No wonder Israeli Jews, originally from civilized countries, view semi-nomadic Arabs with contempt. Well, that is wrong. Arabs are far from the simpletons Israelis ordinarily see. Unburdened by the European romanticism the Jews absorbed, the Arabs are above all practical or, in our terms, artful. But the image of sly, lying Arabs is incorrect. Arabs accept private lies but will do their utmost to preserve their public reputation.

Iran’s cries that Israel must be destroyed are rhetorical. When, however, Iran promises “unimaginable damage” to Israel if she attacks Syria, it means it. Conventional missiles cannot cause much damage. Iran cannot launch many. Iranian missiles are not sufficiently precise to target Israeli chemical facilities. The implication of WMD is clear.

Iran has chemical and radiological weapons and has virtually or actually acquired nuclear bombs. It pays to listen to what the ayatollahs say. In this case, their words are not rhetoric. The prospect of Israel retaliating against Syria for Hezbollah attacks is very real. Iran might be called to make good on its promise.

Note the very different threat coming from Hezbollah: “surprises.” Hezbollah does not have WMD. The surprise means delivering firepower deep into Israel, by long-range or sea-based missiles. Hezbollah suicide bombers are less likely, though Hamas may produce some. It seems unlikely Syria will allow Hezbollah to escalate the war by blowing Israeli petrochemical facilities up. That involves wishful thinking, namely that Syria controls Hezbollah. The assumption is true only to a degree.