Any reason to take Iran seriously on nuclear weapons?
Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad addresses the delegation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference today at the United Nations in New York City. (PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The circus is in town at the United Nations today. The president of Iran is here in New York for an international summit on nuclear non-proliferation.
Delegates from the U.S., England and France walked out of the general assembly... as Mahmoud Ahmadinejad blasted America and Israel for possessing nuclear weapons. Ahmadinejad says countries that threaten to use atomic weapons should be punished - a direct reference to the Obama administration's new nuclear strategy.
The White House calls Ahmadinejad's speech predictable and full of "wild accusations"... and the UN is blaming Ahmadinejad for the standoff over its nuclear program.
Iran continues to insist it is enriching uranium for civilian energy. The west says they're developing nuclear weapons.
Ahmadinejad comes from a country that lives in its own world... ignoring reality and science - and blaming natural disasters on promiscuous women.
A top Iranian cleric claims women who wear immodest clothing "lead young men astray, corrupt their chastity... and spread adultery" which causes earthquakes.
Another senior government official says prayers and pleas for forgiveness are the best way to "repel" earthquakes.
The latest absurdity comes from the Iranian police who say they will put women with suntans in jail. This is all part of an effort to crack down on quote "social misbehavior" that violates Islamic laws.
We should be talking to these people about the origin of fire or why wheels are round.
Here’s my question to you: Is there any reason to take Iran seriously in a discussion on nuclear weapons?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Dora in Atlanta writes:
Yes, they should be taken seriously. If these maniacs get a hold of nuclear weapons and use them against their "godless" enemies, the whole world (provided anyone is left standing) just might need a refresher course in that invent-the-wheel idea.
Greg in Dallas writes:
You can not negotiate with terrorists; it's either their way or they kill you. Muslim extremists only understand brute force and winner-take-all. During the Bush administration, Iran was not an issue. The problem right now is that Iran does not take us seriously. If you recall we had similar problems with Iran during the Carter administration. The day Reagan was sworn in as president Iran released all of the hostages long held during the Carter years.
Sassan writes:
Absolutely not. I grew up in Tehran until I was 16. Iran will acquire nuclear weapons unless we act to destroy their plants. Sanctions will not do anything. These people BELIEVE the West is literally Satan. Anyone who thinks we can negotiate with these people is dreaming. This is coming from a guy who went to their best schools!
Donna in Colorado Springs writes:
I take what the president of Iran says just about as seriously as I take whatever dumb things come out of Sarah Palin's mouth! He is a little man with a big mouth and he does seem to live in his own little world of weirdness. Hopefully, he isn't working on killing the rest of us with his uranium enriching program.
Ed in Maryland writes:
Symbolically in the Bible, earthquakes represent rebellions. These are generally associated with corrupt tyrannical leaders, not so much voluptuous women in bikinis. So perhaps there is room for negotiation. We back off on the nuclear talk if they let Iranian women show some skin. The whole country is like a beach anyway… come on now.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
You're joking right Jack?
Ralph- Corpus Christi, Texas
Not unless you count wishful thinking. History provides no reason to take Iran seriously.
Dear Jack, Thank god someone in the mainstream news is starting to report and comment on the facts. Your comments on Obama's " misguided" comments about the new AZ Immigration law are right on the nose. It is disgusting that this has taken on such a polilitcal agenda with the bottom line to get the hispanic vote rather that work at the safety of this country. I live in southern AZ and those north have no idea what is goin on here AZ. There is a big difference between legal and illega immigration. I support legal immigration, that's how my grandparents got here. It made my blood boil when newscaster Harry Smith on his Sunday news program led in with " AZ immigration law allows the police to stop individuals to see if they are US citizens"
this is a blatant lie and total misrepresentation.
Thank you again,
Bernita Barfield
Sonoita, AZ
Sure there is, Jack. From everything reported, this is a rogue nation hell-bent on joining the league of nuclear powers. With their neighbor, Pakistan, having such arms, the threat and the reality of Iran's nuclear ambitions are more than obvious and should be taken seriously. Can we stop them without all-out war, I don't know.
Jack –
How can we take them seriously when we dont even stick around to hear what they have to say.
All this talk about engaging Iran is a bunch of phooey. Engaging someone also entails hearing what they have to say. Saying your piece and then walking out does not set a good precedent ... neither does holding the people in the region to two different standards.
As long as the word "seriously" isn't a colloquialism for "another unconstitutional, undeclared preemptive attack against another sovereign nation", then yes, we should take Iran seriously in any discussion on nuclear weapons.
Don't take them seriously and make the same mistake as those that dismissed the Third Reich.
No, for a few reasons. First, no one ultimately knows who is in charge: the Supreme Leader, the President or the military. Second, there are extreme doubts as to whether Iran has the technical savvy or materials to ever develop a nuclear weapon. In other words, the military may be bluffing as a form of deterence. Third, there is no chance they will be used because Iran is downwind of Israel and any use on Israel will kill more Palestinians and Arabs than Israelis.
No, no reason whatsoever. Iran will be the most likely country to start WW III, in the not too distant future.
Is there any reason to take the US seriously? As the only country to use nuclear weapons on civilian populations, the country with the largest number of nuclear weapons, and the country that has invaded more countries than any other, we are on the moral low ground. Let's lead by example and disarm.
Michael D. Knox
Tampa, FL
No, the alledged President of Iran is a misleading imbecile.
He is a dangerous, power hungry, muderering liar who cannot be trusted, but yet we cannot afford to ignore him while we discuss the issues of nuclear energy or armament.
Jack, call me Pisher, but there is no reason to think that Iran is developing nuclear capabilities for anything other than regional and world domination. Unlike countries that are using nuclear power for going green, Iran is threatening and inciting domination and genocide. It is important not to ignore their growing threat, but their own admission.
