How can U.S. prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The U.S. will do everything it can to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says Tehran's pursuit of nuclear weapons is futile.
The tough talk comes after Clinton annoyed Israel last week when she said the U.S. would cope with a nuclear Iran by arming allies in the region and extending a "defense umbrella." Israel said the U.S. should focus on stopping Iran from getting a weapon, instead of acting like it's a done deal.
Iran insists they are enriching uranium for energy. A lot of people think they're lying.
Meanwhile the U.S. is trying to convince Israel that diplomatic efforts with Iran are worthwhile. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates - who met in Israel with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today - says the U.S. hopes to make progress with Iran by September.
President Obama has warned Tehran that it has until the end of the year to show serious progress toward ending its nuclear program.
According to Netanyahu, Gates said the U.S. and Israel see eye-to-eye when it comes to Iran's nuclear threat. Netanyahu stresses "the need to use all means" to stop Iran from getting a weapon. Other Israeli officials have also said that "no option should be removed from the table."
The U.S. is worried that if Israel goes ahead with a pre-emptive strike against Iran - it could create even more problems in the Middle East.
Here’s my question to you: How can the U.S. prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Conor from Chicago writes:
We can't. We don't have the resources to widen our wars in that region, especially since Iran would prove to be the most difficult of these countries to conquer. We can't just bomb their nuclear sites because of the risk of creating a Chernobyl in the Middle East… The reality is that Iran will get the bomb and we will have to adjust.
Patrick writes:
We have given them 5 years to give up their nukes. Time and time again, they have refused to do so. The time for diplomacy is over.
Erich writes:
The U.S. cannot prevent Iran from getting nukes, and the U.S. has no right to tell a sovereign nation what it can or can't do. If the U.S. did not bow to Israel's command in every instance of Middle Eastern foreign policy, anti-US sentiment would be non-existent, and if Israel allowed the displaced Palestinians the right to some of their land back, anti-Israeli sentiment would decrease, giving nations like Iran no legitimate reason to harness nuclear weapons for the sake of civil defense.
Linn writes:
They need to put more sanctions in place now, not when Iran is ready to "Wipe Israel off the map" like they said they want to do.
Floyd writes:
The only way I see is to bomb or invade Iran. I think the U.S. is tired of that approach. Letting Israel do the bombing keeps our troops out of it, but I think most of the Middle East would go nuts. Arming allies might be the only choice left. We do not have the military manpower to go to war with any more countries and then rebuild and democratize them.
Glenn writes:
We can't. We'll just have to deal with it. Israel has its own nuclear deterrent anyway.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Take away Israel's nuclear weapons.
The only thing we can do to stop them is go to war. I understand that's not a thrilling prospect, but any thing else we can do would not stop them, it would only slow them down. Hopefully the political movement going on there will over throw the government and then be open to talks.
By turning a blind eye and letting Isreal do what the do best when backed against a wall. Finish what needs to be done. They did it once before and can do it again. A hit on Iranian nuclear factories. You know what we don't know can't hurt.
Short of getting the rest of the powerful countries in the world to back him up whole heartedly (including militarily if need be), nothing.
Jack,
Well we could always nuke them first! Just kidding. There really is no way to keep them from developing nuclear weapons.
Jack,
It would a stretch to accept that Iran is capable of manufacturing everything needed to build a nuclear weapon. Iran is getting help ... whether it be materials and supplies, equipment, or technological know-how. Only a hand-full of nations possess the technology to build a weapon small enough to deliver it.
Our first step is to identify the suppliers, and deal with them diplomatically or harshly, as circumstances require.
Rick, Medina, OH
Not unless we're willing to invade another Moslem nation. That genie never returns to the bottle. All we can do is make certain that any use of nuclear weapons by Iran completes the task the Greeks began at Salamis.
By bombing every bomb making plant in the country. President Clinton did it in Iraq 10 years ago and it worked!
no
perry jones
I don't think the U.S. should continue to dictate to the rest of the world including Iran about nuclear weapons due to the fact that they are second on the list just below Russia. SO if the U.S. wants to deter countries from acquiring nuclear weapon they should first lead by example then engage in talks with Russia to do so and the rest of nations will probably follow.
Jack
Iran will acquire nuclear weapons, and there aint much we can do about it. Other countries that already have nuclear weapons and need the cash will gladly sell them to Iran. How will we know and what can we do about it ?
If we stop threatening Iran, it will start to relax and nut jobs like Ahmadinejad will fall out of favor allowing attention to be focussed on the economic problems.
The same way we prevented Israel from acquiring nuclear weapsons. Oh wait, they have nukes? Then Iran and every other country that Israel has threatened should be allowed to have them as well.
We can't. We don't have the resources to widen our wars in that region-especially since Iran would prove to be the most difficult of these countries to conquer. We can't just bomb their nuclear sites because of the risk of creating a Chernobol in the Middle East. Plus, we would probably have no support from the international community and even here at home people are so weary of wars for impossible aims that Americans would likely protest a military action as well. The reality is that Iran will get the bomb and we will have to adjust.
