Israel May be Going It Alone Against Iran

This report indicates that Defense Secretary Panetta has cold feet about military action against Iran. It states:

Panetta, who took over the Pentagon's top job in July, said he agreed with an assessment of his predecessor, Robert Gates, that a strike on Iran would only delay its nuclear program, which the West believes is aimed at making an atomic bomb.

Gates also warned it could unite the country and deepen its resolve toward pursuing nuclear weapons.

Iran says its nuclear program is peaceful and that it is enriching uranium to power reactors for electricity generation.

Panetta said: 'You've got to be careful of unintended consequences here.' He acknowledged military action might fail to deter Iran "from what they want to do."

And he added: 'But more importantly, it could have a serious impact in the region, and it could have a serious impact on U.S. forces in the region. And I think all of those things, you know, need to be carefully considered.'