UAE Ambassador Calls for Bombing Iran Nuke Facilities

The United Arab Emirates' ambassador to Washington has called for bombing Iran's nuclear facilities, saying that the benefits would outweigh the short-term costs.

In unusually blunt remarks, Ambassador Yousef al-Otaiba publicly endorsed the use of the military option for countering Iran's nuclear program, if sanctions fail to stop the country's quest for nuclear weapons.

"I think it's a cost-benefit analysis," Mr. al-Otaiba said. "I think despite the large amount of trade we do with Iran, which is close to $12 billion - there will be consequences, there will be a backlash and there will be problems with people protesting and rioting and very unhappy that there is an outside force attacking a Muslim country, that is going to happen no matter what."

"If you are asking me, 'Am I willing to live with that versus living with a nuclear Iran?,' my answer is still the same: 'We cannot live with a nuclear Iran.' I am willing to absorb what takes place at the expense of the security of the UAE."

Mr. al-Otaiba's comments came in response to a question after a public interview session at the Aspen Ideas Festival here. They echo those of some Arab diplomats who have said similar things in private to their American counterparts but never this bluntly in public. The remarks surprised many in the audience.

Hmmm.

Read it all. He said everything in public that we have been told Arab leaders are saying in private for the last two years. Ouch.
Israel Matzav