By Paul Bedard
The U.S. News – President Bush is finding resistance among some Republican leaders over talk of a military strike against Iranian nuclear sites. Hill leadership aides and at least one senior Republican senator have told the White House that growing public dissatisfaction with the current war in Iraq and Afghanistan has soured the public on more military action, even if not taking action means letting Tehran continue working on nuclear facilities and weapons.
"There just is no public appetite for more war or military action," a key Bush ally in Congress said on background. Instead, the opponents of a military strike are urging the administration to push diplomatic options.
First, they are calling on the administration to do more to get Europe to push Iran to drop its nuclear program. The United States has had success in that area recently.
Second, they are urging the White House to move for a quick regime change in Tehran by sending money and other help to the foes of the right-wing government. They also said Congress could take a more public stand on aiding Tehran’s opponents this spring.
