FRANCE'S SARKOZY RAISES PROSPECT OF BOMBING IRAN

France's Sarkozy Raises Prospect of Iran Airstrikes - Francois Murphy
French President Nicolas Sarkozy said on Monday a diplomatic push by the world's powers to rein in Tehran's nuclear program was the only alternative to "an Iranian bomb or the bombing of Iran." He also presented some new ideas, such as possibly renewing high-level dialogue with Syria. Sarkozy said a nuclear-armed Iran would be unacceptable and that major powers should continue their policy of incrementally increasing sanctions against Tehran while being open to talks if Iran suspended nuclear activities. "This initiative is the only one that can enable us to escape an alternative that I say is catastrophic: the Iranian bomb or the bombing of Iran," he said, adding that it was the worst crisis currently facing the world. (Reuters)

See also Sarkozy: Friend of the U.S. and Israel - Angela Doland
While France has a history of close ties with the Arab world, Sarkozy said: "I have the reputation of being a friend of Israel, and it's true. I will never compromise on Israel's security." Despite that, he said, the many Arab leaders who have visited him since his election know they can count on his friendship. (AP/Santa Barbara News Press)

Sarkozy reaffirms pro-Israel stance (JTA)
Nicolas Sarkozy reaffirmed his affection for Israel and hostility toward Hamas. "I have the reputation of being a friend of Israel, and it's true. I will never compromise on Israel's security," the French president said Monday in his first foreign-policy speech since taking office in May.

While he said France would continue to cultivate rich ties with the moderate Arab world, Sarkozy drew a line at engaging Hamas or allowing Iran to procure nuclear weaponry.

He described the Gaza Strip as "Hamastan" -- a term seldom heard outside Israeli political circles -- and said the Islamist Palestinian group must be curbed lest it take over the West Bank as well.

Sarkozy, who was speaking to French diplomats, further urged Iran to abandon its nuclear program or for effective international sanctions to be imposed on Tehran. Otherwise, he hinted, there could be military intervention.

"This tactic is the only one that allows us to escape from a catastrophic alternative: an Iranian bomb, or the bombing of Iran," he said.

SEE ALSO: BUSH WARNS OF 'HOLOCAUST' IF IRAN GETS NUKES (Breitbart)