All sovereign nations have a right to withdraw from treaties, as a technical matter of international law. Yet we should not allow them to do so until they have met their treaty obligations. We should not, for instance, let Iran use the International Atomic Energy Agency as the help desk for its nuclear weapons program. What do I mean? In the past, Iran has benefitted from IAEA technical assistance to its civilian nuclear program, and it obtained that assistance only because it was a signatory to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. We cannot allow it to covertly use that assistance to build bombs and then withdraw.

That is a mistaken assertion, from two separate points of view: legality
and power politics.

Legally: Iran is a member of the UN; if the UN passes
a binding resolution, then, legally, Iran must obey.

In terms of power: the world community is stronger than Iran, economically and
physically. It has already imposed sanctions on Iran; it can impose tougher sanctions.
If the world has the will, it can _force_ Iran to comply.
The current question is, does the world has the will? It is an open question.
But the answer to it _is_ the world’s choice, not Iran’s.

“Liberals like Sam are not only ignorant of the worlds dangers. They are dangerous in their ignorance!”

Sam’s opinions go way beyond “liberal”. They are nowhere on the political map.
Washington Post is liberal, NY Times is _very_ liberal - can you imagine
one of them editorializing in favor of scrapping the NPT?
Can you imagine the most liberal of our senators (whoever that is) taking that position?
I cannot.

If that were so, why would there be all those UN resolutions condemning Iran?

Sam seems to have missed the end of Gordon Chang’s sentence:
“until it first complies with its treaty obligations and all the demands of the Security Council that it suspend the enrichment of uranium”

Sam:”Second of all, whats the rationale in allowing 5 nations to possess nuclear weapons, and 185 not to possess them”

The main rationale is perfectly obvious: the more powers have nuclear weapons, the
greater is the chance of a nuclear war. The nuclear club has already more
than 5 members; still, the success of the NPT in limiting proliferation has exceeded all
expectations - and consequently, we had no nuclear war since 1945.

There are not many states, however, whose access to nuclear weapons would
be as dangerous as Iran’s, which is the world’s greatest sponsor of _terrorism_.
States (maybe even Iran) are deterrable, but terrorists are not; and should Iran pass
nukes to terrorists, then there is no way of containing the damage.

Sam:”The sad part that you don’t mention is that Iran has publicly stated that it does NOT want or have nuclear weapons. it just wants to produce electricity for civilian purposes.”

That would make Iran’s withdrawing from the NPT rather pointless, would it not?

“I’m tellink you for zie lasst time, I am Isslamiek-Aryan, not an Amerikan Svine, and iff you do not cut it out kollink me Amerikan rite now, I vill okkupie the Sudetenlant and ziss blogsite, within ze next tffentie four hours!”
Is this what they had in mind when they invented the term “get a life”? Yikes.

Most telling of all is his wilingness to defend the vile shia regime in Iran with all his meager faculties, yet deride sunni Arab regimes as “surrogates to the US (that) do what you say.”

I think he’s deathly afraid that he’ll be out of a job soon. Aren’t you, Sammy? Say hi to Lester for me.

“why you occupy palestinian lands for 60 years and why you practice apartheid in your own nation.”

Why are Shias occupying Zoroastrian land for over 1200 yrs and why are the Zoroastrians denied the primacy of their religion in their own land?

“The Israelis cannot bring up the EUROPEAN crime of 60 years ago for their protection today.”

If the Palestinians can bring up their sob story after 60 yrs.; if the Shi’ites can moan about “martyred” Imam Ali after 1400 yrs, why do you take offense at the Jews invoking holocaust?

“The Germans committed the crime, yet, the palestinians are the ones displaced and under occupation. what you are doing sir today to those people is a war crime and a genocide in itself.”

Well, if it’s a war crime it should be tried according to Geneva Conventions in proper court. What are you doing Sir today to make that sure?

Btw, it is through UN resolution that Palestine was partitioned, so you might want to take your case to the UN and not hurl racist accusations at Jews alone.

Why don’t the Palestinians ask other Islamic countries if they would like to share their land? Why don’t other Muslim countries voluntarily let the Palesitnians come and live in their land. Egypt has a wall, so does Jordan. How many Palestinians are allowed in Iran? I hope you know since you appear to be an Iranian or Shia. What’s the Hezbollah upto in Lebanon btw? No Jews there, nor America. Only Sunnis and Shia. So, why the blooshed?

Sam has neatly capsulized the situation. Since it rules a sovereign state the Iranian regime does indeed have “the right” to pull out of the treaties, and it does indeed have “the right” to develop nuclear weapons in the absence of someone with “the right” to stop them.

I vote for stopping them by whatever means are most expeditious, economical and necessary.

What is it with you jews? why do you always have to involve the world in your troubles, and scare everyone into thinking another holocaust is going to happen?

Why can’t you just let the past STAY in the past. your own foreign policy and actions of your allies are responsible for the hatred the world harbors for you.

Yeah, what is wrong with you Jews? Gee, Sam, now we’re down to brass tacks, aren’t we? So much for non-racist thoughts, eh?

