Anne Penketh (London Independent): Iraq war spurs new nuclear arms race

[Jack Rabbit]

From The Independent (London)
Dated Friday August 5

Never again? How the war in Iraq spurred a new nuclear arms race
As the world prepares to mark the anniversary of Hiroshima, Iran is poised to go nuclear amid a new global arms race
By Anne Penketh, Diplomatic Editor

In the light of the war on Iraq, which did not have nuclear weapons, second-tier nations have judged that North Korea was spared invasion because of its nuclear deterrent, and drawn their own strategic conclusions.

International attempts to renew a global pact banning the proliferation of nuclear weapons have foundered. In short, the system of safeguards aimed at preventing a repeat of the horrors of Hiroshima is in disarray . . . .

In a world no longer guided by a universally accepted regime, countries are weighing the nuclear option. Arab states consider nuclear-armed Israel, and are drawing their own conclusions. Iran is hemmed in by hostile neighbours such as Israel and Pakistan. A nuclear test by North Korea could prompt Taiwan and Japan to follow down that road.

Preoccupied with Iraq, the US has decided to follow a diplomatic route in dealing with Iran. But if the Security Council fails to reach agreement on punishment for Tehran's infringement, the military option would loom again.

Read more.

[wli]

1. more like if Iran goes through with selling oil for euros

Iran's not making nukes.