OPINION: "What If Israel Strikes Iran?" by John R. Bolton, Wall Street Journal, 11 June 2009.

The gist appears in the call-out text: "The mullahs would retaliate. But things would be much worse if they had the bomb."

Iran won't close the Straits of Hormuz, nor cut its own exports to raise global prices, nor directly attacks U.S. forces in either Iraq or Afghanistan, nor launch missiles against Israel. It will unleash Hamas and Hezbollah and that's about it.

Then Bolton tries to sell with contrary logic: "This brief survey demonstrates why Israel's military option against Iran's nuclear program is so unattractive, but also why failing to act is even worse."

The deuce you say.

Plus, Israel's strikes might just turn the population against the regime.

This is sounding better and better.

Plus, says Bolton, most Arab regimes will welcome the strikes.

Finally, Bolton reminds us, Obama has turned against Israel, so what the hell?

Actually, a pretty accurate op-ed.