Scratch an anti-Zionist, and you’ll find a Jew-hater, every time.

You hate America, but you’re taking advantage of living here, and all the incredible benefits that go with it. And yet you’re utterly terrified that someone might think you’re an American.

If the rest of the world is so much better, why are you living here? Why not go live in those other great nations?

Hypocrite, much?

If you hate America, leave. You talk of arrogance- it is the peak of arrogance to move to someone’s country and then barrage its citizens with statements of how horrible it is. Good lord.

“second of all, the only country to ever use nuclear weapons or ever threaten to use them.”

You obviously know very little of history. You honestly think the US is the only country to ever threaten to use nuclear weapons?

You are stuck in insane idea that a country has the right to acquire nuclear weapons. Iran is an enemy of the US. They have been calling us the Great Satan and instilling hatred of us in their citizens for the past 29 years. Of course we do not want them to acquire nuclear weapons. It is not a question of morality. Get over it.

You mention that Iran is importing oil, so they need nuclear power? (I think this is what you were trying to say). That is one of the stupidest things I’ve ever heard. They’re importing oil because they cannot get it out of the ground themselves (they need foreign companies to do it for them). If they shifted investment from the nuclear program, which will certainly not do the nation’s citizens any good (all it has done so far is sucked up resources and led to international sanctions), then perhaps they could learn how to exploit their own resources. The Iranian regime, like all autocratic regimes, cares first and foremost about its own survival.

As for Israel, look, whatever you think about it, it is not going anywhere. You’re going to have to get over it. The Palestinians have the option for a two-state solution, or endless war. Its really as simple as that.

once again your racism and arrogance shines through your comments. I am NOT an american and I am glad, but i do live in the States and take advantage of your country.

And you act like hating america is a crime, and that hating america is wrong because america is always right….If americans do something that deserves to be hated, then they will be hated by the world.

Don’t let your arrogance and ignorance block your common sense (if you have any). I could argue that a nuclear America and a nuclear Israel poses a much greater threat to world peace than iran…since Iran doesnt even HAVE nuclear weapons.

if you actually bothered to read my comments you would know that I am not an American (thank god).

second of all, the only country to ever use nuclear weapons or ever threaten to use them.

and lastly, Its not about being against US policies…its about the fact that US policies are hypocritical and wrong. Really, iran has committed no crime in wanting nuclear technology, so stop making it seem otherwise.

In case you haven’t noticed, this site is run by a conservative magazine with strong Jewish roots, although its content appeals to a broad range of thinking people who’ve had their fill of The Nation and New Republic.

It is interesting how you took it upon yourself to protect Commentary/Commentions from neocon ramblings, “if you want to on the other hand spew out BS and lies about why the US invaded Iraq, then by all means, continue, but not on this site please.” I know John Podhoretz will be honored by your gallant volunteering as an ombudsman. Alas, I think you will find your positive energy best spent elsewhere. Instead of casting pearls to us swine, children of apes, you should really be looking for a more refined audience.

Having said, “The only threat to world peace is the US and its foreign policy,” you’ve revealed yourself to be a worthy Daily Koser. So, given that your first principles are so utterly out of whack with us bloodsucking, warmongering Zionist Elders here, I urge you to abandon this stiffnecked bunch. Daily Kos is always looking for a few good men, I hear, so your sophisticated contributions need not go unheard.

Best of luck,
C.

Iran will get its weapons, and its electricity…its a matter of time.

I support the Palestinians because they deserve to have the occupation ended, they deserve the same things you say you want in life. Don’t assume that they don’t deserve what you want because they are different.

With regards to iran, why does it matter what law or rule of law they use to govern their country? is that your business. because your set of beliefs are different than theirs, that makes you better? that makes you more human?

Why does the US support Saudi Arabia where women can’t drive, where they can’t even vote, why does the US support a dictator in Egypt? Those questions you won’t ask because those countries are slave states to the US, and they don’t question US hegemony in their own part of the world. Iran does, and thats why you bring up the fake veil of human rights and civility to try and fool your people into war. No sir, you are a liar, and a fake. Stick to the issues, this is about nuclear power, not the way a country chooses to run itself.

The Left licks Islamic ass.

Once again, those are talking points meant to harbor a reaction. What is it with you jews? why do you always have to involve the world in your troubles, and scare everyone into thinking another holocaust is going to happen?

Why can’t you just let the past STAY in the past. your own foreign policy and actions of your allies are responsible for the hatred the world harbors for you.

Please George, get your head out of your *** and lets have a meaningful discussion about why you occupy palestinian lands for 60 years and why you practice apartheid in your own nation.

Someone here has the guts to stand up and say that they are for a world that is divided. Divided between the have and have nots. Divided between the “righteous” and the “criminal”

Well J.E. that is YOUR opinion. Unfortunately, the majority of the WORLD supports Iran on this issue. the NAM and the third world support iran.

And lastly, you are ignorant if you think Iran oppresses their people or threatens its neighbors, or supports terrorism for that matter. most of the “terrorist” groups you claim are sunni muslims. Iran has NEVER threatened another nation with pre-emptive war (unlike your country). And Iran does not oppress its own people like your so called arab allies in the region.