Yes Iran is very dangerous for the region and the entire world, everyone better take them serious.
Yes, we have seen how Iran is. No need to ignore them.They need to be squished before it gets worse. The government are going to pittle around until they have nukes and we will have to go to war with them.Maybe that's what the government wants. Like Iraq
By nature, nuclear weapons is a serious topic, and Iran's leadership is somewhat insane, so yes.... they should be taken seriously in any discussion on nuclear weapons. To ignore them is a mistake that could have dire consequences for them, Israel and the US.
The way the situation is being handled at the moment we all better take them seriously. They have a government with policy better suited for middle ages and we are pussy footing around with them on the idea of nuclear technology!!! Are you frakkin kidding me?? I would make a smoking glass whole in the ground where they have built nuclear plants for any purpose. If they ever start to behave like the other civilised countries in the world we could revisit the subject but as long as they have a Sharia based religeon running the country and a deep hatred for everyone else different from them I say smoke them.
The only thing that we can take seriously about nuclear weapons with Iran, is the fact that they want them and will keep pursuing them. There can never be any serious talks about stopping Iran from making nuclear weapons as long as you have radicals like Ahmadinejad speaking for Iran. One good thing for United States is the growing decent among the youth of Iran have for Ahmadinejad and the leadership he represents.
I think we should take them very seriously. I also think we should have Japan Stand up at the UN and remind Iran that We will use them and have .If he would like a tour of Hiroshima and Nagasaki their govt would be more than happy to arrange it
Iran is a nuisance. Let's say for one minute that Iran already has the bomb. So what? Pakistan has the bomb. Israel is widely believed to have the bomb. We have more bombs than any of these bozos combined. Iranian leaders know that if terrorists manage to explode a nuclear bomb on an American city the retaliation against the Iranian nation will be swift. These Iranian leaders are NOT suicidal maniacs. They want to live just like anybody else.
Lying is a way of life for many people and in their case if you want to know if they are lying, just watch their lips move. No need to discuss this issue with these "people", just send them home and let them fight between themselves.
Discussions of this nature are for punkout procedures... It's time to prove that we mean business... Especially seeing as we have a history of doing so. Otherwise, the world just views us as a joke. And with our government behaving the way they do... We are a joke..... This needs to be stopped, not just regulated. This nation is of the people by the people..
Jack
The leaders of that country are crazy and on a mission and all of us infidels are in the crosshairs HELL yes we should take them serious. I hope The oil leak in the gulf is not a indication of how this administration takes things serioulsy because we will be sleeping when NYC is nuked
NO! Why would Iran do anything other than develop nuclear weapons? With nukes they become the second most powerful country in the region instead of the shaky theocratic regime they are now. Nukes are an investment for them. Considering what we'll give them to not develop nukes, imagine what they can extract from a weak appeasing US if they have them.
That assumes that they are being rational and not hoping for the 12th Imam to see them through a nuclear war with Israel.
No, they are only flexing their muscles, it seems to be the habit of the leaders there. And besides, threatening them does not lead anywhere, neither do the sanctions, which even mr. Baradai, the former "investigator" of IAEA said before he left the office. The leaders of Iran only get more and more defiant, as if they were teenagers, who have needs to show that they dare to stand up to the more powerful nations. In reality they are only paper tigers, nothing else, in comparison to the bigger states. There are always countries, that don`t care about the sanctions, no matter what papers they have signed, in any way China with its multi million trade contracts. The only way is to start the negotiations as soon as possible. It`s only the most bloodthirsty Republicans who seem to be eager to start another war, and some Israeli leaders, who pretend that Iran is of big danger. They use it as a pretext because they don`t want the peace talks with the Palestinians and the American mediators to succeed.
From Sweden.
Are we talking to adults here?
It is the US that insists on military dominance, and has threatened Iran with the threat on nuclear weapons. Are you unaware that most of the nuclear weapons "reductions" consist of 'accounting changes (ie one bomber carrying 10 nuclear warheads now only "counts as one nuclear weapon" and that Obama approved a massive INCREASE in US capacity to produce nuclear weapons at all three major US nuclear bomb factories?
We should be talking instead about "Any reason to take the U.S. seriously on nuclear weapons".
Maybe if you genuinely listened to their concerns about the nuclear weapons that Israel has (and which you have all turned a "blind eye" to) and demanded inspections of Israel – they might consider taking the Americans seriously.
Audrey
Vancouver Island B.C.
It is all attepts at intimidation. They know that we have an arsenal far more powerful than theirs. I don't think they are stupid enough to act on their threath.
We need to take the current individuals in charge of Iran as seriosuly as we take South Park as a spokesmen for the USA. Both are a joke with a capital J. .
Only in that all nuclear weapons should be dismantled the world over.
The government needs to wise up about a lot of things including Iran They also need to figure out that we are sick and tired of paying for illegal aliens. For God's sake start arresting the employer$$$$ and they won't hire the illegals. We don't want government healthcare. Let UPS deliver the mail! Privatize as much as we can and get something done. The government does not produce anything,but paper and waste and greed. Get back to capitalism and this country will take off in JOBS!.
There is always reason to take egomaniacal,narcasisstic, dictators seriously. Especially when other countries have been so willing to supply Iran and others with the makings for nuclear weapons. And that does not leave out the USA and our arming of Israel, Georgia, Iran (in other decades), et al.
No one is safe.
Maria
Brunswick,MD
Jack, I take my e-mails from Nigeria telling me how much money they have for me more seriously then anything Iran has to say.
David, Las Vegas
If Iran's own people don't stop them from using nuclear weapons the rest of the world will regardless of who gets hit or threatened first.