Probably not the same way the U. S. tried to prevent Russia, China, Pakistan, and North Korea from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Unless other nations join in to put real pressure on Iran and monitor Iran, Iran will make nuclear weapons. But Israel will bomb Iran before the first bomb can be made. American bases in Iraq and Afghanistan will be used to help Israel put an end to Iran's nuclear weapons program. Let's hope it never gets to this stage. Diplomacy and verification are badly needed now. If Iran ignores these, then it is a very different "chess game".
Jack, we can't ligitimately stop them. They are a soveriegn country not under our leadership. ASking how we can get them to stop thier nuclear ambitions is the same question as how can they get us to stop our nuclear ambitions. If they can have no influence over our policy, energy or weapons systems then what gives us the right to even try to have any influence over thiers?
Jack: You can't. When money talks---everybody listens--besides there is no one, including other countries that has the hutspa to do anything about it,--one exception-–Israel--if the threat becomes great enough.
Jack could Germany prevent us from getting nukes or Japan No and we were already at war with them why would any one who thinks that a nation that really wants nukes could be prevented from having them .
Even If we bomb them that would only harden there resolve to get them and soon or later they will have them . I feel we would rather have an a Ali with them then an enemy wwouldn'ty ou ?
Other than shutting off their source of uranium or bombing their enrichment facilities I don't anything else can be done
Diplomacy won't work on that bunch.
Larry
Cincinnati, OH
Jack,
North Korea has nukes. It doesn't get much worse than that. But I suspect they will be reluctant to use them because of the swift and devastating U.S. reaction that would follow. It should be made clear to Iran that if they ever use a nuclear weapon, or provide one to terrorists, their cities will be destroyed and their people will be reduced to wandering, dying nomads. Perhaps it will then occur to them that a weapon that can never be used isn't worth much and that the money spent on developing such a weapon could be better spent elsewhere.
Jim
Reno, Nevada
The U.S. can't do that alone – and should not give Israel the green light to do anything drastic. We need to work on those who are giving Iran assistance on their nuclear program or resign ourselves to the inevitable.
I don't think you can prevent anyone or any country from doing something. What you can do is make it clear as you possibly can what will happen if certain choices are made. Then you got to hope for the best.
The threat of retaliation only works against a rational opponent who wants to survive.
It won't work against people who don't even value their own lives, let alone anyone else's, and who think they'll end up in heaven with 72 virgins if they die.
That's why suicide bombers are so tough to stop.
Let Israel know through back channels that we will look the other way and then support whatever action they deem necessary........the problem will be resolved in short order.
Short of war? We couldn't control the Russians, can't control the Pakistanis and Indians, and N Korea just doesn't care....
I know that Iran having nuclear weapons would NOT be a good idea.
But, what exactly gives US the right to determine if they get them?
Since it is a global issue then maybe the question should be, how can all the countries in the world prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons.
Sooner or later SOMEONE is going to sell them a nuke. Maybe the idea of following the money is the best way to stop their aquisition capabilities. If they can't BUY a nuke, how will they get one.
Folliwing the money is like the guerilla warfare of the balance sheet. If we can STOP the sellers, that would pretty well stop the buyers. Maybe we need to band together with other nations to make it fiscally impossible to get a nuke. That's a better idea than just invading and shooting people.
Well, we tried negotiating (also known as bribing). That didn't work: we didn't have anything they want, except nuclear technology.
We tried getting Russia to exert influence. Of course that didn't work: they're advising the Iranians on how to develop their capabilities.
We tried having the UN exert its influence. So much for that.
I conclude that the Iranians, under Ahmedinejad's leadership, really, really, really want nuclear arms, most likely to use as leverage against the Israelis and against us. In the end, the only way to prevent them from getting such weapons is to use the Israeli method when they were faced with a similar situation in Iraq some time ago.
Jack: we need to cut off their suppliers and their funding. Syria and Saudi Arabia are the most likley suspects. Then, we need to have a long talk with Israel. They did the job once before.
Send Mr. Obama over to talk them down. After all, didn't he indicae that's how he handle things while he was campaigning.
Continue to treat them respectfully and with full engagement where possible in meaningful dialogues that show them a reason to be cooperative.
I don't think we can Jack. Our global influence has dwindled greatly and we would just further alienate the entire Arab world if we struck their nuclear sites. However, I believe that Isreal ultimately will which will be far better in my opinion. I do wonder why Iran is more important than North Korea unless they're a greater threat to Israel. I do think something has to be done to eliminate this global threat in Iran.
How about a Tomahawk cruise missile or two smack in the center of their plutonium enrichment facility... I mean really now... why does a country with one of the largest sources of oil need to develop nuclear energy? If they want to go green, perhaps we should compel them to consider solar... just a thought!
Glen- Sarasota FL
Iran has never invaded another country or otherwise started a war. In their entire history, they have only responded to attacks and that's the way to go. Our threatening them with direct intervention or that by Israel, is fueling this. We overthrew their government in the 50's and in the 80's, we got Saddam to attack them. If you were afraid of attack, wouldn't you want Nukes? We overthrew Saddam, because he didn't have WMD, but we don't mess with North Korea, who does. Doesn't that remind you of the school yard bully, who pushes weaklings around and backs down from those who can punch his lights out?
