[Destro]

You know and I know Iran has zero to do with it. Pakistan has active nukes on missles and does not get the same bad press.

[Rockingham]

Actually, Pakistan does get a lot of bad press in the US -- and with good reason because of the powerful Islamist movement there and Pakistan's state support for terrorism in Kashmir. But after 9/11, Pakistan has also furnished important help against terrorism, even if it has taken substantial American pressure and aid for Musharaf to do so.

With national icon, nuclear proliferator A. Q. Khan now exposed, shut down, and under house arrest, Pakistan's conduct as to weapons help to others is now better than Russia's, which continues to provide extensive nuclear, chemical, biological, and missile technology and expertise to dangerous regimes. As bad as Pakistani nukes on missiles are, they are not directed at Israel, Europe, or the US but are a counter to India's nuclear weapons and the threat that they pose has been constrained by diplomacy and Pakistan's sense of caution.

With nuclear weapons and a record of support for terrorism worldwide, Islamist Iran will be more dangerous and intractable than ever. Is Russia prepared to accept and be responsible for the consequences? A "bad press" in America will be the least of it, for Iran is the kind of customer that seems likely to turn upon its supplier once it is opportune to do so.