Rumors of War - Persia

Israel PM visits Russia for talks on Iran's actions in Syria - AP
AP reports: "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Russia on Monday for talks focused on Syria, warning that Israel will not accept Iran’s growing military presence there and in neighboring Lebanon. Before departure for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Netanyahu said that Iran is trying to turn Lebanon into 'one giant missile site, a site for precision missiles against the state of Israel, which we will not tolerate.' The Israeli leader also pointed at what he described as 'Iran’s relentless efforts to establish a military presence in Syria, which we strongly oppose and are also taking action against.'"

Comment: I know that when talking about potential conflict flashpoints most people think of North Korea as being #1. A close second would have to be what is happening in Syria. A war between Israel and Iran would ignite the entire Middle East in a regional conflagration would have global repercussions.  In the above report we can see that Israel is taking steps to signal to all involved that the permanent presence of Iranian troops in Syria and Lebanon will not be tolerated. In the chessboard of the Great Game it's not a stretch to say that Lebanon has already fallen to Iran and in Syria, Iranian militias show no signs of retreating now that Assad's victory is all but certain. Iran's presence within the borders of Israel's immediate neighbors looks to be permanent unless someone forces them out. Israel seems to be hoping that Russia will do that while showing a determination to go it alone if they have to. Although Putin offered smiles during this meeting with Netanyahu, let's note that he said nothing to indicate that he would show his Iranian allies the door in Syria. It's looking increasingly likely that Israel and Iran will soon face a shooting war in Syria and Lebanon. Stay tuned.