The Iranian Veil

www.RightViews.com ^ | 03/09/05 | OJ

[Johannesson]

Over recent days, there have been a number of developments regarding Iran's nuclear program. Some information casts doubts on the accuracy of our intelligence gathering, some confirm our worst suspicions and others are quite inconclusive... ...The unanswered questions about the Iranian nuclear program are numerous and complex. Considering the impact of our decisions, one way or the other, the middle of the road solution is only acceptable in the short term. A long term, pragmatic guarantee of our safety from potential Iranian nuclear weapons is only achievable through establishing conclusive guidelines from which we will not deviate. Should we extend incentives to the regime in Iran, we cannot let the situation in North Korea repeat itself and any infraction of the accord needs to be met with swift and decisive action, military if necessary.

If one were to consider the complete picture and account for circumstantial components such as missile technology cooperation between Iran, North Korea, Russia and China and the Iranian hardliners' refusal to acknowledge all their activities and sites, the very nuanced and calculated rejections of Western accusations fade to mute. If they are not looking to acquire nuclear weapons, why are they developing nuclear capable missiles? If their program is fully peaceful, why are they hiding facilities and refusing complete access to our inspectors?