As the U.S. prepares a military strike against Iran, the Iranians are warning that they will withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if they are sanctioned by the United Nations. If a military strike were to happen, some experts believe the Iranians would retaliate. That retaliation could cause all sorts of political, economic and military problems for the U.S., Israel and our European allies. The Belmont Club has this analysis of the problem, with an emphasis on the question of why the Iranians have very little incentive to negotiate in good faith. And, just to keep it all in context, President Ahmadinejad is calling for Israel to be "removed" once again. We are facing a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situation regarding Iran's nuclear program. Still, despite the rhetoric, I can see how the U.S., the Russians, the Chinese and the Europeans can live with a nuclear-armed Iran, which gives the Iranian hardliners a clear advantage in the negotiations. However, as long as President Ahmadinejad and his ilk are in power in Teheran, I can't see the Israelis living with it. Certainly, an Israeli military strike would have very similar consequences for the world as the American one described via the link listed above.

Meanwhile, check out the New York Times for these articles on the issue of the Danish cartoons that have inflamed some in the Muslim world. Find out what is beneath the rage in the Middle East, the Islam the riots drowned out, and I especially recommend this piece, which examines the liberal theology of most newsrooms (in Europe and elsewhere) and how that has run into the passion of people of faith. It examines the controversy in a way I had not considered before.

In Chicago, Mark Steyn has one view of the controversy, while a crosstown columnist rival has a very different one (via RealClearPolitics).

On an unrelated issue, check out this piece on why the new Medicare Part D program (the prescription drug entitlement) is a disaster.