Hamas' motives: Distract attention from the Iranian nuclear buildup

Submitted by Linda Korrow (United States), Nov 19, 2012 at 00:57

Dr. Pipes, I'm curious about your choice of the term "buildup." Do you assume Iran already has nukes and are developing a more robust inventory?

If Iran doesn't have nukes, perhaps they would look to buy any time they can muster to finish the program and declare themselves a nuclear state. Why? Their biggest fear is regime change. Past history suggests a kit glove policy towards the regimes of nuclear states, e.g., NK. Perhaps Iran assumes that becoming a nuclear state would close out the issue in the world's eyes and cause sanctions to be dropped or enable Russia and China to clamor for dropping sanctions? That seems to have about a zero probability, although there would likely be pressure from Russia and China to do so.

If I recall correctly, Hamas was reluctant to attack Israel, but Iran insisted and Cast Lead was the result If that's so, I have to wonder if Hamas took it upon themselves to usher in Pillar of Cloud or Iran forced them into it (again)? I presume Iran's still their major financier.

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