Tag Archives: nuclear program

UN To Iran–Stop Or Sanctions!

Posted on August 5, 2008 by | 2 Comments

The cat and mouse game played by Iran over the past year may well have finally caught up to its leaders when the UN Security Council announced in view of the refusal of Iran to meet last weekend’s deadline, new sanctions would be imposed. The six major countries which includes permanent members of the Security Council plus Germany, offered Iran a package that included major assistance in developing a peaceful nuclear program plus other economic incentives, but the Iranian government simply refused to come forth the past weekend with any type of response that would meet concerns of world leaders. There is a combination of being disappointed, being insulted, being angry, and being apprehensive over failure of Iran to indicate any form of cooperation that could defuse the growing tension in the world over its nuclear development program.

One can only wonder if part of the obstinate refusal on the part of Iran to be cooperative is emanates from a desire not to agree to anything that bears the signature of George Bush. Is Iran waiting for a new president before it will agree to cooperate?

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Posted in Asia, Europe, Human Rights, Iran, Islam, Military, Multicultural, Muslims, Peace, Politics, Social Justice, US Foreign Policy, World News

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Jordan Urges Diplomatic Approaches To Iran

Posted on July 15, 2008 by | Leave a comment

An editorial in the Jordan Times(which reflects official policy) points out US Undersecretary of State William Burns recently testified Iran has only made “modest” progress in its nuclear program, so “why all the fuss about an imminent threat from Tehran against its neighbouring countries, including Israel?” The editorial insists Iran is far from obtaining the capabilities to acquire advanced missile guidance capability which makes its “Shahb 3″ missile system “of dubious military significance. This means there is still time to pursue diplomacy with Tehran and end the standoff over its nuclear ambitions.”

The editor refers to recent development with North Korea which for years was regarded as a rogue nation having the capability of using nuclear weapons. However, as a result of diplomacy, this threat has been ended.

The editor insists “there are signs that the Iranian authorities will blink first over the current standoff since they responded rather favourably to the offer of aid and support from several Western quarters in return for ending the nuclear enrichment programme.”

The Jordan Times editorial raises key issues. Iran is an isolated nation lacking any support from its neighbors in the case of war. It needs assistance, not threats. The use of threats only reinforces Iranian resistance.

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Posted in George Bush, Human Rights, Iran, Military, Multicultural, Peace, Politics, US Foreign Policy

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Iran Encouraged By Western Offer

Posted on June 25, 2008 by | Leave a comment

The on again, off again, efforts to engage in discussions with Iran over its nuclear enrichment program apparently has a more positive note. Mohammad Ali Hosseini, spokesperson for the foreign ministry, said his government felt encouraged by the latest UN proposal. Iran regards the proposal as containing several points which are in agreement with its own views. “We believe this common ground is encouraging. we say that this common ground can help with the start of negotiations.” He expressed the view that the “time is ripe” for real discussions between both parties although, he once again made clear his nation would not halt uranium enrichment.

A major problem in this matter is the need for Iran to present a picture of being independent and not cowed by threats from the West or Israel. The Bush factor is always present since Iran believes the American president is contemplating an attack on its nation and it does not wish to come across as being afraid of such an event. It may well be there will not be serious negotiations until a new president sits in the oval office.

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Posted in World News

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Bush And Sarkozy Warn Iran About Trouble

Posted on June 15, 2008 by | Leave a comment

The Gold Dust Twins, George Bush and Nicolas Sarkozy, once again expressed their ability to be verbally tougher than anyone else at the OK Ranch by blasting Iran and making threats of possible action. The French president said bluntly, “Iran getting a nuclear bomb is unacceptable, that’s clear. It’s an unacceptable threat for the stability of the world. His fellow tough talking friend, George Bush, added, “A nuclear armed Iran is incredibly destabilizing” and he wanted to make clear to Iran they will not be able to move along that path without something happening along the way to ensure it never occurs.

Between the two world leaders who enjoy coming across as the toughest guys on the block and an incredibly inept Iranian leadership we have all the makings of another world problem. The European Union just offered Iran an interesting plan that would allow them to pursue peaceful uses of nuclear energy, but the offer was turned down without even a serious look at the proposal. Iran is suffering the effects of being a hermit inward looking nation for thirty years. Its religious leaders have never been challenged during that time, and are unaware of the dangerous path being pursued in not seeking compromise. They refuse to recognize that Bush is capable of doing anything, and that means possible air strikes at Iran.

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Posted in France, George Bush, Human Rights, Military, Peace, Politics, Republicans, Social Justice, United States, US Foreign Policy, War, World News

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Iran Refuses To Budge On Its Nuclear Program

Posted on June 14, 2008 by | 1 Comment

There are times in life when the past intrudes into our present preventing changes because the power of previous anger and hate is too strong. The Iranian government refuses to budge from its basic principle of not halting efforts to pursue nuclear programs. Its spokesman, Hossein Eham, told visiting European Union foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, that if the package being offered includes “suspension” of their current nuclear efforts, “it won’t be considered at all. The position of the Republic of Iran is clear” that it intends to have its own nuclear program. Solana will publicly reveal the package in order to ensure there is debate within Iran on their policy of nuclear development. It is hoped there are clerics who might be interested in the generous terms for peaceful development being offered.

There may not be any change in Iran’s attitude until a new president is sworn in this coming January. Perhaps, a President Obama outreach to Iran might assist in changing attitudes. Iran’s clerical rulers are no fools and understand their nation is suffering due to lack of foreign investment.

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Posted in World News

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Nuclear Talks Move Forward With North Korea

Posted on May 9, 2008 by | Leave a comment

North Korea has handed over key records of its plutonium activity to the United States which will allow nuclear negotiation to proceed towards its final resolution of important issues. Sung Kim, director at the State Department of talks with North Korea, is bringing back to Washington the documents. Some observes say the move is a gesture on the part of North Korea to show hard liners in Washington D.C. that it is committed to negotiation. Most probably, the documents can become the basis for future verification of the North Korean nuclear program.

The estimated 18,000 documents are an important first step in allowing the United States to decide if North Korea can be removed from the terrorist list of nations. American officials currently are discussing with North Korean representatives the possibility of instituting a food aid program.

Upon assuming the presidency, George Bush attacked the Clinton administration for attempting to negotiate with North Korea. How times have changed.

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Posted in Asia, George Bush, Human Rights, Military, Peace, Politics, Republicans, Social Justice, US Foreign Policy, World News

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Is Iran Turning Eastward?

Posted on April 10, 2008 by | 13 Comments

Iran’s Foreign M inister Manuchehr Mottaki told visiting Chinese Assistant Foreign Ministe Zhai Jun, the two nations should consider the possibility of creating an Asian Union that would serve as a counter weight to American and European power establishments. He also said his nation and China were seeking to expand their trade relations and he praised China for making aggressive moves in Africa to assume control over energy resources. Zhai responded that his country is pleased at “Iran’s growth of power in the region and the international aena.”

Zhai rejected claims from an AP sotry that his nation has passed on inteligence about Iran’s nuclear program to the Internatioanl Atomic Energy Agency. “China has not sent the agency any reports about Iran’s nuclear program.” He also invited President Ahmadinejad to the Olympic Games.

There is little doubt China is expanding its influence and contacts with Iran. The world may condenm the Iranian government but China intends to support a nation with extensive energy resources to help fuel its own expanding economy. This is merely another example of a failed American foreign policy whose attempt to isolate Iran only serves to allow China to become more intimately involved with that nation.

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Posted in Asia, China, Human Rights, Iran, Military, Peace, Politics, World News

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