Kill the Supply Line. Go to the source of the Cancer and chock it off from Iran. Make a deal with North Korea or Pakistan or Russia to not deal or stop supplying Iran with the necessary components and equipment to continue with the development of nuclear weapons by making them a deal that they can't refuse!!!
Steve
Clifton, VA
You cant the only thing we can do is create a first strike warning system.
Convince enough countries that import their oil not to buy from Iran if they continue their nuclear program.
David, Las Vegas
The United States probably cannot. It's like trying to stop young teenagers from haivng sex. Even if Iran does get nuclear weapons, the world will slip back to the "MUTUAL ANIHILATION mentality of the 60s and 70s albeit different players or teams of countries.
If Iran and Israel were to lob nukes at each other, how would that change the political map of the middle east. They may have just glassed over an area that seems to have many groups who never have been able to get along. The two would find out real quick what they have done to their own country and their people. There may be areas of other countries radioactve for decades.
Without the Middle East as an area of controversy after a holocost of this nature, the rest of the world may become much calmer and make the rest of the world think twice about nuclear weaponry.
First, we get the UN to make a resolution forbidding it, then we warn them if they don't stop, we'll go in and find the facililties and destroy them with blockbuster bombs in a show of shock and awe. Then we look for implements to manufacture weapons of mass destruction, while annihilating about 100,000 civililans, destroy the formidible Iranian military, and then maybe we can get the President to land on an Aircraft Carrier and declare "Mission Accomplished". Then we do battle with the Iranians for the next 8 or 10 years. Problem solved....
Keeping Iran from getting a nuke is like shutting the barn door after the horse has gone. Think about it Jack. Iran is an oil nation. They produce about 3.8 million barrels of crude oil a day. That means they have money. Knowing that, I say they have purchased their nukes long ago. They are just paying a waiting game to use their nukes against Israel. When that happens the intelligence community will have egg on its face, again.
The U.S. should step back and allow others, such as Israel, to address the problem directly. The only country in the region that should fear Iranian Nukes is Israel.
By getting Russia and China to stop their economic development plans in Iran.They are the main players in this crisis not the USA who hasn't had diplomatic relations with Iran in over 30 years.
The US needs to tell Netanyahu the threat is in your back yard take care of it.
Iran is a sovereign nation and their enrichment program is allowed under international law so our diplomatic options are very limited. Building a bomb is what we think they might do. Starting a third war in the region is not something I want to risk based on fallible intelligence.
Apologize for overthrowing Mossadegh and giving them the brutal dictatorship under Shah Reza Pahlavi, which led to the repression under the mullahs.
I may be naive, but I don't buy into the non-established factoid that they are actually trying to make nuclear weapons. I think the mere thought that they MIGHT be doing so is more than enough to make the paranoid Israelis do a first strike, and, as you can see by Hillary's instant walk-back, we will support our little bellicose buddies no matter what they do.
as Ronnie would say,
"My fellow Americans, I'm pleased to tell you I just signed legislation which outlaws Iran forever. The bombing begins in five minutes" (or was that another country) ... ???
As long as Israel and Palestine are fighting and we are allied to Israel we will never have any leverage with Iran. Iran's current leaders need to have an accident and suddenly disappear before anything positive can be done. They want Israel destroyed, end of story.
I fear the only option, in the end , will be for Israel to destroy Iran's nuclear capablity like it did in Iraq years ago.
Get all nations acknowledge the right for Israel to exist!
Well setting and missing another deadline like the 'close GITMO' deadline or the 'pass healthcare' deadline isn't the way. Just don't make a big scene when Isreal does what it will eventually have to do to ensure it's own survival.
Why do we want to stop them? Maybe we could have some peace if we just let these guys nuke each other into oblivion, that seems to be the only thing they live for anyway.
Jack, If the Defense Secretary thinks talks are hopeful, then what the heck? (I kinda don't think so) Hey, is it just me, or is the Secretary of State starting to sound more and more like the former Vice-President? ( starting to kinda look like him too!) L. Alleman Antioch, Il.
The US must order Israel to stop the threats of a preemptive strike. Why must Israel constantly think its under attack from Iran or any other muslim nation. The best action the United States could take would be to extract all nuclear weapons from Israel. I feel more uncomfortable with Israel having nuclear weapons then Iran since Israel might be stupid enough to actually use such a weapon. Israel is the real threat and should be stoped. Iran has a right to peaceful development of its nuclear facilities. I say we de-arm Israel and allow Iran to develop its nuclear power plants in peace. Muslims deserve to harness the power of the atom just as much as the US.
when the genie is out of the bottle, others look to find a bottle for themselves. One can only hop like Pakistan and India, Iran can put a cork in their insane terrorist desires,. Probly can't, or won't.
Bob L. Pine city, NY 14871
Give them the same thing we gave the IRAQI People. Billions of dollars will make anybody happy to go alone with your plan, don't you think.
