Iran: the North-Korean lesson?
What Iran would like to obtain after all from the current crisis remindful of the brinkmanship of the Cold War? Iran chose to cease negotiations with representatives of the European Union - UK, Germany and France actually - which practically removed during 2003-2005 the danger posed by the U.S's tough attitude on Tehran. Iran has therefore rejected what the EU-3 asked and proposed in good faith, namely transparency over its nuclear programme and its support for this programme...
Ref. www.nineoclock.ro
Here is an analysis of recent speeches given by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that sheds a different light on what was really said, as well as alternate translations. It's a very interesting and, if I may say so, a *must* read.
QUOTE |
Does Iran's President wants Israel wiped off the map? To raze Israel to the ground, to batter down, to destroy, to annihilate, to liquidate, to erase Israel, to wipe it off the map - this is what Iran's President demanded - at least this is what we read about or heard of at the end of October 2005. Spreading the news was very effective. This is a declaration of war they said. Obviously government and media were at one with their indignation. It goes around the world. But let's take a closer look at what Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said. It is a merit of the 'New York Times' that they placed the complete speech at our disposal. ... It's becoming clear. The statements of the Iranian President have been reflected by the media in a manipulated way. Iran's President betokens the removal of the regimes, that are in power in Israel and in the USA, to be possible aim for the future. This is correct. But he never demands the elimination or annihilation of Israel. He reveals that changes are potential. The Shah-Regime being supported by the USA in its own country has been vanquished. The eastern governance of the Soviet Union collapsed. Saddam Hussein's dominion drew to a close. Referring to this he voices his aspiration that changes will also be feasible in Israel respectively in Palestine. He adduces Ayatollah Khomeini referring to the Shah-Regime who in this context said that the regime (meaning the Shah-Regime) should be removed. Certainly, Ahmadinejad translates this quotation about a change of regime into the occupied Palestine. This has to be legitimate. To long for modified political conditions in a country is a world-wide day-to-day business by all means. But to commute a demand for removal of a 'regime' into a demand for removal of a state is serious deception and dangerous demagogy. |
International Level: Ambassador / Political Participation: 595 59.5%
Thanks for posting that Farseer. That was a very interesting read and has slightly changed my perception of the Iranian president. It is amazing how much the media can manipulate public speech to demonise people that are "enemies of the West".
Another interesting note is how the US media are conveniently ignoring any reference to the US-backed Shah, who is easily the most tyrannical leader that country has had in the past half century. The media also made similar omissions about Saddam's history with the US and current Administration members, before the last Iraq invasion.
I still don't think the US will attack Iran at this stage. It would be a catastrophic error if they dared and would certainly put all their troops in Iraq at risk.
International Level: Negotiator / Political Participation: 453 45.3%
Weapons-grade uranium found in Iran
QUOTE |
UN inspectors have found traces of highly enriched uranium at an Iranian research center linked to the military, diplomats said Friday, which could strengthen US arguments that Tehran wants to develop nuclear arms. The diplomats - who demanded anonymity in exchange for divulging the confidential information - cautioned that confirmation still had to come through other laboratory tests. But they said the density of enrichment appeared to be close to or above the level used to make nuclear warheads. |
International Level: Envoy / Political Participation: 241 24.1%
If these diplomats are so certain about this find they should come out with it and not hide behind anonymity.
The report also says the diplomats couldn't confirm whether the purported weapons had come from overseas, like earlier findings, or were produced in Iran.
I say hold off judgement until this finding has been proven and is made public. Then deal with Iran through the UN.
Nobody in the West wants Iran to have nuclear weapons, which is fair enough. I just wonder why aren't we concerned that any country would want to develop such weapons including India, Pakistan and Israel? Personally, I would be much happier if the World atomic agency cracked down on all countries who were producing these weapons.
International Level: Negotiator / Political Participation: 453 45.3%
ISRAEL: IRAN 'MONTHS' FROM MAKING NUKES
Iran is only months away from joining the club of nations that can make a nuclear weapon, Israel's prime minister said in a recent interview.
Ref. https://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/05/21/...lear/index.html
Well folks, here it is in black and white, so Iran beware:
QUOTE |
BUSH: U.S. WOULD AID ISRAEL IF ATTACKED President Bush said Tuesday that the United States would come to Israel's aid if it were attacked by Iran and welcomed the Jewish state's plan to define its borders. Ref. https://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/05/23/...east/index.html |
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 3231 100%
It's been a US policy to support Israel in everything it says and does since I can remember. Look up every single UN security council resolution that has condemned actions by Israel and you will note a very obedient permanent member using their veto. This is nothing new.
I actually agree with Bush when he says Iran should not have nuclear weapons. No country should including Israel. The problem is they also want to stop Iran from having a civilian nuclear program which I disagree with. It's a blatant double standard that is unacceptable and unjustified.
Offtopic but, I think it is deplorable that two leaders who have deliberately tried to remove/starve Hamas from office through financial means are now talking about taking a "different" route in dealing with them, as was also reported in the article. How can you be hostile to a Government and then expect it to cow-tow to your every demand? The US and Israel will remove Hamas when they see fit. This isn't about democracy. It's about the US and Israel shaping the Middle East in which ever way they please. |
International Level: Negotiator / Political Participation: 453 45.3%