Allan Topol at the Washington Times thinks that France is finally beginning to show that it understands what is at stake in the war on terror. Chirac recently stated that France was prepared to launch a nuclear strike against any country that sponsors a terrorist attack against French interests. Topol thinks the statement was not an offhanded remark but an intentional warning.
One contributing factor, Topol argues, is the recent rioting in France -- a rough equivalent to a 9/11 wakeup call.
Topol continues:
"The second contributing factor is the failure of the Europeans -- namely France, Germany and England -- to reach an agreement with Tehran controlling the development of Iranian nuclear weapons. About a year ago, the Bush administration, having been subjected to constant criticism about the destruction of Saddam Hussein's despotic and menacing Iraqi regime, wisely said to the Europeans, "You go deal with Iran." It meant making the Europeans part of the process.
"After a year, the results are clear. Tehran did nothing but mislead and stonewall the Europeans who now have nothing except a record of deceit to show for several months of negotiations which were in good faith from their side. Moreover, the official Iranian government statements emerging from the fanatical elected president demonstrate that if anything Tehran's position is hardening on the development of nuclear weapons. . . . .
"In Washington, the time has come to act. We can forget about the United Nations. Russia and China will veto any U.N. resolution calling for action. We have to sit down with our European allies. Mr. Chirac may suddenly be more agreeable to a hardline approach. Newly elected Chancellor Angela Merkel in Germany seems more sympathetic to the U.S. position, and Prime Minster Tony Blair should be amenable.
"We should develop a consensus for an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities even if it means a reduction in Iranian oil with a significant impact on Western economies. We have to act before the lunatics in Tehran have nuclear weapons."
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