I think we should let Israel & Iran nuke it out and then what will be left is a peaceful Palestine & Iraq, of course after the nuclear fallout subsides! I'm just kidding, but I will say that the US must stand down if Israel decides to attack Iran pre-emptively if we don't we're screwed!
By not allowing opportunities that present themselves for regime change to pass which we just did. We are more worried about reinstating a Chavez clone in Honduras. We got both of those issues wrong.
You cant.. Alone! You need to stop the Pal (i) ing with Russia.
I said it before and I say it again. You need somone as big as India, But you first have to win them away from Russia. They also dont trust Pakistan, or any other (Stan).
Simple- Make a deal to allow but inspect! Iran wants "RESPECT". and NOT to get nuked by Israel or attacked by the US, like the Bushies tried to do with the faked Iranian Gunboat tapes. Gee- Faked Iraq news. Faked Army Rescues. Faked Bin Laden tapes. Now- Thanks to Cheney and FBI, we find out bin Laden, the HEAD of al Qaeda, had no knowledge of 9-11! You WONDER why Iran doesn't TRUST us?
I do not think the US can prevent such developments from occurring. Imposing more sanctions just goes to prove that no real improvement can be farther established. War of course is not a solution to any problem; so I believe the real question should be how better to protect countries that may be affected by it?
They can't.
They need to have sanctions in place NOW, not when they'e ready to "Wipe Isreal off the map" like they said they want to do
Invade Iran just like we did Iraq! Didn't that work?
The only sure fired way to prevent Iran from aquiring nuclear weapons is to give them Sarah Palin at no charge.
The US cannot prevent Iran from getting nukes, and the United States has no right to tell a sovereign nation what it can or can't do. If the United States did not bow to Israel's command in every instance of Middle-Eastern foreign policy, anti-US sentiment would be non-existent, and if Israel allowed the displaced Palestinians the right to some of their land back, anti-Israeli sentiment would decrease, giving nations like Iran no legitimate reason to harness nuclear weapons for the sake of civil defense.
we have given them 5 years to give up thier nukes. time and time again they have refused to do so. the time for deplomacy is over.
We can't. We'll just have to deal with it. Israel has its own nuclear deterrent anyway.
Jack, the US needs to realize that the Iranian government doesn't care what happens to the Iranian people, or to people in other countries, for that matter. Its development of nuclear weapons (and let's face it, one does not use a heavy-water reactor for energy production–that's what light-water reactors for) is testimony enough to this. The only way Iran will be convinced not to develop nuclear weapons is through force.
Talk to them. Israel reminds me as a reckless gun slinger. If Israel fires a bullet, cut our $10million a day to them immediately.
Peace not War Jack.
I can still see the look of disbelief by the candidates during the campaign, when Obama sold the line that concensus with the world community is the only way to obtain results. Let's take em up on his offer to meet directly with Iran administration, then he can take it to the UN....good luck
I think Iran already has nuclear material to produce a-weapons, brought by A.Q.Khan-network from Pakistan!!
So its more an question how to get the already existing ressources out of IRAN!
from Poland
US can lead the world by giving up its own nuclear arms and urging all other nations to do so. No nation in possession of nuclear weapons has the right to demand another to disarm their nuclear warheads. These weapons are not deterrant against anything potential conflicts. No one will win a nuclear war.
Shree, Maryland
Bush tried to change the govt through Iraq and Afghan. But failed come last months Iranian elections, for now. The progressive movement in Iran will turn the tide for the entire middle east. The Iranian govt funds much of the resistance in all 4 corners. We'll likely have to use precision strikes or let Israel do it and back them.
Disarm Israel nuclear weapons, and force it to obey UN resolutions and get back inside its own borders . Support the Palestinians rights to their own country. Create and force a nuclear free middle east thru the UN.
Jack: Iran will not stop there nuclear enrichment program until either the United States or Israel destory their ability to make nuclear weapons. I believe January 2010 is a could time to stop Iran. It will be pay back for 444 days of hostages in the 1978 to 1980. Remember!!
Jack, the U.S. can't stop Iran by diplomatic efforts; it will be absolutely futile! However, if Iran is closely monitored, the U.S. will have the opportunity to retard their progress. For example, Hiltler could not produce the A-Bomb because the produuction process was regularly interuped.
Simple, dont allow Iran to continue with their nucleur program. If they do continue with their program they it could lead to a nucleur war if Isreal attacks and Iran decides to strike back. To prevent this, just stop Iran's nucleur program.
What makes us think we have the right to? Why is it always those that have something, try to keep others from getting it.... it's kind of like those with beach front property not wanting any new development, or kids with the balls on the playground not wanting anymore balls released.
If we gave them California it would take them many years to recover and acquire nuclear weapons.
I believe the U.S. should go with Israel to make a pre-emptive strike on the Iranian governments nuclear facilities. It is better that we fight them on our terms on their land, then if we wait until they have a weapon and kill millions of innocent people. We should not arm the nations in the surrounding area, I believe this always comes back and bites us when we do this. This can be seen in our current conflict in Afghanistan. I believe we should do the same to North Korea while we are at it.
Pray for an excuse to let Israel do the dirty work. There is no good ending to the United States going to war against any Muslim country ever.
