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Socialist Party lawmaker Jean-Louis Bianco, author of a 2008 parliamentary report on Iran, declared that economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic in response to its nuclear program have been productive and that "our line would be one of great firmness." Bianco, who was chief of staff of France's last Socialist president, François Mitterrand, insisted, however, that France would oppose armed intervention even if Iran does develop a nuclear weapon. "We won't support an Israeli or American military action in Iran.... An Israeli strike won't prevent the Iranians from continuing" their nuclear program, he said. With Hollande's election in France, the likelihood that Israel can rely on Western backing for an attack on Iran has been significantly reduced.

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The professionals are implying that there is no justification, whether from a realistic threat perspective or under international law, for attacking Iran economically or militarily. ››read more

Germany's highly public delivery last week to Israel of its fourth nuclear-armed capable submarine has been accompanied by Israeli spin regarding its significance as a warning signal to Iran, thus raising the question of timing: why is Israel tacitly presenting the specter of a nuclear attack on Iran when Tehran is showing signs of compromise in the ongoing talks on Tehran's nuclear program? ››read more