Tension Rising Over Report that Iran Can Make a Nuclear Bomb
EmailThe Associated Press reports today that the IAEA has deemed that Iran does indeed have the capability to make a nuclear bomb at any time. ABC's Lara Setrakian from Dubai on the ripples from this news:
Today's news raises tension in the Gulf, fortifying what US allies here have long suspected and prepared for: an Iran growing progressively closer to having a nuclear bomb. Gulf Arab states "are putting in place anti-missile defense mechanisms, and quickly," per Dr. Theodore Karasik, a former RAND analyst now with INEGMA, a security think tank in Dubai.
Last month the UAE informed the UN Security Council that it discovered a ship carrying North Korean weapons bound for Iran, in breach of sanctions. That the UAE turned flagged the ship raised eyebrows and speculation on the Gulf's political balance.
"Whenever you have one of the small Arab countries acting, without giving regard to what Iran will do or say, it is significant," said Dr. Riad Kahwaji, also with INEGMA.
There is real fear and some expectation here of a military confrontation. At the same time, Karasik says, "this is also seen as a game of rhetoric…the end game is to get Iran to capitulate, which it doesn't seem ready to do."
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The truth is…..the world has become less safe, steadily, in many, many ways, for the last 40 yrs.
Now we have at least 2 countries, who may be capable of unleashing unbelievable destruction, in the very near future.
There some alliances that raise eyebrows, as well, and this is a time of great concern, about world affairs.
Posted by: Rick McDaniel | September 17, 2009, 4:39 pm 4:39 pm
Who are we to tell Iran “You can’t have nuclear weapons” when we don’t even question how many Israel has already.
Posted by: boatops | September 17, 2009, 5:12 pm 5:12 pm
I think keepinh tabs on who has nukes is the best way to prevent an apocalypse
the less countries with nukes the better
Posted by: nickolaspapke | September 17, 2009, 6:41 pm 6:41 pm
boatops: Israel has never threatened or made a vow to drive Iran “into the sea”. That is the key difference and the “why”.
Posted by: Jordan | September 17, 2009, 9:19 pm 9:19 pm
This is irresponsible reporting that should embarrass ABC news. One hour after AP broke this “story” that IAEA officials had acknowledged a secret document showing Iran working on nuclear weapons, Reuters published a story quoting the official IAEA response on the record . . . that the story is not true. It is “politically motiveated and baseless.” If ABC News wishes to report rumors circulated unchecked by AP, shouldn’t it also cite the official denial of such rumors by the IAEA itself?
Posted by: IranWatcher | September 18, 2009, 5:01 am 5:01 am
This really shouldn’t be a surprise. Everyone has known all along, that Iran was working to make weapons.
Those who might be affected, should be in a position to react as needed.
We really are moving ever closer to the reality of WW III.
Posted by: Rick McDaniel | September 18, 2009, 12:00 pm 12:00 pm
The time for Israel to act is now, regardless of what Obama has to say or thinks. If Obama, Hillary and Pelosi disagree, they should be forced to live out their final days in their elected offices in Tel Aviv; hey, maybe they can trade their health care reform bill for the Iranian nukes.
Posted by: Anicholas | September 18, 2009, 2:47 pm 2:47 pm