Gary Bellew
Missouri
Is there any reason to take Iran seriously in a discussion on nuclear weapons?
Iran is a signator of the Non Proliferation Treaty since 1970. Even Iraq came on board in 1968.
When did Israel sign on? Oh wait, they haven't yet.
I take Iran's discussion on this issue more than I would take Israels'.
Jenna
Roseville CA
Nuclear weapons are serious buisness but people are serious also.
enough is enough from everyone.
Gary Bellew
Missouri
I would suggest that when a nut case like the one running Iran denies the reality of the Holocaust, it is ample reason to believe, that if he were in possession of atomic weapons, he wouldn't give a second thought to not using them. We're not talking about intelligence here - we are talking about stupidity so YES, Iran needs to be taken seriously. If that doesn't work, we should turn it into a parking lot.
Gary in Scottsdale, Arizona
There is every reason to take Iran seriously in a discussion on nuclear weapons.
Its just like the USA to walk out when they hear they are the ones violating nuclear agreements. Why does the country with most weapons of mass destruction including nuclear weapons get to impose any restrictions? Why does Israel get to have nuclear weapons when there is a middle east ban on such weapons? The biggest mistake in last 60 years was to allow the USA to become the policy maker for the rest of the world, when it comes to war, weapons and aggression.
Why should we, our president doesn't take anything seriously unless it involves raising taxes on American citizens. But, we don't have to worry abour Iran....Israel will take care of that problem.
Are you kidding me! We should take everybody serious when it comes to NUKES. They can put a hurtin on ya.
I think the one thing we should be doing however is to keep diplomatic relations open with all these nations that want the bomb.
What was the line from the Godfather: "keep your friends close and your enemies closer"
Any country that has signed NPT should be taken seriously. It is unfortunate that we only take countries that HAVE nuclear weapons seriously. Every member of the NPT has the right to peaceful nuclear techonology should be respected.
Not at all Jack,
Iran is going to do what they want to do anyway. The Iranian president would love nothing more to wipe Israel off the face of the planet. If we were not fighting two wars in the Middle East already, I wouldn't be opposed to bombing Iran's nuclear facilities. We did it in Iraq under President Clinton.
Yes, we should take Iran serious in any discussion of nuclear weapons. One issue with America is that we really don't seem to understand the middle east culture and fail at communicating with their leaders. The cost of Iraq war has devastated our economy, and we found no weapons of mass destruction. Yet, everyone seems to think that there are is a lot of nuclear material missing from Russia and other countries (or at least Hollywood). Money can buy anything, the amount of money made in middle east's oil fields makes America's CEO's salaries look like minimum wages. America needs to learn how to play well with others. After all, talk is cheap, but as our economy has shown us, there are no winners in war.
Jack,
Iran will talk and pull our chain, with the realization we have the nuclear power to fuse all their sand into glass. Like every other nation with nukes,suicide is not an option.
There is one thing Iran says that we need to take VERY seriously – that Israel should be "wiped off the map". If Iran manages to build nukes, they won't hesitate to use them on Israel and possibly on the U.S. as well. We must prevent Iran from getting nukes at all costs.
Jack,
How can you take someone seriously when you don't trust them?
Yes Jack,Ahmadinejad and these other Iranian Clerics are out there in left field and it's doubltful if they'll ever come in for a landing. No one is listening to him at the UN. Everybody knows what's up with them. It's very important for everyone to keep them on the radar at all times ,all while knowing that we cannot believe a word they say.
Jack, you make Iran sound like a nation of Pat Robertsons. I will worry about Irans nuclear capability as soon as they actually have the bomb. Right now they just a saber rattling leadership. I am worried about Pakistan. They have the bomb, and they have used it. I am worried about India. They too have the bomb, and have used it. I am worried about Isael. They have hundreds of nuclear bombs, and have threatened to use them against Iran. Take THAT seriously.
Jack,we need take them seriously as an enemy to humanity.After that their craziness deserves to be on" Ripley's Believe iIt or Not"!
Jack, what did you say to the Bush administration when they said serious talks with the Iranian regime was impossible?
no, how can you take Iran serious about any thing.
We can take that country seriously when there is a regime change in Iran and not a minute before. It is blatantly clear that if we were going to go to war with a country in the middle east, we would have gotten more bang for the buck had we attacked Iran as opposed to Iraq. In Iraq we started with an objective of eliminating WMD's and changed to the need for a regime change. Now Iran, with a very unstable regime in place that threatens the entire region, is thumbing their nose at us as they openly seek to produce WMDs. G figure.
Jack,
Yes we must take iran seriously, because they are developing nuclear weapons. They are a dangerous "theocrazy" government.Religion and Nuclear technology dont mix.
Imagine what would have happened to the world if the holy inquisitors had chemical and nuclear weapons. anyone ready for a daily blood letting?
Sadly though, a globally unified response to iran has not happend, hopefully such a response will happen before they have a nuclear weapon.
Ron
Miami FL.
Hi Jack,
yes we have to take them seriously if we want a peaceful resolution to this issue.
By ignoring a country as important as Iran in the geo-political context of that region, we will be committing a folly.
Diplomacy & dialogue is the way to go. We don't want another war front opening in the Middle East where our influence already waning rapidly and we can hardly afford to go to another war.
We also have to work seriously & diligently to reduce & finally abolish nuclear arms. As long as some have them & some don't humanity would continue living on edge.
It shouldn't even be our problem. Remember the "Monroe Doctrine?"
I don't think Israel is worth the bones of American soldiers. Let them fight their own battles.
Long answer, No.
In short, no. To determine what Iran is really up to, just ask yourself, would what Iran is saying strengthen their position of power over the region? If the answer is no...then they're lying.
