My own take on this (so far)...
1) Do you believe Iran's claim that it is only pursuing nuclear energy?
I have severe doubts. I think if I was Iran, I'd be pursuing a nuclear deterrent. And fast.
2) Are Iran entitled to develop a nuclear weapons program?
Yes they are.
3) Would you be willing to live with a nuclear-armed Iran?
That's the bottom line. It's all very well acknowledging that Iran has as much right to develop a nuclear weapon as the US or UK or Israel - but should fairness take precedent over safety? I'm seriously freaked by the thought of
any theocracy gaining nukes, but especially one that is now a self-admitted 'enemy of the West'. And yes, I accept that being a part of 'the West' myself is bound to colour my opinion.
If diplomacy and sanctions fail, what - if anything - should the rest of the world do about it?
I have a feeling we're a bit fcuked.
If the stand-off escalates into conflict - say 'someone' decides to lob a missile at an installation - then for a start we can look forward to world oil prices tripling. Iran is fortunate to have the Strait of Hormuz, the route of most exported Middle Eastern oil - otherwise known as, the world's balls. I have a fear it would make last year's financial meltdown look like a minor cashflow hiccup.
If things escalate even beyond that, well it doesn't bear thinking about. Iran is no Iraq, for one thing. Perhaps much will depend on the role of China.
Thank goodness we have such a good relationship with them lately. I mean, I don't think I'd be able to sleep at night if we didn't.
5 Feb 2010:
China to put duties on US chicken imports
4 Feb 2010:
China warns against Iran nuclear programme sanctions
2 Feb 2010:
China warns Obama not to meet Dalai Lama
30 Jan 2010:
China furious at $6.4bn weapons sale to Taiwan
22 Jan 2010:
China condemns 'groundless' US criticism of web control
22 Dec 2009:
China rejects UK claims it hindered Copenhagen talks