Israel and Other Allies to Privately Give Obama Earful

Obama Will Be Urged to Use Caution And Temper Comments

An article in London’s Financial Times says Israel and the US’s European allies intend privately to make clear their concerns about Barack Obama’s policies on Iran when the US Democratic presidential candidate makes a much-heralded trip overseas in coming days. “We can’t give up too much on Iran too soon,” said one western diplomat, reflecting fears that unconditional talks would allow Tehran to play for time. Israel will emphasis its growing anxiety that Iran is getting closer to nuclear weapons capacity by continuing to enrich uranium, warning that there is little time left to convince Tehran to stop, according to diplomats.

Mr. Obama is expected to spend a week overseas, with stops in Germany, France, the UK, Israel and Jordan - although the schedule has not been announced. It is widely expected that Iraq and Afghanistan will be added to the itinerary as the senator has pledged to visit both war zones before the end of summer. A stop in Iraq would be the source of closest attention in the US, amid hints that Mr Obama could “refine” his plans to withdraw all combat troops within 16 months of taking office.

The recent U. S. decision to send a listener to talks with Iran in Geneva is a sign that it is time for a all-court press to convince Iran to stop enriching weapons grade fissile material. It is widely believed Iran has the systems and technology in place for a nuclear weapon that could be completed as soon as such enriched uranium or plutonium is available.