I guess in some ways it confirms that any leader and leaderships from Iran who keeps extremists religious views as part of their main controlship over the people of Iran, seems to be difficult to have a serious discussion on nuclear weapons when they cannot even have discussions internally on other issues! You mix a little bit of oil, with nuclear weapons and with islamic extremists controlship and do you really expect to have a real discussion! Every year, we seem to be getting the same storyline from Iran...a speech from Iran leader while other leaders leave the room! Déja vu all over again! Our democracy is not perfect just as other systems are not perfect but leaders have a higher responsibility in actually speaking words of peace!
You are so right, the multi-ring circus aka the United Nations with its ringleader, Ban Ki-moon and its clown Ahmanutjob is in town. This is pure entertainment, nothing serious about it. In fact there is no reason to take any discussion with this clown seriously on anything. He wants a nuke so badly he can taste it and he is building one, that’s all we have to know.
A strong America has always meant a more meaningful United Nations. I am glad that President Obama is making America stronger in the eyes of the world, so that the UN can make Iran lose any status it might have in world politics.
Jack, I don't think we can trust anything that he says. His country and the rest of the Iranian government may be a different thing, but unfortunately until they get rid of him they all need to be distrusted. I don't understand why the UN gives him this grandstand to speak from when we all know he just spew's lies. If other countries won't join with us to take serious action to stop him then we need to get out of the United Nations.
Yes Iran is right, countries like france, england, israel and the u.s. all have nuclear weapons, but yet they don't want iran to have nuclear weapons. Iran is a member of the u.s. and has just as much right as any other country to pursue nuclear technology. The u.s used nuclear weapons against japan and killed hundreds of thousands of cvilians, israel used phoshorous bombs in lebanon and killed thousands, isreal also bombed iraq and syria because they did not want them to have nuclear technology. What hypocrisy. It is time to stop the fear mongering.
Yes, they should be taken seriously.If these maniacs get hold of nuclear weapons and use them against their" godless" enemies, the whole world (provided anyone is left standing) just might need a refresher course in that invent-the-wheel idea.
Hello Jack Cafferty and CNN friends,
We need to take Everybody included Iran Seriously in a Discussion on Nuclear Weapons, otherwise There will be No Tomorrow!
Greetings,
Jurgen R. Brul
Is there any reason not to take Iran seriously??
Unfortunately we did not take Hitler or Hirohito seriously and the world paid for it with world war two.
Something just occured to me. Is he perhaps doing this to force Israel to admit they have the bomb? Considering the way the Israli government behaves, well, if one terrorist state can have the bomb, why not another?
Ahmadinejad makes me laugh. He plays with everyone he talks to as he waits to see their reaction to his shocking statements. He is the political world's answer to Howard Stern. Nothing he says can be taken seriously.
"Jambo Jack... You really are on a three day week. Good for you!
You had better take Iran serious because they are the only country under threat, owing to just how close they are to the oil fields and talking tough."
Jack, we can't afford not to take Ahmadinejad seriously. The pieces of the puzzle are coming together in Iran, and when he finishes putting them together he will try to use nuclear weapons against Israel. Of course, Israel will respond with a massive retaliation that will turn much of Iran into glass-covered real estate. We cannot afford that, as the genie of nuclear weapons must not be let out of the bottle again!
I would like to believe that Iran is only interested in nuclear power for electrical generation purposes. And I believe that the Iranian leadership has sold their nuclear development efforts to the Iranian citizens as just that, a way to make Iran energy self-sufficient.
That said, given their hatred of the US and other governments in the West and their continued funding or terrorism, I have to believe that they would have no problem selling or giving nuclear materials or weapons to terrorists. It is for that reason that Iran must not be allowed to develop their nuclear program any further.
No, but under the circumstances, I don't care. I'm a lot more concerned about what the progressive trifecta running our own government is up to. Iran is small potatoes in comparison.
Of course not Jack. It has been PROVEN by the U.N. that Iran is creating nuclear weapons, and drawing on their past and their extremism, I HIGHLY doubt that they are for peaceful purposes. Why is he even here to talk about nuclear? Iran's only nuclear agenda is to produce, and launch.
You can not negotiate with terrorists, it's either their way or they kill you.
Muslim extremists only understand brute force & winner take all.
During the Bush administration Iran was not an issue.
The problem right now is that Iran does not take us seriously. If you recall we had similiar problems with Iran during the Carter administration. The day Reagan was sworn in as president Iran released all of the hostages long held during the Carter years.
Greg Turman
Dallas,Texas
What a pointless question to ask. That's like asking people to vote on whether or not the sun is hot.
Jack ...NO! Need I or anyone else say more.
Hey, why don't we hook up our religious wingnuts with them? Seems to be a match made in heaven.
Only when they're going to use them. Otherwise, a country like Iran is no authority on world nuclear proliferation.
No. The second Iran gets a bomb, Isreal is toast. This man cannot be trusted anywhere anyhow.
As much as I hate war, this man's nuclear program needs to be stopped .
All the time we wasted in Iraq we could have been doing something about Iran. This was a total wasted opportunity on the part of the Bush administration. Thier vows about fighting terrorism will ring very hallow when mushroom clouds are rising in the middle east.This cannot be blamed on Obama either, this entire situation escalated while Bush was in office.
Where's big mouth Cheney with any kind of a concrete idea about this?
Yes Jack.. because a knowledgeable fool (of nuke making) is a lot more dangerous than a ignorant fool.
Yes, Jack. The only reason is because they seem to have the ability to create nuclear weapons. Iran being capable of launching a nuclear missile into Israel is something I would take seriously.
Absolutely not. I grew up in Tehran until I was 16. Iran will acquire nuclear weapons unless we act to destroy their plants. Sanctions will not do anything. These people BELIEVE the West is literally the satin. Anyone who thinks we can negotiate with these people is dreaming. This is coming from a guy who went to their best schools!
