Posted by
Pete Zimmerman on Sunday, February 10, 2008 9:08:46 PM
The Bush Administration’s policy in dealing with Iran is exactly the right policy. The incessant attempt by the rest of the world to avoid war with Iran by pandering to them is only a result of the intelligence failure that led us to war with Iraq. Many nations and politicians resist every attempt to pressure Iran into becoming open and compliant with their nuclear policies.
The latest National Intelligence Report was worded in such a way as to give the world a false sense of security. But the truth in that report is hidden by the facts. The report acknowledges that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons policy into 2003 but that program was dropped when the U.S. went to war with Iraq for fear that they were next. What is less certain, as the report declares, is whether or not that program has been restarted.
The truth about Iran is hidden by what the world wants to believe. Iran now claims to pursue a “peaceful” nuclear policy for energy. But the truth is that Iran has abundant energy options including oil and natural gas, and the “need” for nuclear power is far from convincing.
The behavior of the Iranian government is hidden in a veil of secrecy that is not clear at all to the rest of the world. And that is the point, isn’t it? The utmost pressure should be placed on Iran until it becomes open and honest with the rest of the world as to the intent and progress of its nuclear programs. Until that time it is entirely appropriate for the U.S. and the other members of the U.N. Security Council to vote on and install additional sanctions until they are convinced Iran is acting peacefully and becomes totally open to inspections by the IAEA (the International Atomic Energy Agency).
The other option would be to believe the words of Iranian regime and hope that the world is not in danger from an aggressive Iran. The closer you are geographically to Iran, the more you need to concerned. If you are Israel, one of our closest allies, the danger is substantial. Especially considering this is the same Iran and same leader who has threatened to wipe you off the face of the earth.
If you wait, how long do you wait? Waiting until there is proof of a nuclear weapon is too long as by then it will be too late. Intense pressure on Iran must be put into place immediately, for the sake of world peace and safety. For all we know, and what we don’t know, it may already be too late.