Plays With Squirrels

I’ve been hearing claims that Iran is building a nuclear program. A lot of people are saying this is 2003 all over again-this is exactly what Bush did with Iraq, they say. Others are saying a nuclear Iran is a threat and there’s hints at military action against Iran to prevent this.

I’m in the middle on this issue. First, Iran is building a nuclear program. NATO report stating Iran is building a nuclear program here: http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/world/2011/IAEA-Nov-2011-Report-Iran.pdf

 It’s reported Iran says their nuclear program is for electricity production. Source:http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/iran/nuclear_program/index.html

From what I’ve read, Iran doesn’t seem to be hiding its nuclear program, so to say they’re not and it’s all war propaganda is to live in denial.

Before assuming I’m saying “Iran’s building nuclear weapons! Stop them by all means necessary!” hear me out. Iran may be honest and may be having a nuclear build up for energy purposes. Or they may be building nuclear weapons. But if they are building nuclear weapons, what does that mean?

This is a text book security dilemma- maybe Iran isn’t planning an attack, but is trying to feel more secure. It may sound naive, but with so many countries having nuclear weapons, it’d make sense to build up their own.

This is what I’ve been getting at, and could’ve said from the start but would’ve nothing to support my stance: Iran is increasing its nuclear capabilities, unlike Iraq circa 2003. It’s unclear if this proliferation is for peace or military, but neither are justifications for military action. The US can’t afford more war, and I never like pre-emptive military action.

PS: While researching this, I found that the US has put themselves in another situation where globalization and alliances have bit them in the ass. Like supplying weapons  during the Cold War to the same people the US is now trying to combat, the US helped Iran build a nuclear program until 1979. 

Iran’s nuclear program started with the support, encouragement and participation of the United States, …

At a time when Iran’s nuclear program is portrayed as an imminent threat, its interesting to see that the program actually started long ago, with the support and participation of the same countries that today insist Iran abandon its nuclear program.

Source: http://www.iranaffairs.com/iran_affairs/2006/05/blasts_from_the.html