Iran And That Putrid Nuclear Red Herring

Where the dogs of accountability slumber the dogs of war prevail. Iran is being told it cannot have nuclear weapons even though it is surrounded by neighbors who do. It can easily be argued that when one country has them all are entitled. In a bizarre twist of fate Iran may suffer a nuclear attack simply for being so tardy in trying to get the bomb. Common sense predicates smaller countries only want the bomb for its deterrent value. For a smaller country to actually use the bomb would be inviting devastating reprisal by a major nuclear power. In reality it is much more likely a superpower would use the bomb as they could likely do so without fear of reprisal, and so far the only instance of nuclear weapons being used has been by a super power. On the eve of what is a spectacular new and ominous arms race having a nuclear insurance policy is not a bad idea. Of course nuclear weapons have other uses as diversionary tactics to facilitate the big lie. If for example you want to attack a country purely out of self interest you cannot openly proclaim your evil intent. You must lay down the red herring and hope the dogs of accountability follow it. As non-existent weapons of mass destruction served this purpose in Iraq so does Iran’s non-existent nuclear threat serve the purpose on this occasion. A possible attack on Iran is of course only the next chapter in the war on terror. So far this war has proven at least three things. First, that it is very costly in terms of human life and money. Secondly, the tactics used have served to only make a bad situation worse, and thirdly the dogs of war are compulsive liars and have cried wolf all too often. Are the dogs of accountability going to wake from their slumber, quit chasing this putrid nuclear red herring and enforce accountability before the deceitful war on terrorism takes another turn for the worse? At a time of remembrance and paying tribute we too must declare we are tired of being lied to and insist on conflict resolution and strategies that do not inevitably result in war. To do otherwise is to be complicit in the big lie and break faith with those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Robert Billyard ©2007 [Editor's note - Robert, when you cite 'Copyright' don't forget to include the year - it's not valid without the year published. DrC] [Proofreader’s note: this article was edited for spelling and typos November 13, 2007]