Remember, everybody, this is not 1967. I many ways, it is worse. If the U.S. to Israel today is France to Israel circa May 1967, then who is the ‘U.S. of 1967′ for Israel to fall back on as a major power ally? And in 1967, there was no significant WMD threat coming from anybody. And in 1967, the Western media and academe – the organs of ‘mass thought control’, if you will – along with public opinion generally, were largely sympathetic to Israel. Today, the best we can count on if the shooting starts is a large minority in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. Forget about Europe. At least the U.S. Congress is still pretty much in Israel’s corner, though, and that is no small thing.

Speaking of which, it isn’t all bad news. I disagree that the U.S. is objectively so weak, though I agree that in leadership terms, things are terrible that way. But there is no Soviet Union. We have a degree of nuclear superiority – whatever that means anymore – that American generals could only have dreamed of during most of the Cold War. Even in conventional terms, though our land forces are stretched thin, our available air and naval assets are more than capable of squashing Iran….depending on the degree of civilian casualties we are willing to tolerate.

Israel, for her part, has a degree of economic and military superiority over her immediate adversaries (I’m talking about next-door neighbors, now, not including Iran) that is the greatest she has ever enjoyed.

Bottom line: Bibi is right to ‘play for time’ until 2012. That is the wisest course of action. I am 95% sure Obama is a one-termer, and whoever replaces him will be far more supportive of Israel. The picture will look very different then, and it won’t be one that favors the bad guys. We just have to make it until then.

As to the immediate issue of Iran, don’t be so sure than anyone concerned is so ready to accept a nuclear Iran. Yes, the track record of most of those opposing them is not so good thus far, but methinks matters are coming to a head. There are a lot of influential folks outside of Israel with a big stake in stopping Iran (e.g., Saudi Arabia). I predict that within six months, either the U.S. will act or Israel will. Between these, I’m betting it will be Israel and I pray that they land a telling blow…but I wouldn’t completely rule out the U.S., either, even under Obama. Some decisions have a way of making themselves, no matter who is president.

It becomes more and more obvious that the international community is unable and unwilling to do anything about Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The only thing the UN can unite on is criticising Israel. Concessions from Israsel will always be one-sided as the more that is offered to Palestinians the more they want.

Unless Israel and / or the US are willing to use force, which seems unlikely, we may as well just accept the inevitability of a nuclear Iran and start thinking of how to deal with it. I’m in little doubt that they will hold the Middle East and Europe hostage while demanding more power and influence, probably an permanent seat on the UNSC for the OIC. None of this bodes well for Israel’s security and independence.

After this 10 month moratorium is over, assuming no progress is made with peace talks, Israelis should build homes and schools where ever they like.

Friends of Israel will always support them. Enemies will always hate them. Which begs the question, why bother trying to appease the haters?

We’re all in for a rough ride over the next decade. Best get clear in our minds now who are our friends and who aren’t.