Don’t lie, have an honest discussion, you brought to light your racist colonial viewpoints, now lets move forward and have a conversation about why you think 95% of the world is inferior to you.

If Iran were a moderate nation that did not oppress its own people, threaten its neighbors, and sponsor regional terrorism, it is a serious question whether Iran would even seek the capacity for nuclear weapons. Pakistan did not seek nuclear weapons because it is a relatively unstable Islamic nation, but because India has nuclear weapons. The major Muslim nations of Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia — only one a moderately-functioning democracy — have refrained for years from seeking nuclear weapons. Indonesia certainly hasn’t.

Of course Iran is being singled out. Iran is the only signatory to the NPT with its history, and current policies, that is developing a capacity to produce nuclear weapons. If there were any other nations in Iran’s category, we would be doing our best to dissuade them too. But there aren’t. It does no good to the cause of keeping Iran un-nuked for the Western nations to reflexively deny the intention of what Iran delights to call “nuclear apartheid.”

Yes, Iran. That’s EXACTLY what we’re after.

Once again, you are LYING SIR. This is not genocide. I can also say that Netanyahu is Hitler, Bush is Hitler. Stop with all the lies sir.

The Israelis cannot bring up the EUROPEAN crime of 60 years ago for their protection today. The Germans committed the crime, yet, the palestinians are the ones displaced and under occupation. what you are doing sir today to those people is a war crime and a genocide in itself.

for the last time, I am not an American and for you to assume that I am is typical of your American ignorance.

if you don’t want iran to have nuclear weapons, make the whole MIDDLE EAST a non nuclear zone….and if you are not willing to do that, then try to stop iran by whatever means you think is necessary….my gut feeling is that your country will tuck tail and run and later claim a great victory.

And nice of you to bring fear and talking points into a civil conversation. people like you thrive on fear, you have to scare others for your policies to grab hold.

Liberals like Sam are not only ignorant of the worlds dangers. They are dangerous in their ignorance!

The central theme of my argument is that Iran has the RIGHT to any new technologies it desires. Thats the rigth of any country. If iran wants nuclear reactors to give its people another source of cheap energy, then who can deny them that right? Don’t be an ignorant conservative troll, think about what you are saying. If Bob Miller is a rational poster on this blog, then I really am worried about America’s future and about Americans in general.

You can’t deny the fact, nor can you argue the point that iran has to do whats in its best interest, and with oil eventually running out, and with iran being a net IMPORTER of refined fuel, it has the right to access other forms of energy. its that simple really, why are you denying countries the very right you claim comes natural to your country??

I’ve got a question, why are you against the Iraq War?

The sad part that you don’t mention is that Iran has publicly stated that it does NOT want or have nuclear weapons. it just wants to produce electricity for civilian purposes.

You know, since you seem to be in the market, I have this lovely bridge for sale.

But, when other countries start having the same technologies as israel, the US quickly tries to stop them because it does not want its main surrogate slave state to lose its military and technological superiority. But alas, all things must come to an end.

Meanwhile, the US has done little to limit its own, vastly superior and overblown nuclear arsenal. If I were Iran, liberal or mullahcratic, I’d do exactly the same thing.

Lesson: treaties or no treaties, nation-states do what they conceive to be in their national interest. The dénouement, alas, is sometimes scary.

Saddam if you remember was also a surrogate in the 80’s when you gave him weapons, chemical weapons and intelligence when it fought a war against Iran.

Don’t give me talking points Mr. Miller. The only threat to world peace is the US and its foreign policy. If you want to have an intelligent conversation about the facts, then lets do it. if you want to on the other hand spew out BS and lies about why the US invaded Iraq, then by all means, continue, but not on this site please.

You mean something like President Bush and his Neoconservatives who are guided by religious dogma and attack countries like Iraq for no good reason??? If you mean those people, then I would recommend cleaning house first, before you go imposing your point of view and lifestyle on others.

Once again your level of intellectual dishonesty is amazing. Iran has no right to withdraw from a voluntary treaty???? So if thats the case, every country in the world once it has signed a treaty abandons the right to withdraw one day from that treaty? I hope this is not a serious argument you are attempting to make.

Second of all, whats the rationale in allowing 5 nations to possess nuclear weapons, and 185 not to possess them. Every country has the right to advance its civilization as far and as fast as possible. The sad part that you don’t mention is that Iran has publicly stated that it does NOT want or have nuclear weapons. it just wants to produce electricity for civilian purposes.

As a lawyer, I hope you know that the burden of proof is not on the accused to prove he is not guilty, but on the accusor to prove he is guilty. Iran does NOT have to do anything to show it does not want nuclear weapons, on the contrary, it is up to the United States to prove that it does want nuclear weapons.

Again, the United States is powerless to stop Iran from advancing to the nuclear age. Iran has already made that leap, there is no point of return. And if iran wants to withdraw from the NPT, it is completely within its right to change its mind.

The NPT and the UN SC are utterly inadequate to deal with the terrifying problems of this era.