THE BIBI EFFECT? – AT 12:08 P.M. ET:   I've noticed several subtle changes since the prime minister of Israel spoke before Congress.  The administration's line on Iran has gotten tougher, and allies have now spoken more forcefully about their concerns over the proposed agreement. 

France, in particular, has made it clear that it is not satisfied with the agreement because it gives Iran too much.  The language used by France is remarkably similar to that used by Netanyahu.  And other European allies are reportedly grumbling about the U.S. taking over the negotiations with Iran and excluding them.

Secretary of State Kerry has just rushed around the Mideast, snubbing Israel, but going to several Arab capitals to assure nervous governments that the agreement with Iran will be a good one.  I don't see any smiling in these capitals.  From AFP:

Paris (AFP) - Top US diplomat John Kerry on Saturday sought to smooth differences with France over nuclear talks with Iran, agreeing with the French that there were still gaps to overcome in the "critical weeks" ahead.

The US secretary of state said it was up to Iran to prove its peaceful intentions to the world if it wants a deal on its nuclear programme ahead of the looming March 31 deadline.

He was speaking to reporters after a 20-minute meeting with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius in Paris where they tried to iron out their differing views on the deal.

France has privately expressed concerns that the final agreement will not include enough iron-clad guarantees to stop Iran acquiring a nuclear bomb.

"We want an agreement that's solid," Kerry said.

"We want an agreement that will guarantee that we are holding any kind of programme that continues in Iran accountable to the highest standards so that we know in fact that it is a peaceful programme."

Fabius emphasised that any deal to remove sanctions could not be thrashed out only between Iran and the US.

"These are multilateral negotiations and we are making sure our position is known," he said.

COMMENT:  Maybe the Europeans have gotten a little backbone from Bibi's speech.  They may not like him personally, but this isn't a popularity contest. 

In the end, though, the real decisions will be made by Town Councilman in training Barack Obama, and I think we all know where his sentiments lie.  He wants a legacy, at any cost.  He wants Iran to dominate the region, replacing Israel as America's most important ally.  It is up to Congress to block him.

March 7, 2015