The mind games that telegraph any military strike are simmering along and on the verge of a full boil. David Ignatius, columnist for the Washington Post, is reporting that Defense Secretary Leon Panetta believes there is a “strong likelihood” that Israel could attack Iran as early as April to try to derail Tehran’s nuclear bomb-building plans.
In the perceptions-war game, this is a message intend for Iran. If Tehran believes it, it could act as a spur for negotiations. It also could induce the U.S. to bring pressure on Tel Aviv. Despite denials, Israel will not attack Iran with at least a wink from Washington. But these reports, unfortunately, are like the tides. They will ebb and flow until this crisis passes or explodes. Get used to it.