The proliferation problem
James Forsyth 12:09pm
One of the many reasons the world should worry about Iran going nuclear is the danger that Iran will sell the technology to raise cash; not an unlikely prospect given the shaky foundations of the Iranian economy. As Dan Gillerman, Israel’s outgoing UN ambassador, points out to Newsweek, Pakistani politicians have already come under pressure to sign off on selling Pakistan’s nuclear know-how:
"[Benazir Bhutto] told us that when she was prime minister, the heads of Pakistan's atomic-energy agency came to her and said, "Pakistan is in deep economic trouble. We can make a lot of money by providing know-how and selling our nuclear capability." She said, "You are crazy, I will never allow it. The only three countries who would be willing to buy it from us are Iran, Libya and Syria, and I forbid you to do it."
If Iran goes nuclear there will be at least two countries, North Korea being the other, who might sell to the highest bidder. Then there’s the possibility of an Iranian AQ Khan emerging, a scientist who for financial or ideological reasons is prepared to instruct others in how to make nuclear bombs.
The proliferation risks from Iran going nuclear are huge. Any discussion about the severity of the threat posed by a nuclear Iran has to factor this in.
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Dr Tchok
July 21st, 2008 12:25pm Report this commentThis argument sounds a little odd to me. If one accepts the argument (which I don't) that Iran is engaged in trying to develop nuclear weapons rather than nuclear power stations, surely this is enough for the anti-Iran lobby? The further argument that Iran might sell its technology seems to me to be a scaremonger too far, and clouds the argument.
Who is Iran going to sell its technology to anyway?
Chuck Unsworth
July 21st, 2008 1:39pm Report this commentIndeed the risk are huge. The Genie is out of the bottle, so now such technology will be sold to any bidders. Does anyone seriosly believe that American (and British) sabre-rattling will have any real effect in terms of stopping proliferation?
We must ensure that those who acquire the technology are completely aware of the probability of Mutally Assured Destruction, in the full realisation that - for some - destruction equals martydom.
Far better to engage and trade. Commerce is a powerful weapon.
Tony Colvin
July 21st, 2008 2:14pm Report this commentThis is rubbish scaremongering of the 'any stick to throw at a dog' variety.
Who says there is secret nuclear know-how? The US military and the Russians lose nuclear stuff so there is plenty around that has fallen off a lorry.
Phrases about bolting the nuclear stable door come to mind.
There are no nuclear secrets - it's 70 year-old technology.
Either all nuclear powers scrap the bomb, or accept that Iran and others like Israel have, or have the right to get, it.
mckenzie
July 21st, 2008 2:38pm Report this commentIran seems a very stable and responsible nation. They are peace-loving people. Let the poor mites join the nuke club. What harm could come of it?
Dimwitts!
David C
July 21st, 2008 3:55pm Report this commentThe danger to proliferation doesn't come from Iran selling designs, it comes from the regional response to Persian possession of a nuclear threat.
If Iran has a bomb, then they'll all want one.
Elizabeth
July 21st, 2008 5:03pm Report this commentScott Ritter on the subject. The man who was absolutely right about Iraq.
Something to ponder on.
http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/375.html
Hysteria
July 21st, 2008 8:18pm Report this commentElizabeth - that URL points to George Galloway on the topic
Herbert Thornton
July 21st, 2008 8:30pm Report this commentI should have thought that the most worrying thing is not that Iran will sell nuclear technology to other countries, but that it will surreptitiously supply a nuclear weapon (or several) to extremists who cannot be proven to have links with Iran.
So, the terrorists detonate one in Tel Aviv, or New York, or London. Iran denies it had anything to do with it. What then - apart from open rejoicing in many Islamic communities throughout the world?
Some people will even claim that the device in fact came from Pakistan or was smuggled from Russia, or even was supplied - for its own sinister purposes - by the U.S., in much the same spirit as they accuse President Bush of having planned the attack on the Twin Towers.
Elizabeth
July 21st, 2008 8:46pm Report this commentSorry Hysteria.
Its an excellent speech from George Galloway though and whilst I do not agree with him on many things, I did agree with every word he said.
But I had posted that on to the 'wall' and did not intend to double up. Apologies.
Try this - its only a few minutes but much to the point.
Perhaps we should consider which of our cities is expendable as well?
http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/365.html
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