An Update on Iran

The news about Iran has been steadily increasing over the past few days as we come towards the anniversary of violent student demonstrations on July 9th. In addition to that, it was just recently announced that Iran has successfully test fired a long-range missile, capable of reaching Israel. This has really caused concern for the tiny country, which is in the midst of an uneasy peace with the Palestinians and doesn't want to have to worry about a threat from another country especially Iran, a country that is quite a distance away. It would be tough for Israel to retaliate, which is something they like to do when they are attacked. Not only should this be of concern to Israel, but also the United States should have some concerns that Iran could launch a strike against targets in Iraq or anywhere in the Persian Gulf region with this new long-range missile.

Last week the United States imposed sanctions on Chinese and North Korean companies for helping Iran with missile technology. Does this also mean that Iran is working on a nuclear weapons program with the aid of these companies as well? Will we ever find out the truth about Iran's nuclear program? Are they only building power-generating reactors or are they working on a nuclear weapons program to go along with their long-range missile? What can be done to ensure that Iran is not involved in building nuclear weapons?

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohammad El Baradei is going to visit Iran, ironically, on the 9th of July, to talk with Iran about opening up it's facilities for further inspection to include surprise inspections of it's said facilities. Iran does not want to submit to these inspections but their willingness to talk further with El Baradei suggests that they are willing to at least listen. If El Baradei comes out without any progress made on getting Iran to sign the additional protocol for inspections or any other concessions that Iran might have to give to prove itself, then I think that action needs to be taken. Diplomatic action could be taken at first, maybe even economic action to help "shock" Iran into submitting to further inspections of its nuclear facilities. We will have to keep an eye on what news comes out after Mr. El Baradei's meeting with Iranian officials concludes.

Another item of interest in regards to Iran, something that should take precedence in the news this week is the fourth anniversary of violent anti-government protests that took place there just four years ago. The Iranian government has already taken steps to try to stop any attempts at holding protests to mark the anniversary of the demonstrations. The Iranian government has taken such actions as closing the colleges that day, closing dormitories, arresting and detaining student leaders and basically outlawing any demonstrations. Will this be enough to stop any demonstrations? What will happen if there are demonstrations? Will these demonstrations be effective in helping to send a message to the ruling clerical government that the people of Iran want change?

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