We need lots of friends Jack because we may beg for the same favor from China concerning North Korea, where Kim is the only person on the planet crazier than Ahmadenijad.
Dear Jack,
I'm having a hard time grasping exactly why you're so quick to say that the Iranians are lying when its apparent that the opportunity cost of burning their own oil domestically is a bad decision for them when you look at their currency value. they could sell it oil for MUCH more than they sell it to themselves.. Usually everything you say is succinct and thoughtful. Iranians would lie about having nukes when they didn't... not the other way around.. just go to Beverly hills ans look at how Iranians regularly live beyond their means...
Jack how in the heck are we going to stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons, when we can't find Bin Laden. Also they probaly already have nuclear weapon, because they are to dam arrogant. I am sorry to say, but we probaly need to call their bluff.
David
Martinsburg,WV
So you think that Iran is lying about nuclear weapons? My guess is that you also were sure that Saddam was lying about WMD. What if Iran is telling the truth? How can Iran end a program that they don't have? Are we about to repeat the Iraq debacle all over again, once again with the complicity of US media?
Why would the U.S. do that anyway? Who are we to meddle and tell other countries what to do? That's always been America's problem. We try to control countries and later we get blowback and hatred. The U.S. needs to stop worrying about Iran's threat to Israel, and let the Israeli's defend themselves. Iran is no threat to U.S. national security, but Israel has powerful lobbyists dominating American foreign policy and it has to stop. Let's focus on our own internal problems.
Iran has one of the largest reserves of natural gas in the world. They can easily generate electricty for years and years from these reserves of nature gas. Nuclear power for generating electricty is redundant in Iran. It seems the only reason Iran could be "researching" nuclear power is to make a bomb.
The only way to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons is to go back in time and un-invent them. The problem is not having weapons. It is now the worlds job to ensure that nobody uses them. Only diplomatic solutions can ensure peace. Its a good thing we have stronger and smarter leaders in power.
If the U.S. is in any way serious in trying to stabilize the Middle East, the radical, aggressive military power in the region that should be the focus of nuclear non-proliferation is Israel, without any doubt. They already have the bomb, after all.
Well Jack it seems like Iran tries to be really tough and thinks it can get away with anything. But it cant I think if we negeiote with Iran we can have a peaceful resolution.
The President should invite Khamenei and Ahmadinejad for a beer.
I believe Isreal is going to beleive that they can attack, and the US will come to their aid. I beleive that American sercice men will say, Hell no we won't go.
We can't Jack. The U.S. is trying to play big brother to the world, dictating who can and can't have certain weapons. The only way we can prevent Iran from acquiring nukes is to decimate their country; no people, no nukes. Forget war, blow them up right? Although, unless that is our plan, there's really no way we can't prevent them from getting their hands on them. If they want them, they'll find a way to get them.
When the Iraq and Afgahn wars began, it was like turning a bunch of Bees loose there are too may of them. We don't need this again. It is scary, but they aren't the only country that has the weapons.
The best way to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon is to remove the nuclear weapons from their enemies in the region.
Hmmmmm, who might Iran be afraid of in the region?
OH! Israel is nuclear armed, has the delivery capability, and have attacked at will plenty of times in their short history.
Disarm them and maybe Iran looses interest!!
DenverD, a Texan, living in and posting from Denmark.
The U.S. should take the lead in the Middle East by somehow getting the Israelis to put their own nuclear disarmament on the negotiation table. The Iranians know that the Israelis have nuclear weapons and, in the name of national defense, the Iranians want some of their own. While everyone seems to want a nuclear-free Middle East; . the "Elephant in the Room" is the Israeli nuclear arsenal.
Why can't Iran have weapons when Israel has them? To me they are all fanatics. I think if the economic situation improves in Iran we all will be better.
Preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons may well be impossible, considering that we are so far behind the curve on this one.
The only way I see is to bomb or invade Iran. I think this country is tired of that approach. Letting Israel do the bombing keeps our troops out of it, but I think most of the middle east would go nuts.
Arming allies might be the only choice left. We do not have the military manpower to go to war with yet any more countries and then rebuild and democratize them.
Jack,put simply the US cannot stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons. The US or Israel has no exclusive right to tell what country can have nuclear weapons or nuclear programs, and those who can't. If they do this is what is called IMPERIALISM. You can try to persuade them not to, but you can't use military force, or all I have to say is WORLD WAR III.
Well, one damned thing for sure: We are not going to attack a nation that may or may not have nuclear weapons in order to protect another nation that we absolutely for cerain know has the bomb. It is time to stop the hypocrisy of the position of ambiguity that Isreal has adopted on whether or not they have nuclear weapons.
I say talk – but, Israel's nukes go on the table too....
sarge
Indianapolis
jack,
Iran will not stop its effort to get nukes as long as the current regime in Iran stays in power...it is part of their world view. Iran wants nukes to proclaim their dominance in the middle east. With the exception of military action the only way to stop them is to promote change in Iran...or make them realize they do not need them.....fat chance with the presence of American troops next door in both Iran's neighboring states!
