TIME FACTOR
Whatever the underlying reason for Hayden's views, whether stated out of self motivation or on instructions from the Obama administration, their message is clear. The United States is increasingly of the opinion that time is running out.
Ever since the Americans and more so the Israelis first caught wind of a possible secret Iranian nuclear weapons program, they have been both clock-watching. Every few weeks, a military figure, a think tank or a former defense official in either Washington or Israel offers a comment on just how well prepared the Iranians are or are not.
Whenever an ex-intelligence chief suggests nuclear weapons will be ready for action in 18 months, or less, panic buttons are seemingly hit in the United States and Israel, with journalists often leading the bandwagon.
Sandler's analysis of Hayden's words is that the former CIA chief likely believes some form of action needs to be taken sooner rather than later but that does not mean the Americans are ready for an imminent attack.
The Bar-Ilan professor does think it is worthwhile watching events in Pakistan and in particular in Afghanistan as an American pullout of forces from the region could happen roughly in parallel with any tactical strike against Iran.
For Sandler, the issue of timing is highly significant. World War I broke out because of matters of timing, he emphasizes. He thinks Hayden's message is that the time is almost upon Obama to decide whether he will continue down the seemingly unsuccessful road of sanctions and talks or plump for the probably decisive but clearly destructive option of an early military attack on Iran.
Special Report: Iran Nuclear Crisis