Jack.......
When in Rome, do as the Roman's do. When in Iran, do as the Roman's do.
Jack-of course, there is no reason to take Iran seriously....but let's not get too confident about their view of science...it wasn't long ago, here in the state of Georgia, that our governor brought a group together to pray for rain during our drought....and in Dover, Pa and Cobb County, Ga, we needed stickems on text books stating evolution is just a theory......we have a lot of work to do here in this country, Jack.....
No, even if Iran did gain a nuclear weapon they would be digging their own grave if they decided to use it. Even the French would be ready to retaliate if Iran used a nuclear bomb, and that's nothing compared to what Israel would do.
While Iran may seem like a less than credible messenger, the message of Western hypocrisy on the issue of nuclear disarmament, given the Israeli arsenal and large number of warheads targeted by the US, needs to be taken seriously. This double and triple standard is contributing to the unrest in the region.
Any country run by a system based on any theology should be taken very seriously. They will act as their theologians dictate. Logic, honesty and compromise are not part of that sort of thinking.
Oops....
Sorry, Jack, I misread the question. i thought you were referring to the Republican Party.
Just because there are crazy beliefs in Iran, does not mean that we should not talk with them. Heck, we have some crazy beliefs here too. We perform unnecessary surgery on infant males on a routine basis. Most people in the US believe that the world was created by a god about 6000 years ago.
He could pose an problem since I do not believe he is sane. However, if he nukes Israel won’t that irritate all Christian/Jewish /Muslim countries in the world. Not only that but all of us Joos do not live in Israel so that would be a good way to open hunting season on Muslims around the world. So I would not take him too seriously yet. He is like a bully, once someone gives him a black eye he will shut up and behave. It is too bad his own people do not shut him up before we do.
If Ahmadinejad says countries who threaten to use nuclear weapons should be punished, we should take him at his word and punish Iran, the country that has threatened Israel and the West for years. Tougher sanctions won't work...it will only hurt the average Iranian. It's time to take calculated military action against Iran before their nuclear capability becomes so advanced we will have an impossible challenge on our hands. Ahmadinejad's brazen and absurd comments about women prove we are dealing with a monster. Biding our time on this issue will prove disastrous.
All threats of this type must be taken seriously. The Iranian people are victims of a government they probably did not elect, and the extreme Islamic leadership of this country is spreading this nonsense. It would be laughable if it wasn't so serious. Extremism in any religion is exceedingly dangerous, be it christians, jews, or muslims. Things might be different in the middle east today, if we had attempted to provide some education for its people after the defeat of the Russians.
What comes around goes around ,Jack. The C.I.A. plot to get their man the Shah and foment a coup against Mohammed Mossadegh was one of many during the cold war. Then the arms to the contra in south America came from Iran. That country is a lot older then the U,S or Israel
Jack,
I have never seen a mushroom cloud I didn't like especially if it came from the site of that Iranian nuclear plant.
Darrel
Marietta, GA
Woman should stop wearing all that revealing clothing. I am tired of all these earthquakes.
At leasts cut it down to a few tremors!
The last time a government on this planet was ruled by a lunitic it was Hitler. The world ignored him also and we wound up with WW2. Ignor Iran and we just might have WW3.
Why did they even let him come here.
Jack,
The Iranian runt should only be taken seriously with regard to how he has imprisoned his people . He is a wyly politician in that he keeps all information out and plays to his captive audience.
He has gotten only two 'leaders ' to acknowledge him–Chavez and Karzai. What does that tell you?
He is very serious but not to be believed!
The only discussion we should have with Iran is, " We wish we'd never met ya" Their leader is a joke and it would be an insult to our intelligence to give him any credence.
As long as we continue to conceal our own activities in Iran, we'll continue to hear only one extremely biased side of the story that only heightens our 'kill' instinct.
How big is our CIA budget – and what is it used for?
After all, Jack, we've got a shady history with Iran, including our forceful imposition of the Shah on them, that years later includes only what our leaders want us to know in order to continue this insanity – as a definite distraction for their own crimes. Will we ever know the truth?
Jack "Ahmadinejad comes from a country that lives in its own world... ignoring reality and science" kind of sounds like our government doesn't it. Instead of jobs we got heath care reform. Instead of having households saved from bankruptcy we only got a small percentage helped. Instead of transparency be got appointee's. Instead of change we got massive debt with little regard for the 50% +/- of citizens who "do have to pay taxes". We have a environmental disaster in the gulf, and a President who stated last year that we now have the technology to in place to prevent the very thing that happened.
So Jack, you tell me which reality we need to be in? From the looks of it either side is just as crazy, dependent upon where you were born...........oh and don't get anyone started on our porous borders.
With people like the Iranians on this planet thank god we have star wars defense systems. I just hope the Israeli have the same defense systems and are prepared to use them.As far as earthquakes go I hear that H.A.A.R.P. can produce those fairly easy.
If Iran really went by the Qur'an there should be no worry at all. I believe a Nuclear weapon would be forbidden, but they use Islam as a way of control, only using what they can to control there citizens. so yes, I'd be worried Iran is pursuing a Nuclear weapon.
As an Iranian living in the United States I am ashamed of the recent news and actions coming out of my country. It is because of my countries leadership that myself and other Iranians around the world are looked at with raised eyebrows. I hope that Americans don't judge Iranians on the actions and comments made by the foolish Iranian government.
Fajardo. Puerto Rico
Hello Jack,
I think that Nietzsche said it best:
"Don't underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers".
Years ago, I learned not to reason with a beligerant two-year old, a grumpy 92-year old, and a snarky Iranian dictator. We're not that close to Iran. Let those closer do the nasty task.
