Should Israel Need It, They Have Clear Skies Over Saudi Arabia To Attack Iranian Nuclear Sites

By Douglas V. Gibbs

As the only stabilizing factor in the Middle East, Israel may have to take on Iran by themselves. The American President, Barack Obama, has pledged support for Muslim countries, and had continuously turned his back on Israel. Much of the world has remained critical of Israel, and the "flotilla" incident revealed how anti-Israel much of the world players truly are.

Though Israel may be alone in their resolve, they may be receiving some help from Saudi Arabia, who has been conducting tests to stand down their air defenses so that Israeli jets may conduct a bombing raid on Iran's nuclear facilities.

I think this may be a case of "the enemy of my enemy is my temporary ally." In fact, Israeli officials state that Saudi Arabia is more afraid of the possibility of a nuclear strike by Iran than Israel is.

The primary targets, should Israel plan a raid on Iran, would be the uranium enrichment facilities located at Natanz and Qom. Possible other targets may be the gas storage development facility at Isfahan, and the heavy-water reactor at Arak. Secondary targets could include the lightwater reactor at Bushehr, which is capable of producing weapons-grade plutonium when complete.

Iran is accessible without the assistance of Saudi Arabia, but would require the Israeli aircraft to travel completely around the Arabian Peninsula. Such a trip would include the need for an in flight fueling exercise. However, Saudi Arabia opening up their air space to Israel significantly shortens the distance. If Jordan and Iraq follows Saudi Arabia's lead, an airstrike could be conducted from the southwest, eliminating the need to refuel en route.

Using Iraq would require some involvement of the United States, and Obama has already refused to give permission. Some military analysts are indicating that the lack of American approval is the reason Israel has delayed their plans to attack Iran. American analysts believe an airstrike alone would not be sufficient to eliminate Iran's nuclear threat. The White House has stated a diplomatic solution is the preferred strategy when it comes to curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions.

In 2007 Israel used Turkish air space to attack a suspected nuclear facility in Syria, a main ally of Iran.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary

Saudi Arabia gives Israel clear skies to attack Iranian nuclear sites - Times Online

Obama promises Palestinians $400 million more, slams Israeli blockade - Examiner