I think the U.S. should lay it on the line with Iran and tell them that the U.S. has re targeted its missiles,s and if it makes one wrong move it will become a smoking hole in the ground,time to take the gloves of.
Dan.
When dealing with a radical messianic nation bent on global Islamic domination, where the Holocaust is denied by the chief political head of the nation, the diplomatic opportunities are sparse and to be a realist non existent. Therefore a well planned coordinated strike on the Iranian nuclear enrichment centers and missiles depots is more than likely going to be the last option. My honest opinion is that a strike is likely in 6-8 months.
hmm, how can the only country in the world who has ever used an atomic weapon in anger, stop another country from obtaining nuclear energy. Every country should have nuclear energy and nuclear weapons. No one bullies a country with a nuclear deterant. We wouldn't be involved in the current two conflicts, if they had nuclear weapons. Then maybe the 5000 plus us soldiers KIA would still be alive today. Im sure we could have found other ways to go after the sauda arabian hijackers from 911 that were already dead from the airplane attacks.
The answer is simple. Let them get nearly complete on building a nuclear facility and then everytime it's nearly ready have Israel fly in to blow up the facilities.
Unlike Bush's failed policies, the "go it alone one" in particular, we must get those in the region and the rest of the world on board. This is not just a U.S. problem, so do not come across as we always seem to do as if it is our solemn duty to resolve every problem. This is, first and foremost, a regional problem. Push as hard as possible to get "some" of the countries within the region on the world's side, and then get as many of the world's goverments on their side, including us. If all else fails, let the Israelis resolve the problem. Unlike us, they have every legitimte reason to do so. We can covertly support them prior to any strike, and openly support them after a strike. But only IF we tried everything else humanly and diplomatically possible prior to any military action.
Gary,
Lexington,KY
US offers Iran building the nuclear energy power stations for Iran by US or Canada and of course not for free.
It's obviously a sticky topic because there is a certain level of hypocrisy, as the United States owns nuclear weapons and suppressing other nations from developing them is unfair. Proliferation is important, but there is a need for America to take the first initiative of doing so, and set an example to the rest of the world.
Concerning Iran in particular, it seems too late now to stop them from enriching uranium, whatever their motivations are. The U.S. now needs to put pressure on other Middle Eastern countries, especially Israel, to invest more of their time and energy towards anti-ballistic missiles and defensive measures.
After all, MAD theory should assure Israel and America's security.
I am not quit sure about the time but my comment is about the US to prevent Iran to get the nuclear weapon.
Iran justify his nuclear program to be only focus on the growth of the economy because they want to save their oil for export than spending it in local, so the United States can propose an economic exchange plan in others investment than nuclear program with the Iranian government.
Flavier Kongolo,
Johannesburg
We cannot unless we bomb their nuclear facilitites. This is, of course, and act of war. Do we really think we can financially and politically sustain wars in three contiguous nations in the Mideast, all at the same time? Any one want to speculate on gasoline prices? Once the nuclear genie came out of the bottle it brought hell with it. We will live, or die, in that hell.
Yes an Israeli or an American strike might do it... but it will be short lived. Whether In a year or a decade another country in the world will get a nucelar weapon. Nucelar weapons will be disiminated and will fall in bad hands and eveil minds. There is only one answer. Stop the double standard and illiminate the nuclear weaponary from the surface of the earth. It is everybody's job.
Jack, We could try talking to Iran and see if they will listen.Otherwise we will have people saying we need to start bombing their capital and invading their country. Can you say Iraq ? Because we are still paying for that one.
I believe that the president should discourage Iran's nuclear weapons by discouraging Iran's import partners from supplying uranium imports towards iran. Therefore, if that is done the objective is completed in potentially attacking Nuclear-iran at its core. In which is neccessary to hopefully prevent not only Iran's acquiring of nuclear weapons but in order to also prevent the 'nuclear mongering' mentality of theirs.
It seems that we built up the Iraq military too handle their problems in 6 years, Why after a half a century cant Isreal handle there own problems? After all we, The American taxpayers give them top dollar each year. My question to you sir is why does'nt Isreal step up and handle their own affairs. Our military could eliminate any trheat from Iran in a matter of hours. But we are not the target.
What gives us the right to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons? We "allowed" Israel, Pakistan and India to acquire nuclear weapons. I see the right winger Netanyahu as the catalyst for World War III. Let him handle the situation himself. Let's stay out of it.
Leave it up to the international community. It’s not just the job of the U.S. to police the world. Besides, our track record on this sort of intelligence has failed monumentally.
As an Iranian, I think there's no way of stopping them, the only way for this to be stopped, is that our movement inside Iran can change things from the inside, and then u.s can start talking with the new players, in the road of achieving that, the best help from U.S is to support people of Iran, not on the surface, but behind it. for example the 50 million dollar bill that Sena has passed to help providing anti-censorship tools both for the internet and satellite is quite a good help. Not negotiating with Iran and forcing other countries to stop business deals with Iran will be helpful too. generally they should put more & more pressure on our current government.
Jack it will be helpful if all nukes states destroy their own first,that will limit the hide and seek game played by America and Iran.
