In this editorial, Anthony Rusonik responds to René Rieger’s ‘The Military Option in the Iranian Nuclear Crisis.’

Iran’s nuclear program has put it on a collision course with the United States and Israel as both countries reject Iran’s insistence that the program is for peaceful civilian purposes.

It is increasingly unlikely that the United States, or Israel, will engage in a military confrontation with Iran over its nuclear program in view of significant political changes within the Islamic Republic and the growing isolation of the Israeli government.

It was not even a year ago that former Mossad chief, Meir Dagan, stated that the idea of Israel bombing Iranian nuclear facilities was, "the stupidest idea I’ve ever heard.”

Yesterday’s raid by the IDF on the ‘Freedom Flotilla’- an aid convoy en route to Gaza- amounts to one more diplomatic nightmare for an Israeli government that is finding itself increasingly bereft of international support.

The moment that Secretary Clinton praised an Israeli proposal to temporarily restrict settlement construction in the West Bank as an ‘unprecedented concession,’ sighs of disappointment could be heard ringing out from Arab capitals around the world.

While it is possible that the Obama administration's adoption of a harder line on Israeli West Bank settlements could help mend U.S. credibility in the eyes of Palestinians and the wider Muslim world, none of this will occur without the current Israeli leadership putting up a fight.

As an increasing number of Israelis and Palestinians shift towards more militant means of achieving their respective political goals against a backdrop of coalescing hawkish groups, failed peace initiatives, and rising anti-Israeli sentiment, expect a continued growth in Mid-East violence centered on Israel.

After years of gradually losing its standing as a neutral arbiter between the Israelis and Palestinians, the U.S. government finally and openly declared sides during the Gaza conflict.  Unless President Barack Obama delivers on his promise to chart a new course, the U.S. will lose its place as a primary Middle-East mediator.

Despite Israel and Hamas’ separate announcements of a ceasefire in Gaza, prospects for a regional peace ensuring Israeli stability and security are likely to collapse, resulting in the escalation of Islamic extremism and Israel’s increasing isolation.