I believe that title is a bit misleading. They are really not pursuing nuclear technology because they already have it. They are in the mist of developing it for what the U.S. would call “a pursuit for nuclear weapons.” Is this just another scare tactic that the Bush administration is using? If you actually take a look at international law and what the IAEA has found, it is the complete opposite of what the Bush administration is saying.

First, the IAEA has found that there is no indication that Iran has diverted nuclear material for military purposes. To this day, there are still IAEA inspectors in Iran. Secondly, Iran’s development of uranium for civilian purposes is allowed under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. So, we have the major watchdog of nuclear technology saying they are not developing it for military purposes and we have a basis under international law that states they can have nuclear technology for civilian purposes. However, we know from Mr. Bush’s past history that his regard for international law and reports from credible international organizations are often thrown away.

The unanimous vote of imposing UNSC1737 is an interesting vote. Considering that a similar vote (UNSC 1696) in late July failed to have all members of the security counsel vote with a single voice.

What are your thoughts? Could Russia and/or China have had a change of heart as I believe their stakes are high in Iran’s situation.