RK, London, Texas
If Iran was honest about its intentions with regards to its nuclear program, it would have disclosed it instead of hiding it, but thanks to an Iranian opposition group who provided the world with much needed intelligence on the existence of such a program by the Iranian regime, the world is now aware of an emerging nuclear bomb threat capability which might i add is in the hands of one of the most suppressive regimes, the #2 violator of human rights in the world and the the # sponsor of state terrorism and whose clerics blame earthquakes on "promiscuous women".
Sahand K
Toronto, Canada
No. Given the current "reason" given by the cleric, it is obvious the world they live in has no relation to reality. The issue of Iran wishing to build a nuclear weapon is frightening beyond belief, give the desire to wipe Israel of f the face of the map. Iran is really nothing more than a rogue state, as is North Korea. Neither can be trusted.
Yes Jack.I don't trust Iran.I saw a little of him on T V today and I think he is a real nut.I would have walked out myself.
Their (the mullahs') cognitive dissonance boggles the mind. They accept the scientific field of physics which explains how nuclear weapons work but disregard plate tectonics, which explains how earthquakes are caused? How can you reason with people so out of touch with reality?
I can answer this question with only word; however I will answer it in Arabic as well, so that maybe Ahmadinejad will listen.
(I know, it's doubtful.)
No.
!لا
(pronounced "Lah")
The only thing I remember Iran doing bad was taking some people hostage and I was there .
We have legislators want to teach 'Creationism' in public schools. How can we ridicule Iran's supersititions when we have crazies in places of leadership that acquiesce to their own brand of silliness in the name of religion?
I remember sitting in the theatre watching the sequel to Planet Of The Apes "Beneath The Planet Of The Apes", when at the end you see they worship the bomb and it's part of their religion, it was so far-fetched and bordered on silly... how far we have come Jack, where it's now close to a reality that religious fanatics will possess the bomb. What part of nuclear bomb plus religious fanatics is unclear to those willing to sit by and allow this to happen?!
You would have to change the religion of Iran to allow talks, because unlike others we have had talks with we are not arguing with their God.
Jack, if Iran is not taken seriously then America's hypocrisy regarding nuclear weapons will be even more evident. Sure, Iran has some seemingly crazy religious ideas....but America doesn't?? It's not really much different. Leaders and most population in both countries believe a man in the sky will tkae you to a nice place when you die, and is watching everything you do ion the meantime to see if you qualify. Let's not get into who is crazier. Better to look at why exactly the USA, having been the only country to intenionally kill people with nuclear weapons, feels it is the moral compass on who should have nuclear weapons and who should not. How do you think Iran feels knowing Israel has nuclear weapons? What if Iran really just wants to advance its nuclear energy program? Too many if's. Until there is a strike, or a direct, imminent threat from Iran they should be taken very seriously regarding their nuclear endeavor. Iran has NEVER attacked any country. Why the hatred?
We took Saddam Hussein seriously, and look where that got us and what it's cost us. Let's proceed thoughtfully and cautiously this time!
Frankly, Mr. Cafferty, there is little reason to trust and to take seriously any country vis a vis their intentions about their own nuclear weaponry...and that includes the United States and Russia, et al. Having been to Israel twice, I have had reified for me that country's need to keep everyone guessing as to whether or not they do or do not have these weapons, regardless of what they may say for public and political consumption. Extrapolate from that and you may be closer to the real truth about what is said and what should be believed about this contentious and potentially catastrophic issue.
Red Bank NJ
Armadinnerjacket is CooCoo for Cocoa Puffs, but dangerous. All he really is just a puppet for his bosses, the Mullahs who really are the power in Iran. They are still living in the twelveth century, and are actually hated by the people.
This how they rule Iran...By fear and intimidation. And when called out for anything, they just yell and scream and threaten! And of course, there are the lies!!!
If Iran was honest about its intentions with regards to its nuclear program, it would have disclosed it instead of hiding it, but thanks to an Iranian opposition group who provided the world with much needed intelligence on the existence of such a program by the Iranian regime, the world is now aware of an emerging nuclear bomb threat capability which might i add is in the hands of one of the most suppressive regimes, the #2 violator of human rights in the world and the the # sponsor of state terrorism and whose clerics blame earthquakes on "promiscuous women".
I don't take anything seriously that Iran or any other nation has to say about nuclear weapons. Israel is the only nation with enough backbone to terminate this stupidity with some serious long range cruse missiles strategically placed up their nose.
Why shouldn't Iran be taken seriously? The media is so biased against Iran that they find it hard to take a serious look at some of President Ahmedinejad's statements. Why shouldn't those who oversee the NPT be critical against countries that have made little strides towards disarmament? Why should Euro-American colonialists rob a sovereign state of their "right" to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes? Why should the United States be so hypocritical with their castigation of Iran while looking the other way while Israel terrorizes the region?
While I am definitely not a supporter of President Ahmedinejad, I believe he should be taken seriously, not only in his stance on nuclear development but on a number of other issues he has raised. America's hands are too bloody for them to claim any type of moral high ground.
And speaking about morality, let's be careful about mocking Iranian clerics for their stance on the link between immorality to natural disasters. Have we already forgotten about our own Pat Robertson and others in his ilk?
Keith in Harvest, Alabama.
Jack, your preamble clearly showed your bias against Iran. I am sure if you paid similar attention to the pat robertsons, the 700 club and the other evangelicals you can come up with similar examples not flattering to us.
But to the serious issue; yes we need to take iran seriously. we want others to disarm but we ourselves do not want to give up our nuclear arms just saying si is not enough the facts on the ground are too convincing of our love of nuclear weapons....the NPT had a goal for us as well.
