Iran's Achilles' Heel [Syria]

New York Times ^ | February 8, 2012 | E. Halevi

[Milagros]

The current standoff in Syria presents a rare chance to rid the world of the Iranian menace to international security and well-being.

[Doogle]

...whatever it takes,Ovomit will make sure Iran comes out on top.

[Praxeologue]

Efraim Halevy, Mossad director from 1998-2002, is an Iran-policy dove opposed to Bibi's policy. Despite Halevy's lengthy intelligence pedigree, his proposal is naive. Israel prefers Assad to the alternatives. Obama may promote the Sunni MB again.

The best solution, though tricky, would be to keep Assad in power, but force him to break his Iran ties.

Assad's support is (a) minority Syrian Shiites, (b) Syrian Alawites, who are only nominally Shiite, and (c) Syrian Christians.

To make this happen, Russia would need to force Assad's hand. In his current predicament, Assad would have little alternative. Assad would need to eject Iranian forces in Syria, which may require U.S. or Russian military support.

Halevy presupposes Assad's ouster, which, in my view, merely opens the door for the MB. However, Halevy's view that the U.S. will need to offer Russia a strategic carrot is useful.

[Milagros]

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[lentulusgracchus]

Thank you for your knowledgable post.