Ahmadinejad’s Trap

To the Editor:

Iran’s president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, recently said: “Israel must be wiped off the map. Anybody who recognizes Israel will burn in the fire of the Islamic nation’s fury. Is it possible for us to witness a world without America and Zionism? This goal can be achieved.”

By making this bold statement, Ahmadinejad seeks to demonstrate to Muslims worldwide that Europe and America lack the resolve to stop him and he seeks to dissuade Israel from conducting a preemptive strike.

Ahmadinejad wants Israel to think that he is egging on such a strike because in the aftermath, no trace of weapons grade nuclear material will be found, which will make Israel look like the bully, not Iran. As such, Ahmadinejad would be better positioned to justify Iran’s nuclear weapons program; i.e., to protect itself from Israel, a local and hostile nuclear power.

But Ahmadinejad is running on empty and is just trying to “confuse the Satan.” Moreover, hidden in Ahmadinajab’s statement is his desperation. For example, he threatens the fury of the Islamic nation upon anyone that recognizes Israel, precisely at a time that Islamic countries move toward recognizing Israel.

In response, Israel must remain calm and maintain her firm resolve to conduct a pinpoint strike if and whenever necessary. It’s no longer time to give Iran “one last chance” but time to implement sanctions upon Iran’s Mullah government, terminate Iran from the United Nations, and terminate Iran’s nuclear program. The military option must be the very last resort. We must stay calm, pursue justice, and not be afraid. Condemnations without actions would be walking right into Ahmadinejad’s trap.

Rabbi Shaul Marshall Praver

Spiritual Leader of

Congregation Adath Israel

111 Huntingtown Road, Newtown                      November 14, 2005