Israel Pre-emptive Attack

 A few hours ago, Israel launched its much-anticipated surprise attack on Iran. It was not unexpected, but its timing may have been. It is too soon to gauge its success, though initial reports show -

• a large operation with some 200 planes
• Minor reported damage to Israel from Iran's defence systems
• widespread damage in many locations in Iran
• targets included anti-aircraft defence, high-value military personnel, missile manufacturing sites and most importantly, nuclear weapons factories
• The 'neutralization' of some senior personnel has been acknowledged by Iran, including the head of the IRGC
• Iran, Khamanei has vowed retaliation, and drones have been launched against Israel

These are but a few hours after the attack, so much too early to draw conclusions.

Israel has been a victim of unwarranted aggression by Iran for decades. Iran has been threatening, has been using proxies for direct attacks and just a few months ago launched hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles against Israel. Iran has declared war on Israel and has used everything in its power to attack Israel for decades. Israel has taken this step only due to the threat of Iran developing nuclear weapons. 

So, by any fair evaluation, Israel was justified, and the free world will be better off if it succeeds. Success would be the elimination of Iran's nuclear threat. Even greater success would be the elimination of the terrorist theocracy that took control of Iran in 1979.

We can all hope that Israel achieved the former, and that the freedom-loving people of Iran take the opportunity of Iran's weakness to overthrow the regime.

A recent update.