Stop Iran or it'll be too late

The Australian ^ | June 25, 2009 | Emanuele Ottolengh

[Schnucki]

WHETHER Iran's turmoil ends up like the Prague Spring or the Velvet Revolution remains to be seen. But when all is said and done, Iran's nuclear program will still be there. If, as one can anticipate, Iran's regime moves in to repress popular dissent and impose its iron fist on its restive population, it will be hard for the international community to engage the rulers of Iran as if nothing happened.

It will be even harder to make the case that Iran's quest for nuclear power can be excused, trusted, understood or explained away. The protests that are violently shaking the foundations of the Islamic Republic mean that if this regime survives, its cruelty will not confine itself to crushing the innocent at home. Iran's actions abroad will be just as bloody. What is to be done then?

Policy-makers in the West may look apprehensively at the scenes of carnage and hope and wish Iran's protesters will have it their way. After all, a successful democratic revolution would most likely bring an end to the nuclear stand-off. We can surely hope that democracy will triumph and pray that Iran's future democratic leaders will offer transparency on the country's nuclear past and safeguards on its future in a way that this regime never did and never would. But we must have a plan B, one that can be implemented if the hopes of young Iranians are drowned in their blood. Much depends on how we answer a simple question. How soon will it be too late to stop Iran's nuclear program?

Analysts and government officials routinely offer different timelines for an Iranian bomb, but they tend to put Iran's breakout capacity a few years away. Iran is experiencing significant technological difficulties and the political decision to go for the bomb may

[don-o]

How soon will it be too late to stop Iran's nuclear program?

Good article. But, the thrust is that the prime motive is stopping Iran from building a nuke. I agree that is very important. But, I question the timeline allowing years to elapse before action must be taken.

[FreepShop1]

It’s already too late. We went past the point-of-no-return on November 4, 2008. Unless Israel acts, and perhaps even if they do, Iran will acquire nuclear weapons.

[traumer]

Sorry mate it’s too late....

[SunkenCiv]

If, as one can anticipate, Iran's regime moves in to repress popular dissent and impose its iron fist on its restive population, it will be hard for the international community to engage the rulers of Iran as if nothing happened. It will be even harder to make the case that Iran's quest for nuclear power can be excused, trusted, understood or explained away.

Gets the do-nothing Sock Puppet in the White House off the hook though, doesn't it?

"Why 'Civ, whatever do you mean?"