The world had been waiting with deep foreboding how Tehran would respond to Israel’s airstrike on its consulate in Damascus, killing two Iranian generals and five other soldiers.
Now we know. More than 300 drones, cruise and ballistic missiles launched against Israeli targets from bases inside Iran.
It was an unprecedented assault, and not just because of the sheer volume of hardware.
Iran often hides behind paid proxies to pursue its blood feuds: Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, the Houthi rebels and, of course, Hamas.
This was the first attack against Israel from its own soil and signals a chilling escalation in the Middle East conflict. The question is: can it be contained?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not known for his restraint and officials warned that Iran would “pay the price” for its aggression.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured) is not known for his restraint and officials warned that Iran would “pay the price” for its aggression.
However, while there are certainly justified reasons to retaliate, now might be a good time to take a breath. This would not be weakness but common sense.
For the first time in months, Israel has regained the sympathy of the international community.
After widespread criticism over the death and destruction caused in Gaza, it is now under attack.
The United States has offered Israel “strong” support, as evidenced by the fact that American aircraft – along with British and Jordanian fighters – helped intercept missiles and drones launched on Saturday.
Thanks to that and Israel’s highly effective air defenses, the attack caused limited damage and no apparent fatalities.
Tehran has also said its revenge for Damascus is complete (although the ayatollahs are not a trustworthy group).
The G7 nations were unequivocal yesterday in their condemnation of Iran and “unwavering” in their commitment to Israel’s right to self-defense.
But they also called for “maximum restraint” from all parties. On the other hand, President Biden warned that the United States will not help Israel in any offensive campaign against Iran.
So, with the fight over Gaza still in full swing, would it really be a good idea for Netanyahu to wage an all-out war on a second front, with the added risk of alienating his allies and galvanizing regional support for Iran?
In The Art of War, Chinese soldier and philosopher Sun Tzu warns that victory depends on more than military power: “He who knows when to fight and when not to fight will win,” he writes. Nowhere is that advice more sensible than in the boiling cauldron of today’s Middle East.
Keir without curiosity
Sir Keir Starmer’s apparent lack of curiosity about the scandal surrounding his deputy is becoming more implausible by the day.
Angela Rayner was allegedly recorded on the electoral roll at the former council house she owned in Vicarage Road, Stockport, for several years while she was actually living at her husband’s house with her children.
Sir Keir Starmer’s (pictured) apparent lack of curiosity about the scandal engulfing his deputy is becoming more implausible by the day.
Angela Rayner (pictured) was allegedly registered on the electoral roll at the former council house she owned in Vicarage Road, Stockport, for several years while she was actually living at her husband’s house with her children.
As well as breaching electoral law, if Vicarage Road was not his main property he could have avoided capital gains tax on the £48,500 profits he made from selling it in 2015.
She says “expert” legal advisors have exonerated her but refuse to publish their advice. Sir Keir says she has not seen him, although members of his staff have.
Sir Keir is a former Director of Public Prosecutions. The deputy leader of his party is under police investigation and he may have broken the law.
Can we honestly believe that you are not interested in taking even a cursory glance at their legal advice? Or is he deliberately distancing himself from this embarrassing matter?