If Iran decides to expel IAEA inspectors and withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty the Isalmic nation could produce nuclear weapons in as little as six months. So says Mohamed ElBaradei, the head of the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency, whose recent comments on Iran's nuclear capabilities surprised many. Last year the IAEA chief said it would be several years before Iran would be able to build a nuke.
The most recent report by the IAEA on Iran's activities contains a number of disturbing details. The IAEA has asked for greater access and transparency, but Iran has refused. The IAEA has been denied access to various sensitive locations related to the manufacturing of centrifuges, as well as sites for research and development on uranium enrichment. The IAEA has also confronted Iran with documents it found detailing some of Iran's research activities. The documents have raised red flags concerning the possible military dimensions of Iran's nuclear program. The IAEA report states:
"One aspect of the alleged studies refers to the conversion of uranium dioxide to UF4, also known as green salt. A second aspect concerns the development and testing of high voltage detonator firing equipment and exploding bridgewire (EBW) detonators including, inter alia, the simultaneous firing of multiple EBW detonators; an underground testing arrangement; and the testing of at least one full scale hemispherical, converging, explosively driven shock system that could be applicable to an implosion-type nuclear device. A third aspect of the studies concerns development work alleged to have been performed to redesign the inner cone of the Shahab-3 missile re-entry vehicle to accommodate a nuclear warhead."
Meanwhile, reports have surfaced that Israel has conducted military drills in preparation for an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. The Israeli military has been practicing long range missions. The military exercises allegedly involved almost 100 F-15 and F-16 fighter jets and other aircraft.
There has long been speculation that Israel is preparing for a possible strike on Iran. There has even been evidence to suggest that Israel may be planning a tactical nuclear strike. Such a bold move would no doubt reap the ire of the international community, and probably trigger a violent backlash or even a full-scale war. Yet it wouldn't be the first time Israel has taken such a risk. Israel bombed the Iraqi nuclear reactor in Osirak in 1981 shortly before it became operational - a move that was widely condemned by the international community. More recently, Israel targeted a covert nuclear facility deep in Syrian territory.
It has become clear that Iran is heading steadily toward a confrontation with Israel. To learn more about this topic, we encourage you to watch The Coming Conflict: Israel and Iran in which Avi Lipkin shares his unique insights on Middle East affairs (click on the link for a special offer).
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Iran has as much right to develop nuclear weapons as we do. Israel has the right to defend itself. The two opposing actions will result in someone being toasted. If Israel chooses to defend itself, they will toast 50 million Iranians. That is their right. No one has the moral authority to stop Iran from getting nukes, certainly not America, the only nation that has nuked anyone. Click here to reply to this post
Moral Rights......
Posted On: 07/10/08 02:08:05 AM
Age 53, AK
Lets see- Would you put a loaded gun in the hands of a child?....... I think a case can be made that America is more responsible (not sinless) than Iran. What is this attitude that we cannot judge other nations or enities like al quaeda? Of course we can. If we don't we will experience another 9/11. Click here to reply to this post
IRAN IS A CONVICTED FELON
Posted On: 07/09/08 12:33:50 PM
Age 64, OH
The right to defend oneself is a God given right. The law abiding citizens of this nation have the right to keep and bear arms. Do you think that a man convicted of being a serial killer has a right to own a gun. Of course he does not, because he has already shown that he is going to use the gun to kill the innocent. Iran is a convicted felon also. They have been proven to be part of some many acts of terrorism. They have constantly VOWED to wipe Israel off the map. Iran has no right to develop a nuclear weapon or even a nuclear facility that would give them the ability to make a nuclear weapon. Iran is a convicted felon. Lou Click here to reply to this post
Nuclear Threat?
Posted On: 07/07/08 09:00:01 AM
Age 48, CA
Enriched uranium alone does not constitute a threat. In order to make a uranium based bomb, you need U-235. Without either a magnetic separation facility or a gas diffusion plant, there is no evidence that they are working on a uranioum bomb. In order to make a plutonium bomb, you need a Plutonium processing facility. Once again, where is the evidence of that?
Then there is this myth that one air strike will make everything ok. "All we have to do is bomb them!" Havent we learned anything?
Bobing alone does not win wars. Even with our wonder weapons, wars are not cakewalks.
