Bushbred,

Israel has had nuclear weapons since the 70s and has never had to use them.

Considering that they were attacked on many sides without provocation in 1948, 1967, and 1973 all before they had nukes, and not since they acquired nukes, I would say that it has been a very successful deterrent policy.

The danger is that Iran might feel emboldened to re ignite the conflict if it obtains such weapons.

With an estimated 200 warheads, a strike at one of its cities would drastically weaken Israel and Israel's response is not likely to be a tit for tat response, but more likely a knock out blow to all hostile nations.

If Iran were stable and rational, this would not be a concern, Russia and the USA were not stupid enough to let the cold war escalate into a hot war, but Iran might.

Shadow Minister, an armoured nuclear little Israel backed by America just does not fit into the modern scientific conception of balance of power.

We only hope Obama can handle it without more War-War?

Regards, BB, WA.