Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a daunting task at his address to Congress this week: convincing a friendly America, but a hostile administration, not to let Iran acquire an atomic bomb that could undermine the West and destroy Israel. His speech to Congress was so effective not only because of his characteristically superb presentation, but because he — contrary to claims by critics — presented concrete suggestions for a better deal. He was also pragmatic enough to say that Israel could live with a better deal despite the fact that it would not entirely remove its justified fears.

Netanyahu’s speech was necessary because after years of deliberations and the analysis of the mortal danger posed by Iran, too many decision makers and pundits still do not understand why Iran is seeking to acquire an atom bomb with such determination and at such great cost to its economy and international standing. Indeed, it continues to pursue nuclear weapons despite the fact that it is at the brink of economic collapse due to the steep fall in the price of oil. Why would the Iranian leadership risk losing its power unless it considers the acquisition of a nuclear bomb vital to its survival?