Before the U.S. led invasion of Iraq, Iraq was certainly not a safe haven for terrorist.  As we start 2007 it has just become that.  World leaders are recognizing this too.  In a Near Year’s address to the diplomatic corp, French President Chirac stated that “It (Iraq) offered terrorism a new field for expansion.”  The war has “undermined the stability of the entire region, where every country now fears for its security and its independence.”

Yes, one only needs to look at Iran as it is feeling the pressure of the U.S. partly due to the U.S. being a puppy to the Israelis’ who fear Iran more than the U.S.  It is understated how much of an influence the Israeli government has on foreign affairs.  The U.S. often dictates foreign policy for other countries (i.e. U.K.) but the U.S. as a “strong nation” is often not thought of as bowing down to other nations.  The Israeli government plays a fundamental reason why the U.S. is putting pressure on Iran. Future post will go into detail to discuss Israeli-U.S. relations.