DAILY MAIL COMMENT: George Bush may commit vandalism against world peace

In Israel, defence minister Ehud Barak orders provocative military exercises and says he won't hesitate to launch a strike against Iran's nuclear programme. There is even talk he may use nuclear weapons.

In Iran, President Ahmadinejad, who has threatened to 'wipe Israel off the map', demonstrates his own might by testing missiles and swearing to 'set Tel Aviv on fire' if Barak dares to strike.

A test-firing in an undisclosed location in the Iranian desert last week

Meanwhile U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice cranks up the rhetoric, saying that Washington takes 'very, very strongly' its obligations to help Israel.

Make no mistake: if this madness goes on, the Middle East - and the world beyond - could be hurled into a conflict that will make the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan look like mere skirmishes.

Does Barak really believe neighbouring Arab countries would stand by as Israeli jets flew in? Does he imagine Russia will do nothing if its nuclear technicians are killed in an attack on the Iranian plants?

As for Iran's own response, the possibilities are truly terrifying. American and Turkish military bases lie well within the range of its missiles. Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most vital oil lifeline, is hugely vulnerable to attack.

In the words of Opec's secretary-general, a war involving Iran would spark an 'unlimited' increase in oil prices, plunging the economies of the developed world into deep recession.

No. Instead of urging Israel on, the U.S. should be straining every diplomatic muscle to avert a pre-emptive strike, while using every peaceful means in its power to persuade Ahmadinejad to abandon his nuclear ambitions.

The truth is a diplomatic settlement is well within reach - despite the failure of the EU3 contact group of Britain, France and Germany to bring it about.

In Iran itself, Ahmadinejad faces strong opposition, from both Shia and Sunni Muslims and a sophisticated middle-class sympathetic to the West. Why risk uniting the whole country behind him by launching an attack?

With America preparing for a new president, Israel may well believe it will get more support from an outgoing Republican than an incoming Democrat.

Does George Bush think backing an air strike will boost John McCain's chances against Barack Obama? If so, this will be his last and most contemptible act of vandalism against world peace.

Hope for homebuyers:

Help may at last be at hand for first-time homebuyers, whose hopes have been shattered by the credit crunch.

As the Mail has long urged, the Government is urgently drawing up plans to offer them stamp duty holidays, while cutting the tax for other homebuyers.

Opposition MPs may seek to present the concessions as a sign of weakness. They are nothing of the sort.

They are a humane, practical and long overdue reaction to changing economic circumstances. They can't come into force a moment too soon.

The troop's champion:

Front-line soldiers will be dismayed by reports that General Sir Richard Dannatt has been passed over for the top post of Chief of the Defence Staff.

As head of the Army, he has been their fearless champion, speaking out bluntly on the strains they face and the urgent need to improve their pay and conditions.

If, as some are suggesting, Des Browne is punishing him for standing up for his men, the Defence Secretary is unfit to remain in the Government.