Sheffield
UK
Work out an arrangement whereby Israel gets rid of all its atomic weapons and facilities
Coming from Canada, the only thing the U.S. can do to prevent Iran from acquiring Nuclear weapons is to be the better, and disarm themselves of Nuclear armaments as well.... it is obvious that the superpowers having Nuclear weaponry is what's driving other country's to jump on the "superpower" band Wagon.
Russia and the US should dismantle the weapons, if they HONESTLY expect other countries to follow suit. as for Iran and North Korea... Understanding is needed, not "War Mongering" Left and Right wing politicians who think aggression, hostility, and threats will help. if anything that will just aggravate situations more. Understanding and Discretion are the keys.....
North Korea, a country that can't even feed its own people couldn't be stopped from developing nuclear weapons even when China and the US did not approve, so how could Iran be stopped.
And yet, I think we all know that Israel will do its best.
Two ways –
1. Whoever makes parts for nuclear plants or weapons needs to be told to stand down with Iran or the gov't of a company, in violation, needs to put heat rounds on that company in PUBLIC and through the company's pocketbook. Let the world know who is dealing with Iran and get the president of that company to explain himself on TV.
Hi Jack
Iranian people have no problem with either Israel or american nation ,but if attacked it will back fire & the Iranian regime can n't wait for that to happen & tell it's people " Look what the American or Israel's have done" & the people rally behind the government they hate .
you want to stop them ,should have done it 10 years ago & it was cheaper then ,maximize the sanction to the full if dare Russia & China & it will work.
Who cares. If they are stupid enough to use one there won't be an Iran left to worry about. Israel would decimate their country with their weapons. M.A.D.. (Mutally assured destruction). I don't think they are unaware of that, but I've been wrong before.
Sorry to say but the World expect's those Nuclear site's to be bombed. But before we do that let's put a block aid on any refined gas to Iran. That would really hurt them,it would also put the ball back on their court,and if they responded to that unkindly then at that time bombing their site's would be in order!
Robert W.
Lincoln,Nebraska
What everybody is ignoring is the 8000 lb gorilla in the room, Russia is not going to let anything happen to Iran their 7th in line trading partner. Russia has already warned the U.S. that an Iranian strike will start WWIII. All should know, Israel is a warmonger and they say it in their Motto: "Thru deceipt we will wage war", or to that effect. This is not a laughing matter, it is Our Sons and Daughters who will die in the MiddleEast in a looming castastrophy such as this. Personally, it makes me nausius watching Israel spitting in our faces. Thanks, Jay
I'm affraid there is only one option that MIGHT work. We may just find out that we need the F-22 more then Robert Gates and the senate thinks we do.
Do Iran get a cap and trade credit, if they switch from oil to nuclear?
In my opinion, the most reasonable way to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons is to acknowledge that nuclear weapons is not good for any country. If we really don't like it let's then reject it everywhere. If it's not good in Iran let it not be good in Pakistan or anywhere else.
Jack,
It is very simple.... let Iran go ahead with their research in nuclear field. If their reseach proves to be for pacific use in their nuclear eletric plants, fine..
The day they go ahead and build a nuclear bomb, they will have to test the device. The explosion will most likely be underground for a controlled explosion. Our nuclear detectors (in space) and Sesmic lab in Sweeden will confirm the explosion.
Once the explosion is confirmed, our President will have to call Mr. Ahmadinejad and remind him of the regretable consequences and was warned not to go the route with a nuclear weapon and that unfortunately he and his Iranian Mullahs will not see another sunset..... or sunrise... and give the green light for 20 B-52 bombers to drop their load...
Charles
To me its seems simple
go into Iran take out nothing but military hardware and the rats(generals) will jump ship and the entire mess will crumble
Mike , gold beach oregon
The only way for the U.S. to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is to support the democratic movement and human rights in Iran that pursues a peaceful resolution of the country's issues with the rest of the world. Any military intervention from the outside of the country is unwise and stupid and will only make it much easier for the religious hard-liners to rally the population behind themselves and further suppress the cause of democracy in Iran.
The President would be well advised to pursue his chosen strategy on diplomacy to resolve conflicts with Iran with the intent to succeed - not fail - and the most critical factor will be time. There are those urging hard and fast deadlines on the President for diplomacy with Iran - both here and in Israel - who do not aim to see diplomacy succeed but to use its failure to justify harsher measures.
One cannot help but be reminded of recent examples when a failure to provide adequate time damaged U.S. policy in the Middle East. In the rush to war in Iraq in 2002.
Thanks, Sam
Springfield, IL
There is something to be said about karma, defined in Christian nuance, you reap what you sow.
Any prevention begins with attending to your own house. In other words ban not just Iran's nuclear ambitions, but Israel's, Russia, United States, and all nuclear weaponry.
Sounds like Iraq all over again to me. The nuke issue is phony as determined by the CIA in 2003. Obama will let Hillary define the terrain on which the conflict with Iran will unfold; the stage is being set. The actors take their places, and, amid frantic preparations taking place behind the curtains, hardly suspected by the audience, the drama takes its preordained course. The real point is to convince the audience ( that's you the American people and the international community) we tried talking before we started bombing.
