Andrew Paul wrote: > So does Iran have the right to pursue nuclear research or not? > > http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200601/s1547674.htm
For all Ahmadinejad's extremist bluster, I don't see Iran even trying to make a case that they *need* nuclear power. As a net exporter of oil they have all the time in the world to make a case that will mollify all international bodies. So why the antagonistic stance? It appears to me that the only answer (AFAICT) is that they are actually pursuing weapons superiority as part of a program aimed at regional dominance. With Iraq potentially democritizing and perhaps gaining strong US backing in the near future it is likely to be seen that a more potent defense/offense position is in their national interest. There are many very good reasons for the international community to hold to the anti-proliferation stance that has been held for a good long while. It is good for *everyones* security and acts as a hedge against devolving events that could have worldwide ramifications. I know that many of us find it strange that the lessons of Nagasaki and Hiroshima are not universally compelling or even that the lesson of Iraq is not heeded with more personal (in the sense of a State) immediacy. I would state: The pursuit of nuclear weapons is a danger to a State a regime and a people, and full and open international cooperation with regards to a state run nuclear program is a basic requirement if a State is to remain fully in the international body of nations. Considering that there *are* options to be explored in the current climate that would not evince a raised eyebrow, Iran's obstinance and rhetoric are not in the least bit convincing. > > If it is purely peaceful? > If it isn't? > We (the international community) can always resort to a MAD-like position to enforce anti-proliferation. (In fact that might be an inevitability) A formalization of the "Nuclear Club" would be a sign that such is indeed on the way. xponent Hoping To Be Wrong Maru rob _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
