No More Mr. Nice Guy
Stronger penalties against Iran are needed "right now," US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said in Singapore today. Next year or the year after will be too late, Gates said. Iran's looming nuclear capabilities and uncertainty over the country's time frame for developing a nuclear bomb appeared to be at the root of the Secretary's strong statements. Gates indicated military action might even be considered to stop Iran's nuclear program, though as a last resort. You can read the full article here.
Gates comments came in response to Iran's offer to answer UN questions about past atomic activities. Tehran's offer falls short of the international community's demands that Iran freeze its uranium enrichment activities and cease its efforts to build a nuclear weapon. There is suspicion that this is just one more delaying tactic in Tehran's arsenal of tricks to avoid further UN sanctions. Gates comments served as a warning to Iran and the international community: Iran must be brought to heel now!
"Uncertainty about Tehran's nuclear work does put a premium on unanimity in the international community -- especially in the UN Security Council -- in terms of ratcheting up the pressure on the Iranians, not next year or the year after but right now," Gates said.
Gates comments came in response to Iran's offer to answer UN questions about past atomic activities. Tehran's offer falls short of the international community's demands that Iran freeze its uranium enrichment activities and cease its efforts to build a nuclear weapon. There is suspicion that this is just one more delaying tactic in Tehran's arsenal of tricks to avoid further UN sanctions. Gates comments served as a warning to Iran and the international community: Iran must be brought to heel now!