If one looked at it objectively, there is NO evidence that Iran is developing a bomb...the onus is on us and not on Iran to prove a negative...similar to what we wanted saddam to prove.
let us be honest about this and not ignore the elephant in the room -Israel's nuclear weapons.
Earth to paranoid Americans: Iran is no threat to any country and you have no proof as to what their intentions are with trying to gain nuclear capability. But yeah, just keep believing American propaganda.
A point about the Non-Proliferation Treaty, why do we let Israel remain up in the air about whether they have nuclear arms but automatically believe Iran wants to start another world war?
United States is no longer respected by the international community anymore.
I gave you a few reasons as to why and can give you plenty more.
Jack,
Unfortunately, yes we have to take them seriously. The Iranian people see themselves as the descendants of a great civilization. Ridiculing them by cherry-picking quotes from fanatical fundamentalists only makes things worse. The current government of Iran, the military and paramilitary forces, and the political opposition, all support the nuclear program as a matter of national pride and national security. Not that I want to defend a clown like Ahmadinejad, but from their point of view, there is already a country whose name starts with 'I' in the middle east that possesses the bomb (and we proved it is not Iraq). They are going to get the bomb. The important question is what will they do when they have it?
Iran is playing for time while it gets nuclear weapons ready to deploy. By the time America realizes Iran isn't clowning around, it will be too late – millions of lives will be lost. Iran can not be trusted with nuclear weapons. Just look at how they treat their own people, torturing and killing people for being non-Muslim or like those poor 15-year-old boys who were hanged for being gay. Abominable!
We should take every Country seriously. I also think we should start with the people in the USA who are calling our President Hitler etc.. They are the ones getting crap all stirred up carrying signs and causing dissent. The other Country's watch this and sit back and laugh.
Jack , a country that ignores reality and science – Blames natual disasters on promiscuous women. Sounds like the Republican Party!I don't think we should trust them. Jack From Nice Ca.
They were not serious about their election, how can they be serious about any thing else.Same thing goes for Israel.
Yes Jack, we should take seriously the impact Promiscuous marlin might have had in the Gulf dissaster. We should also not be in denial about how tanned women in TN have contributed to the flood. We are becoming the laughing stock of Ahmadinejad and alike, and you can take that..seriously!
I think I have a better chance of being hit by lightening than Iran changing its stance on acquiring nuclear technology. It may be safe to say Iran maybe taken seriously if Israel publicly decides to give up its nuclear weapons and sign the Non proliferation treaty, which I know is not going to happen. I believe Iran's posture is a shot at the US for backing Israel. Let them all have it (North Korea, Pakistan, Iran, Brazil and the rest) because at some point in time they are going to acquire it anyway. All this hoobaloo is nonsensical.
That would be like refusing to take the open-carry advocates seriously while they are brandishing their purportedly unloaded weapons in your face.
Of course nobody takes the words of these people seriously, what needs to be watched and taken seriously are the actions of the Iranian nuclear program and then decide what should or shouldn't be done by the rest of the world. We have no shortage of whackos here and elsewhere, but we hope constantly that one will never have access to "the button". Everytime the Iranian leader opens his mouth in public he puts himself in the category of whacko who should never be allowed to hold any button, muchless "the button". In a way he proves "The Butterfly
Jack,
Ahmadinejad deserves the same respect as any visiting international leader, however, we should be mindful of his rhetoric. Personally, I think he joins these sort of events for the sole purpose of "blasting" the US and Israel; he would have no voice to the West otherwise. With the ill-treatment of women, harsh Islamic laws, and the Holocaust denial seminar under his watch, I can't help but think of him as an uneducated buffoon who somehow made it to the international political game. It is my great fear that so many women in the Middle East will never know a life of value, a life where they can hold their own and be proud of showing their face in public!
Jack, I am reminded of the New Jersey Political Prayer about my favorites being taken from us. To that I say Ahmadinejad is one of my favorite people and the relegious leaders of Iran are among my favorites.
So you're saying that the same people that talk about earthquakes being caused by improperly clad women are the same trying to invoke discussion about nuclear weapons? Please tell me you aren't serious. Israel refuses to sign the Nuclear non proliferation act, but we buddy up to them and let them do what they want. Iran has taken MANY steps to show it's nuclear program is a legitimate one, and is being created for the purpose of providing energy for it's population. Israel on the other hand has shown time and time again that it doesn't mind using horrible weapons on people that simply don't deserve it (white phosphorous anyone?). If only CNN could maintain a semblance of the journalistic quality of the BBC or Al Jazeera.
His belief's are not that far away from the bush administration's belief
that the world is only 6000 years old. Iraq would not need nuclear weapons if we hadn't given it to them to israel. If you want nuclear inspector's to go to Iraq, then they have to go to israel as well. We should start thinking about protecting America, and our interests, rather than always putting israel first. Haven't we fought enough proxy wars for them already.
Why criticize the leader of Iran for blambing the worlds problems on short skirts while our own fundamentalist blame our citizens behavior for causing Katrina and a deal with the devil for earthquakes.
When it comes to religion, facts and reason get thrown out the window. Clearly, Iranian leadership is out of touch with reality. Fortunately, despite Republican efforts to the contrary, we are not run by religion. However, we really ought to examine whether we are indeed behaving totally rationally ourselves.
Jim, Craig, CO
#1: Iran is a signatory to the NPT, while Israel is not. So the impetus of international attention and cajoling must be on Israel to become a signatory if indeed Israel is part of the community of nations aspiring for non-violence.
#2: America holds veto power in the UN and influence in the IAEA, so the question must be: Can the IAEA be trusted to the impartial, when there is so much pressure that can be exerted on it from the US?