Can anyone explain where Christ commands his followers to bomb other nations into submission? Click here to reply to this post
OUR OPINION MEANS NOTHING IN THE END
Posted On: 07/08/08 06:13:06 PM
Age 64, OH
Israel is a sovereign nation also. They have the right to protect themselves also. Faced with the choice of a nuclear attack for Iran or the total loss of our support, Israel will chose to take out that nuclear facility. There is nothing that any nation can do to stop them. Israel will not allow Iran who has VOWED to wipe Israel off the map so many times no one could count. They will do all in their power to take out that facility. Our opinion means little. Lou Click here to reply to this post
IRAN IS CRAZY
Posted On: 07/07/08 08:30:38 AM
Age 64, OH
The US or Israel has not been righteous, but neither government has ever sworn to wipe Iran off the map. I have been listening to the leaders of Iran vow to wipe Israel off the map for years now. Not only does Iran continually make these promises but they have continually participated in terrorism all over the world. This is not only stated by both parties of our government but also stated by many other governments who have a much softer line against Iran. If I have a neighbor who continually swears to kill me and my family as soon as he saves the money for a gun, then i see him go to the gun store to buy the gun and return with it. I next see this man in great anger walk to ward me with the gun in his hand. Do I have to wait until this man aims the gun at me and pulls the trigger before i can defend myself. If I want my family to have a chance for survival then common sense says that I must act before he aims the gun. When nuclear weapons are involved instead of guns then the situation is even more critical. When the nation is as small as Israel then it seems her only chance of survival is to take out this nuclear weapons program in Iran before Iran builds a bomb. This nation was a nation of freedom; but even this nation made it unlawful for a crazy person to own a gun. Lou Click here to reply to this post
freedom?
Posted On: 07/07/08 05:31:32 PM
Age 55, FL
If you think we have freedom, try and add a deck on to your home in almost any American city, without city approval. It is not because we are free that more Americans are incarcerated than in any other nation on earth, in total or per capita. Here one has the right to flaunt your immorality (ie gay) in the face of the public, but you go to jail if you carry a sign protesting that. The circle of freedom we had long ago has been slowly shrinking, and before long even those who currently fit in the circle will find themselves squeezed by it. Click here to reply to this post
WAS
Posted On: 07/09/08 12:18:55 PM
Age 64, OH
I said "this nation WAS a nation of freedom". Was is past tense dear friend. You are correct about our nation today. Lou Click here to reply to this post
Iran has a right to protect itself
Posted On: 07/04/08 04:49:48 PM
Age 61, MO
The Israeli and U.S. governments have repeatedly provoked and threatened Iran for many, many years, while holding their own nuclear threat over all the Mid East countries. They have claimed Iran to be a source of terrorists, but this is simply propoganda generated to cover up the real reason for military presence in the region, which is OIL. Big oil is now ready to divvy up the oil fields of iraq. Now Israel and the U.S. are ready to try to desecrate Iran with the same goal in mind. I truly believe we will see God intervene in a big way to stop the greed and avarice supported by the rogue governments of Israel and the U.S. George Cancilla Click here to reply to this post
what planet?
Posted On: 07/07/08 05:36:40 PM
Age 55, FL
What planet have you been living on George? Iran not supporting terrorism! Iran has the right to protect itself, but threatening to destroy Israel when you have potentially one bomb-and they have 200+ does not seem very protective. One wrong move by a nuclear Iran and 50 million dead, and I won't fault Israel in such a case. Click here to reply to this post
Which terrorists?
Posted On: 07/09/08 06:46:48 AM
Age 61, MO
I am sure every country has its share of terrorists. After researching the matter, I have discovered that the CIA has conducted covert operations throughout the Mid East for many years, and were directly responsible for the training of Osama bin Laden and Al Quaeda. The nature and actions of the CIA since WWII would qualify them as terrorists, and because of their large numbers, would qualify the U.S. government as the biggest sponsor of terrorism. By the way, I in no way buy the official government story that the 911 disaster was the sole responsibility of bin Laden and 19 Arab terrorists. George Cancilla Click here to reply to this post
Sarcasm
Posted On: 07/10/08 02:18:02 AM
Age 53, AK
I am an alien Grey and I caused tower seven to fall with my laser vision.... My family not the cia are terrorists and we planted the seeds of 911. We are going to wipe out all who don't believe in baptism by immersion..... George- just as the above is lunacy so are your comments. Do us all a favor and don't vote in November. Click here to reply to this post
Voting
Posted On: 07/12/08 11:54:16 AM
Age 61, MO
I will be voting for Chuck Baldwin for president in November, unless there are some unforseen changes in the slate. George Cancilla Click here to reply to this post
GEORGE WILL NOT VOTE FOR OBAMA
Posted On: 07/10/08 02:05:30 PM
Age 64, OH
Dear friend, I do not agree with some of the things that George says. I disagree with some things very strongly. But George convinces me that he is my brother by the trust I can see that he has in Jesus, also by his words. But this one thing I can assure you of. George will vote for someone far better than Obama. Considering we have many professing Christians who support this Obama who supports even the killing of babies that are part way born; what more can you ask of a man in his vote. I think you should apologize to George for asking him not to vote. I think you would want him to vote. Unless you support Obama, if you do then I would think you are crazier than George or me. Lou Click here to reply to this post
