From The Christian Science Monitor:
President Ahmadinejad's bellicose rhetoric has raised concerns about Iran's intentions. Whether or not he is reelected Friday, here's what Western policymakers now need to consider.
In Friday's election, Iranians will show whether they support President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's bellicose rhetoric – particularly on key issues such as the country's nuclear program. Just before North Korea's defiant nuclear test on May 25, Iran conducted two successful tests of long-range missiles, including one that Tehran says is more accurate than previous models and can reach Israel.
How close is Iran to a bomb?
Officially, Iran's nuclear program is for developing nuclear power, and a 2007 US National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) concluded that they abandoned their weapons program in 2003. But given the Islamic Republic's past secrecy about the extent of its activities, many are suspicious of its assertions.
Here's what is publicly known:
Read more ....
My Comment: From what we already know, the Iranians have clearly spent a considera
In Friday's election, Iranians will show whether they support President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's bellicose rhetoric – particularly on key issues such as the country's nuclear program. Just before North Korea's defiant nuclear test on May 25, Iran conducted two successful tests of long-range missiles, including one that Tehran says is more accurate than previous models and can reach Israel.
How close is Iran to a bomb?
Officially, Iran's nuclear program is for developing nuclear power, and a 2007 US National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) concluded that they abandoned their weapons program in 2003. But given the Islamic Republic's past secrecy about the extent of its activities, many are suspicious of its assertions.
Here's what is publicly known:
Read more ....
My Comment: From what we already know, the Iranians have clearly spent a considera
How close is Iran to a bomb?
Officially, Iran's nuclear program is for developing nuclear power, and a 2007 US National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) concluded that they abandoned their weapons program in 2003. But given the Islamic Republic's past secrecy about the extent of its activities, many are suspicious of its assertions.
Here's what is publicly known:
Read more ....
My Comment: From what we already know, the Iranians have clearly spent a considerable amount of money to have the necessaey facilities to enrich nuclear material to weapons grade standards. When one calculates what can be hypothetically produced, the Iranians have just enough material for one weapons test. Is this enough to produce a bomb?
Probably not. But even a partial test will have a profound political impact in the Middle East .... and that is probably what the Iranians are striving for.
Officially, Iran's nuclear program is for developing nuclear power, and a 2007 US National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) concluded that they abandoned their weapons program in 2003. But given the Islamic Republic's past secrecy about the extent of its activities, many are suspicious of its assertions.
Here's what is publicly known:
Read more ....
My Comment: From what we already know, the Iranians have clearly spent a considerable amount of money to have the necessaey facilities to enrich nuclear material to weapons grade standards. When one calculates what can be hypothetically produced, the Iranians have just enough material for one weapons test. Is this enough to produce a bomb?
Probably not. But even a partial test will have a profound political impact in the Middle East .... and that is probably what the Iranians are striving for.