10 Minute Essay (4/22)

The Iranian Question

I found the presentation on Iran to be both interesting and enlightening. The politics that surround the Iranian nuclear situation are not a topic that I have traditionally followed closely. Much like the general American, I believed that Iran desired to attain nuclear weapons, even if positive proof was lacking. The idea of a strong nuclear weapons program in an area as unstable as the Middle East seems to be an extreme cause of alarm. After all, if one country attained nuclear weapons, others would work towards acquiring them, creating a very dangerous nuclear stalemate. This presentation, however, offered a very different view from this alarmist approach.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this presentation is the depth of the nuclear infrastructure in Iran. There appears to be a network of nuclear sites all over the country, with scientists working to enrich uranium in one location, while others try to create a nuclear power-generator in another location. The set-up of a scientific community in Iran as well as the well-organized infrastructure suggest a level of thought and planning that is not in keeping with the idea that this is an extremist country bent on attaining nuclear armaments. In other words, it is clear that Iran is laying the groundwork for an efficient nuclear power grid, a plan that requires much more organized and responsible action than the creation of weapons. The advanced infrastructure itself can be seen as proof that the Iranian nuclear program intends to do much more than create another international nuclear threat.

As seen in this presentation, international actions against Iran, especially those of the United States, have been marked by suspicion and unfair treatment. It seems that Iran is studying nuclear technology for a peaceful purpose, and all indicators point to this conclusion. However, in many ways the extreme American position is understandable. Iran is in a very unstable geo-political area. Adding another nuclear-armed nation to the world can only be seen as undesirable. However, in many ways the United States and other nations do not have the right to interfere in the sovereignty of a nation. If a country, like Iran, can prove that it has the infrastructure and the will to maintain a peaceful nuclear program, than it should be allowed to progress. As the world begins to enter a period of reduced petro-based energy, it would be grossly unfair for a powerful nation to limit the energy production of any nation—even if nuclear power is being used.