Here are two alarming headlines from different parts of the America 2.0 political spectrum. First, from The American Conservative, May 10:
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In pulling the United States out of the international nuclear deal, Trump has heightened tensions with Iran on a number of issues unrelated... Netanyahu, who hated the nuclear deal from the start because it eased tensions and diminished pressure on Iran, now sees his opportunity to goad the Islamic Republic with pinprick airstrikes against Iranian positions in Syria. With Israel killing Iranians, a retaliatory response is inevitable, which is what Netanyahu wants. In this dangerous escalation of tensions, Trump has positioned his country on the side of Israel and against Iran; this will encourage further provocations by Netanyahu.
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Will Netanyahu risk everything on the prospect of manufacturing a direct confrontation between Iran and the United States? Would he succeed if he tried? Would Trump even understand the ramifications of it all? Would he have the inclination or the guts to rein in Netanyahu?
On such questions hangs the ominous pivot of war and peace in the Middle East. Right now it looks more like war than peace.
http://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/israel-nudges-trump-towards-war-with-iran/
Then from the center-left Brookings Institute on May 15:
The Trump administration is now violating the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran. The Saudi and Israeli governments have separately cheered on the administration but they both want much more: at a minimum Iranian behavior must be changed forcefully; at most the regime in Tehran can be toppled. Iran’s gains must be rolled back in Beirut, Damascus, Baghdad and Sanaa.
Israel Nudges Trump Towards War With Iran
If you wish to understand what’s really going on, don’t just keep your eye on Trump...Instead watch Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu...His aim is to get America to curtail Iranian power and influence in the region....
In pulling the United States out of the international nuclear deal, Trump has heightened tensions with Iran on a number of issues unrelated... Netanyahu, who hated the nuclear deal from the start because it eased tensions and diminished pressure on Iran, now sees his opportunity to goad the Islamic Republic with pinprick airstrikes against Iranian positions in Syria. With Israel killing Iranians, a retaliatory response is inevitable, which is what Netanyahu wants. In this dangerous escalation of tensions, Trump has positioned his country on the side of Israel and against Iran; this will encourage further provocations by Netanyahu.
...
Will Netanyahu risk everything on the prospect of manufacturing a direct confrontation between Iran and the United States? Would he succeed if he tried? Would Trump even understand the ramifications of it all? Would he have the inclination or the guts to rein in Netanyahu?
On such questions hangs the ominous pivot of war and peace in the Middle East. Right now it looks more like war than peace.
http://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/israel-nudges-trump-towards-war-with-iran/
Then from the center-left Brookings Institute on May 15:
