I don't even want to think it was possible. And the best way-- to avoid this disaster scenario is to take measures in order to get Israel to understand that we are determined to ensure its security.
Although I do not agree with the French President's assessment of pressuring Israel as regards the latter's conflict with the Palestinians, President Sarkozy puts it into proper perspective that Israel will be pushed to attack Iran if it sees that no one is really willing to stop Iran in acquiring nuclear weapons.
The French President also doesn't fully agree with the way Obama has been handling the situation with the diplomatic gesture with Iran and sympathizes with Israel's impatience.
I consider the fact that Iran should get its hands on a nuclear weapon-- a military nuclear weapon, together with the many statements made by Iranian leaders against the democracy that is Israel is dangerous and unacceptable. Unacceptable, quite simply. President Obama has wanted to stretch out his hand in order to show clearly to the Iranians that it was not they who were the target, but their leadership.
He extended his hand in order to guarantee the unity of the international-- community in particular, but the security council, which I endorsed, but patience has its limits. And we have come to a time now where we need to vote sanctions.
As to the sanctions Sarkozy makes it known that to make "toothless" sanctions will be a big mistake.
I'm a realist. I'm down to earth. The best solution is the unity of the security council, but not at any price. Not at the price of a resolution that is so toothless that it would achieve nothing. You know, I would not want the world to wake up to a conflict between Israel and Iran, quite simply because the international community has been incapable of acting.
Time is running out on the world against Iran and leaders like Sarkozy are now realizing it. Hope this isn't too late.
For more on this interview visit CBS.com
