The United States is playing a dangerous game by relying on sanctions and diplomacy to slow Iran's march to nuclear weapons.
As Charles Krauthammer wrote in Friday's Washington Post, the International Atomic Energy Agency reported Aug. 30 that Iran has doubled the number of centrifuges at its chief nuclear testing facility since sanctions were imposed.
The administration has rejected Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request for "red lines" - deadlines for Iran to stop their nuclear development - or face stronger economic sanctions or possible military action.
In fact, the administration has warned Israel not to act on its own to destroy Iran's nuclear facility. And President Obama has refused a request for a face-to-face meeting with Netanyahu at the opening of United Nations General Assembly meetings this week.
According to Reuters, Netanyahu criticized the U.S. and others for not being firmer with Iran and telling Israel to back off.
"The world tells Israel, 'Wait, there's still time.' And I say, 'Wait for what? Wait until when?'" the news service quoted the prime minister as saying.
"Those in the international community who refuse to put red lines before Iran don't have a moral right to place a red light before Israel."
It is unsettling to see this rift between the U.S. and its most loyal Middle East ally. The only thing scarier is the thought of Iran with nuclear weapons.
We hope the president will change his mind, meet with Netanyahu and develop a plan to head off the roguest of states from acquiring nuclear weapons.
* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.