#3: Why isn't the US held to the same standard to scrutiny and oversight that Iran is? Iran has had inspectors and monitors and cameras... installed at the nuclear plants within that nation, to keep constant watch on what they are doing. Why isn't the US held to that same standard? There should be cameras in every US nuclear plant, in every part of those plants to monitor the goings on. As well there should be international weapons inspectors in the US at every facility where Nuclear weapons are being dismantled, issuing reports on a monthly basis as to the progress of US disarmament.
#4: There is always an introductory diatribe to smear the name of Iran. Today it was an attempt to make Iran sound like cavemen who don't know about where fire comes from and how fire is made. This can be easily rebuked by citing the Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is a PHD in Mathematics.
#5: Why doesn't CNN just tell the truth. The only reason that Iran has been targetted by the US, with cajoling from Israel, is because of people like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who will not sit silently like the rest of the Middle East when it comes to matters pertaining to Palestine. Iran is the "Nail that's sticking up" and every "nail that sticks up" gets a pounding.
Better Iran than that country that won't even sign the non-proliferation treaty or admit that it already has the bomb and better Iran than that country that has already shamelessly used the bomb twice on innocent civilians and claims it may well do so again.
Jack, there are a lot of good people in Iran and I respect their right to live and co-exist among the peoples of the world, however, I take that Ahmadinejad idiot about as seriously as I take "Half Gov. Palin".
Israel needs to worry about him, not us. He has trouble at home, there are still unrest in Iran, and the regime is not too popular now than it was before. Ahmadinejad needs some kind of a victory, if he don't get it at home, he might find it by attacking Israel, or provoking Israel to attack Iran. Either way he might have a chance to gain some grounds having a conflict with Israel. For Israel is a must win!, but for Iran the slightest damages to Israel will make Ahmadinejad look as a hero at home and abroad, especially in the Arab world in general and to the Palestinians. And only then he will be a threat to the US.
jack, there is absolutely a reason to take the iranians serious about nuclear weapons because as long as the united states and the united nations idlely sit back and allow the iranian goverment to continue on the path that they seem to be on, they will have a nuclear weapon, if not already and they will not hesitate to use it on one of there neighboring countries or even attempt to reach the united states. hilary cliton had it right today when she said that the united states predicted what the iranian president was going to say at the united nations today but, what she failed to realize is the iranians are continuing on there path because the united states and the united nations has come predictible also in taking no action. the u.s. and the united nations are calling the kettle calling the pot black in this situation.
Jack, we must take them seriously. They don't think like we do, have the same sense of reality that we do, or engage in any serious and thought provoking debate like we do; but they are smart enough and rich enough to create these weapons of mass distruction. I would rather keep my enemy close and understand what they are up to, than play the dangerous game of chicken we are currently playing.
Maybe Obama should go to Iran and talk just to show he's as brave as Iran .
In 4 years, from 1941 to 1945, the United States went from a non-nuclear nation to the first and only nuclear nation. This was at a time when large areas of the country still had no, or rudimentary, electrical services, little or no plumbing in many places, and no computers or experts in the field of nuclear reactor manufacturing. Everything was vacuum tubes and chalkboards. Plus which, the budget of the United States was occupied with building tanks, airplanes and guns to fight a little thing called World War 2.
Now Iran has access to computers for complicated math, access to experts in nuclear fission graduating from every corner of the world, their own nuclear power plants capable of producing weapons grade material, and oh yes, a near unlimited budget from the sales of oil.
Four years for the US at a time when no one knew how to build the damn things. What makes us think Iran isn't there already or soon well be?
Jack, we should take Iran very seriously on the issue of nuclear weapons since they are in trying to develop them and will use them if they ever get the opportunity. It is foolish and even sucidal for the United States or the world to dismiss Iran as a joke on this issue. World security is at stake. Security is indeed a very serious issue and must be address sensibly and realistically. I think that Iran should never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons under the guise of developing nuclear energy.
Sure, Jack. Ask any liberal. All they have to do is have lunch with him or send Hillary to have tea and Iran will be model world citizens.
Jack,
I think we may want to ask big bird and cookie monster what they think about nuclear nonproliferation and the earthquakes before listening
to what Iran has to say. What a joke Iran and Legitimate should not be in the same sentence.
Thanks Jack
Chris
Why would any body trust Islamic Republic of Mullahs? when they tortur,rape and kill Iranian people who are just asking for their rights.
Our government have shown to much weakness in dealing with Mullahs and have ignored the Iranian people who are fighting with this regime for the thirty years.
Shuan Moghaddam
Los Angeles
Not that they could really build one.
Like FOX, when it comes to IRAN, CNN has gone through the Looking Glass. Keep trying to sustain the erroneous notion that Iran is a "third world" society that needs to discover fire.
Let's see. Which is the country that lied about "Weapons of Mass Destruction"? Just because people believe nutsy ideas about religion or have rigid laws that their countrymen have to obide by, doesn't necessarily translate into prevaricating about other areas of politics. Let he who among us is sinless cast the first stone.
In many respects he makes some antagonizing remarks about the Holocaust but nontheless you have to take him seriously. He is like a child rebelling but doesn't know how to present himself. He is doing the "like a good neighbor "chide. Mommy if Israel have it (nuclear weapons) then why can't I. Are we going to take one side or let them both have it. How would you handle the same thing with your kids. I try to treat mine equal.
You disappoint me, Jack. There are thoughtless, knee jerk reactionaries without a clear understanding of history on both sides of Iran v. US issues. Unfortunately the way you framed today's question feeds right into those camps. If you want that mindset to solve the standoff, good luck to all of us.
Why U.S. even let that terrorist put his dirty feet on U.S. soil?! I don't understand? People of Iran begging America to don't give him visa. He is not Iranian's president. He is a terrorist. A killer. Why nobody in the world listening to the Iranians? Where is U.N.? Where is Human Rights? For God Sake, somebody!!!!