Middle East Studies

New Site: Reuters
Date of Publication: Sunday October 5, 2008
Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE4940N120081005?rpc=64

Summary:

Last month Tehran rejected a resolution from the United Nations, demanding that they suspend any activities related to enriching uranium. Israel declared that they would not wait for Tehran to produce nuclear weapons before they would respond. When France caught wind of the idea that Israel would use military means to prevent Iran from enriching uranium, the Prime Minister, Bernard Kouchner, urged Israel to not take such drastic measures. The Prime Minister further urged all countries to pursue “talk, talk and more talk” as well as continue with the sanctions already in place. Iran has stated that they are only seeking to build power plants, however Kouchner said he believed Iran would be able to produce nuclear weapons within two to four years.

Analysis:

With tensions being so high in the Middle East, influence from other countries to pursue diplomatic approaches can do nothing less than begin to let some of the steam out of the conflict. However Israel’s threat of a preemptive strike on Iran could cause a reaction from Iran, or other Muslim extremists. If a direct strike were to occur from either country the entire Middle East could potentially erupt. Since Israel is the only known nuclear power in the Middle East, there appears to be a sense of urgency from Iran to establish it’s own nuclear program, despite the global objections. With the current issue being so unstable France’s approach would clearly be the most levelheaded approach.

Filed under: Justin, Week of Oct 6