Path to nuke
The Pentagon and Moscow have emerged from the darkness of the Cold War and under the shadow of nuclear race. For several decades, whether leaders of both countries are willing to admit it or not, they had lived under constant fear of danger fostered by mistrust and obsession. The Cuban missile crisis reflects the underlying pain and fear hidden beneath surface of their super power coolness.
That traumatic experience taught a lesson to both sides, the lesson that no any other nation has not received yet. Today, this disease of nuclear race is again gaining its momentum in many third world countries in Asia and Middle East. In recent years, North Korea has insistently sought a nuclear program at the expense of its starving people. Regardless of the consequences of its isolation and ostracism from the internal community, both diplomatically and economically, Kim Jong-il advanced its nuclear technology and became a holder of a nuclear weapon state. He repeatedly test fired its final leg of short and long range missiles across the Korean peninsula and provoked international community. Though Pyongyang remained deft to the Pentagon’s warning against its nuclear activity, but he aggressively warned its peaceful neighbor (South Korea) for military retaliation if South Korea failed to shut up its mouth. Pyongyang’s nuclear provocation has cast doubt on the future stability of its region and instilled deep mistrust in the hearts of people in the neighboring countries. Despite Kim Jong-il madness, Beijing, a neighbor and a closely ally of Pyongyang, closed its eyes and ears in the spirit of friendship. In fact, Beijing has to share the long run consequence regardless its downplay.
Creeping behind the footsteps of Pyongyang, the Tehran has chosen to pursue nuclear weapon under the illusion of its greatness and superiority. On many occasions, Obama administration has urged the Tehran to comply with United Nation’s nuclear non-proliferation treaty. Iran has flatly rejected the U.S led P5+1 resolution for negotiation and accused United States for intervention and undermining Iran rights and obligations. United States and European allies has imposed mild sanctions on Iran for its failure to comply with international standards and norms regarding nuclear program. Due to lack of support from Russia and China, The Obama administration failed to bring Iran to the negotiation table and contain its nuclear program. With discovery of Iran’s secret underground nuclear site near the holy city of Qum, Obama took the opportunity of the United Nation’s general assembly and urged all the leaders for their cooperation. After meeting the U.N Security Council, a joint resolution has passed against Iran to face tougher sanctions if Iran ignores the standards of non-proliferation treaty before October 1. But Russia and China officially haven’t confirmed their support on sanction against Iran, even though president Medvedev signaled the possibility and willingness to extend Russian cooperation.
On the contrary, Iran took the path of Pyongyang and test fired two short range missiles on September, 27 and one long range missile, Shahab-3 on September 28, which is suspected to be capable of reaching Israel and U.S bases in the Gulf as it has capacity to fly 2,000 km. This is a true gesture of Iran’s provocation and show of its strength. In retaliation, Israel has vowed to take military action if Iran chooses the path of isolation and withdraw its cooperation with international community. Before too late, Iran should seize the opportunity of negotiation offer and choose to live in peace. The miscalculating the weight of pros and corn of its nuclear ambition is dangerous and risky path. Iran has more to lose than gain by seeking this path. As I believe nuclear weapon is not the interest of Iranian people, rather an obsession of its leaders. Undermining the interest and will of Iranian people will escalate further regional instability and legitimacy of aging autocratic government.
It is time of every leader to act smartly and rationally without conditioned to old roots and thoughts. We can no longer repeat the historical mistakes and horror of world war. We all are aware that nuclear war is mutually assured destruction: out of nuclear war, there is no winner. Production of every single nuclear weapon increases the risk of danger. Critiques may argue that nuclear weapons help maintain peace based on decades of historical experiences. It is too early to make such judgment; future is uncertain and no one can guarantee on the future. The best option is to get rid of nuclear weapons.
Note: This article has published in Earlham Word (Weekly News and Events)
Engaging thought 