It seems that the nutcase President of Iran has softened his position with regard to Israel. Instead of a “World without Zionism,” he now just wants a Middle East without Zionism, as per his statesmanlike suggestion today that Israel be moved to Europe. In his words, “Offer a piece of land from Europe, and we will back this decision and will not attack this government.” Two thoughts: First, we referred to his remarks as “appaling and reprehensible”; true enough, but I think the better tactic would be to publicly dismiss him as a loony and a laughingstock (while, of course, always keeping our powder dry); there’s nothing better than ridicule to change people’s behavior. And second, with the endless hand-wringing about whether or not to admit Turkey into the EU, why has there been no talk of admitting Israel to the EU? It’s much more advanced and “European” than, say, Cyprus or Malta, both of which are members, not to mention a corrupt, third-world (not to mention Muslim) quasi-democracy like Turkey.