Iran and Israel at War

[Geoffrey S]

The important thing to realise is that for most Middle Eastern countries - the more so for Iran, as they are not Arab - Israel is little more than a shibboleth used to keep their populations in check.

These countries tried to eradicate Israel militarily a couple of times and failed spectacularly. They know there's no point in trying - they have got the lick of practical common sense some time ago. But like for so many governments, having an untouchable Enemy is really useful to keep their peoples from asking awkward questions about rights and democracy.

Let's hope we don't go far in the same direction with generic terrorist threats.