My take on this matter is that the U.S. is so over-committed in Iraq; they would never strike Iran's nuclear facilities for fear of it spiraling out of their control. Mind you, they may consider themselves to be in a different position if Iran went ahead and conducted a nuclear test. I believe however, that Iran's potential to conduct such a test is a long way off... regardless of whether the U.S. decides to strut its stuff by beating-up the rhetoric. Anyone interested in world events, undoubtedly remembers the matter of W.M.D.'s in Iraq. Iran of course also likes to engage itself in the same game of brinksmanship by beating its own drum. The reality so often lies somewhere between the two extremes.

The likelihood of Israel taking unilateral action is another matter again. Israel in my opinion tends to be overly sensitive, and although I can understand that sensitivity, they can very quickly become trigger-happy.

For every action taken, there is a consequence.  In the case of Israel and Iran, the quality of life and security within the general populous of Israel, coupled with reliable intelligence, must always guide Israel when it comes to considering any military solution... as trumped-up fear can rapidly overtake reality.

I do not believe the life /slash/ death of Israel is in question here, as ever since its acceptance of the U.N.?s ?Charter of Obligations? in 1948, Israel will always have majority World support and will always be. Israel will continue to have its place on the map of the world? there will always be however, a good argument for moderation.