never been known
before. Calling for a coalition of moderate Arab nations, Olmert
stated such a coalition can and must act to prevent such a level of
instability in the region by directing efforts against radical Islamic
elements.

On the heels of his White House meeting with U.S. President George W.
Bush, Olmert praised him as a true friend of Israel who shares
Jerusalem's concerns and is committed to preventing Iran from moving
ahead with its nuclear agenda. The prime minister stated Israel and
America see eye-to-eye on the Iranian issue.

The prime minister's concerns regarding Iran are echoed by others in
Israel, including much of the political left. It is widely agreed
that a nuclear Iran would pose unprecedented challenges to Israel, not
to mention threatening her very existence.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad continues to use every platform
available to him to call for the eradication of Israel. At the same
time, he insists his nuclear program is for peaceful medical purposes.
Ahmadinejad continues to defend Tehran's right to develop a nuclear
weapon, largely supported by Russia, which continues to counter
American efforts to impose stiff sanctions on Iran.

In defiance of United Nations Security Council decisions, Tehran
scientists forge ahead with their nuclear program. Ahmadinejad has
often threatened that any thought of a military attack by western
countries would be met with a swift and painful retaliation.

Vice Premier Peres recently pointed out that in Iran's case, even
stiff economic sanctions will have little impact, as national poverty
is a way of life and most citizens would never realize a difference
following sanctions. Peres hinted that a more aggressive approach
must be taken.

"Give us this day our daily bread." Matthew 6:11.
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