It seems that we built up the Iraq military too handle their problems in 6 years, Why after a half a century cant Isreal handle there own problems? After all we, The American taxpayers give them top dollar each year. My question to you sir is why does’nt Isreal step up and handle their own affairs. Our military could eliminate any threat from Iran in a matter of hours.
Bush tried to change the Iranian govt through Iraq and Afghan refugee movements. But failed come last Iranian elections, for now. The progressive movement in Iran will turn the tide for the entire middle east. The Iranian govt funds much of the resistance in all 4 corners. We’ll likely have to use our own nuclear precision strikes or let Israel do it and back them. UN is USELESS here, there and everywhere.
Did the U.S. stop Israel , did Israel ever sign the non proliferation treaty ? Iran has been around a lot longer then Israel ,it has 20 times the population. As long as the Palestine don't have Iran has to go Nuclear
We have suggestions of Israel attacking Iran. Lets look at words versus deeds. How many countries have Iran invaded ? None in the past 100 years at least. Let's see. Israel has crushed the Palestinians, invaded Lebanon (1983), occupied Lebanon, bombed Lebanon recently (killing over a thousand Lebanese), blockaded Gaza, then bombed Gaza six months ago killing around 1400 Palestinians (hasn't let much supplies in since then, let alone letting them rebuild. Two weeks ago, Former President Carter said that Gazans were being treated like animals).
If we want the Middle East to be free of nuclear weapons, we should start with Israel.
Iran think and said so several times that United States is unable, unwilling and economically can not effort to start anew conflict with any other nation while they are involved in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Therefore, they will not attack Iran nuclear facilities from the fear of opening a new front.
If United States wants to avoid repeating England Prim minister Chamberlin mistake of 1939 they should bomb Iran facilities and make sure that they are warned before hand and if they do open a new front than drop the nuke on them so every one in the world know that United States is not a paper tiger.
Otherwise, the whole middle east will be in a war that United States will have to participate whether they like it or not.
Dear Mr Cafferty,
This would be best accomplished by using incentives via strategic diplomacy involving multiple countries in the Middle East. The US ought to better involve neighbours such as Jordan – a stable constitutional monarchy with a reputation for neutrality and peacemaking – in the process of negotiations. The Government of Iran and Ahmadinejad administration must be isolated as much as possible economically and politically in the region. The events of the past two months have surely eroded it's credibility.
Andrew
Ottawa, Ontario
Why should we? The problem isn't from owning nuclear weapons but from using them. God doesn't condemn us for what we have not done.
I think some of the arguments posted here are amazing.
Like the people who try to equate Israel and Iran. That's like arguing that if policemen are allowed to have guns, then criminals should be allowed to have guns, too, so it's "fair."
Or the people pushing for unilateral disarmament to "set an example that everyone else will follow." These people clearly fell asleep in history class.
Or the people suggesting sanctions, knowing that you can't get every country to honor them, so they're ineffective.
Or the people saying that "you can't tell another sovereign country what they can do." If that's true, then the US or Israel should be able to do what they want to do, also.
Unfortunately I believe that a diplomatic solution will never be reached with Iran. I cannot see the Iranian leadership ever giving in to the demands of the West, especially when those demands are being made by the USA and Israel. As terrifying as it may be, I do believe that military action may be the only solution. I pray that I am wrong.
Use the George W. Bush/Darth Cheney approoach. Bomb first; then invade.
How can the U.S. prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons?
The US may not be able to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons if it chooses to do so in the absence of military action, but that does not mean that such action is warranted...the Iranian Govt is not likely to risk further destabilization in its relations with America and the West on this issue particularly in view of recent pollitical events, unless it views its claims seriously viz. that it has no intention of acquiring a nuclear weapons capability...whether such claims are genuinely true remains to be seen however...in any event establishing a comprehensive dialogue with the Iranian leadership will over time yield information the Obama administration does not have at present...on the other hand broader and more restrictive sanctions can be imposed if necessary, America should not proceed unilaterally, resolution of this matter will take time and patience only if diplomatic ingenuity and skill lead the way...
Iran has signed the NPT (Nuclear Non proliferation Treaty). Anybody read the NPT ? What does it say in Article 4 ? Basically it says the signatory can Enrich Uranium for Civilan Nuclear Energy purposes. The US (with the UN) wants to take away that right for Iran. As an analogy, you can pump oil, but you have to rely on others to refine it for you. You can not set up your own refinery.
Why is this our probelm?
Let the oil rich neighbors take care of it.
I'm from Nebraska, If Iowa gets froggy and wants to launch a missle I'll reinlist. If Iran wants to go crazy I don't really care.
I'd like to see my tax dollars take care of my own.
We have serious problems in our own back yard.
Regards
Mark
Well Jack, the president would appoint a Iranian Non-Nuke Czar, spend a lot of money for little return, then realize that he has no plan, no backing, and little public support. Let the Middle-East clean up their own problems. They've been fighting far longer than we've been a country, and they will continue to do so.
Just say no!!!!