The story is told that, during Lebanon’s civil war (1975–90), four Soviet diplomats were kidnapped by a terrorist group. Two days later its leader received a box containing the testicles of his son – and a warning from the Russians: “Don’t ever bother our people again.” The Soviets’ reprisal was ruthless but effective. The three surviving hostages were released unharmed and no more Soviets were kidnapped in Lebanon. A brutal response targeting something deeply valued by the enemy deterred future attempts at blackmail. Is the West doing the same with Iran?

Since the discovery of Iran’s covert nuclear program, Europe has taken the lead in the diplomatic offensive to persuade Teheran to desist on its pursuit of a nuclear bomb. While Iran denies any such intention, its non-compliance with the non-proliferation regime, of which Iran is a member through its signature of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, continues to alarm Western diplomacy, especially in light of its parallel ballistic missile program.