War between Israel -v- Iran & Co (merged threads)

[Strickland]

Are the Iranians signators of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, or have they renounced their participation? If they are not a party to this agreement, then what is illegal of their pursuit of nuclear energy or nuclear weapons? Are they any different from India or Pakistan in this regard? North Korea renounced its participation in the NNP Treaty, thus has every legal right to pursue nuclear weapons. Is Iran any different?

As far as the arguement that this would increase the scope of terrorism as it affects Saudi Arabia; I would argue that the Saudis continue to be one of the world's largest sources of terrorists, and wealthiest State sponsor of terror.

[SWJED]

21 Jan. Associated Press - Talk of Military Action in Iran Standoff.

Israel's defense minister hinted Saturday that the Jewish state is preparing for military action to stop Iran's nuclear program, but said international diplomacy must be the first course of action.

"Israel will not be able to accept an Iranian nuclear capability and it must have the capability to defend itself, with all that that implies, and this we are preparing," Shaul Mofaz said...

[Stu-6]

Are the Iranians signators of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, or have they renounced their participation? If the are not are party to this agreement, then what is illegal of their pursuit of nuclear energy or nuclear weapons? Are they any different from India or Pakistan in this regard? North Korea renounced its participation in the NNP Treaty, thus has every legal right to pursue nuclear weapons. Is Iran any different?

Iran is a signatory and has not renounced the treaty; they are saying that their use of nuclear power is not for the purpose of producing weapons so it is permitted by the treaty.

[Strickland]

If this is so, then they have every legal right to pursue nuclear energy so long as they allow IAEA inspections, just as every other sovereign nation. I agree that it is silly to believe that they need this alternative source of energy with the proven reserves of oil and natural gas they have; however, the law is the law.

[Stu-6]

I think they are actually not allowed to pursue weapons and their complaint is that restrictions meant to prevent them from pursuing weapons are preventing them from pursuing legitimate research. Basically the argument is over how the IAEA is interpreting the treaty. I think the bottom line is that they what to at least keep the option of acquiring nuclear weapons open, to guarantee their own security. The catch is that many Israelis feel they can not guarantee their security if Iran has such weapons. Further complicated by the fact that the US has tough talked itself in to a corner on this issue. Finally we add good old fashion nationalistic pride and we get one big mess.

[Strickland]

Since history shows us that no nuclear powers have gone to general war against each other, unless you count the Siachen Glacier conflict; maybe Iran seeks weapons to ensure its survival and national defense.

[GorTex6]

Iranian Oil Bourse

[Stratiotes]

Since history shows us that no nuclear powers have gone to general war against each other, unless you count the Siachen Glacier conflict; maybe Iran seeks weapons to ensure its survival and national defense.

It is interesting too that 3 nations that declined to sign the non-proliferation treaty (Israel, Pakistan, and India) are hardly mentioned. If Iran had wanted to pursue such weapons, they probably should not have signed the treaty.

[Jones_RE]

But when did Iran become a signatory to the treat? As administrations (or even regimes) change, governmental priorities can change. But it's a lot harder and more aggravating to withdraw from a treaty than it is to not sign it in the first place. This is one reason why the US doesn't sign treaties willy nilly - no guarantee we'll want the landmine ban affecting us fifty years from now, for example.

Ultimately, we need a strategy for living with a nuclear armed Iran and not just containing it. Of course, that takes us well beyond the realm of "small" wars - except to the extent that Tehran chooses to use its influence to liven up neighboring conflicts. Are we seeing the beginning of a South West Asian Cold War?