Iran today stands at a crossroads. In one direction lies peace. In the other, isolation, economic harm, international denunciation, military pressure … maybe even war. Which road will Iran's leaders choose?
On the surface, Iran appears to have bested the internationalcommunity in its pursuit of nuclear weapons. As former Secretary ofState Colin Powell has observed, after two years of fruitlessnegotiation, the international community is no closer to haltingIran's quest for nuclear weapons. Instead, the great powersendlessly debate where and when a diplomatic showdown will takeplace while Iran resumes its nuclear research. In essence, theworld is fiddling while Rome burns. The West has one ace left toplay before a final showdown looms. Extending NATO membership toIsrael could convince Iran's Mullahs that developing a nuclearcapability is not in their interest.
In an age of global terrorism, the role of NATO remains vital. Therecent bombings in Madrid have reinforced the need for greatertransatlantic cooperation in the war against terror.