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react if a foreign power invaded Mexico and Canada to install new regimes? Let's get a grip on things!

Any Iranian nuclear capability would not be a credible threat to America. We have developed defensive missile systems, so what is the big deal? Mutual assured destruction would look no better to Shiites than it did to Soviet Communists. The North Korean regime is much more dangerous than Iran, yet America proposes to give the Koreans hundreds of millions in aid, despite Kim Jong-il's regime being more criminal than any other! Why not a similar strategy to co-opt the Iranians? Or is the war profiteering of politically connected American companies too important to jeopardize through peaceful negotiations?

Instead of deciding that attacking Iran is our only option, why don't we try a more friendly approach. How would we be harmed by extending diplomatic recognition? Why don't we institute a program of cultural, social, educational, economic and scientific exchanges? Why do the neo-cons jump to conclusions so quickly and debate the last resort (war) as if it were our only real option? This is symptomatic of "gunboat diplomacy" where "might is right".

Instead, if we explained to Iran that America has built no new nuclear energy plants in about 40 years and the reasons why, maybe we could discuss the other avenues for developing energy resources. Why don't we cooperate to harness alternative energy sources, such as solar, wind, geo-thermal and others? Why shouldn't we help them with building an oil pipeline, if that is important for them to get their oil to the Mediterranean Sea? Why must we be enemies?

It is instructive for Americans to remember that Iranians believe that America was directly involved in installing and supporting the previous Iranian government of Shah Pavlavi. The Iranians deposed the Shah because he was undemocratic and ruthless in exerting power. That is the prism through which Iranians view America, yet they are willing to start over again. Why shouldn't we be willing as well? How would America view Iran if it had overthrown an American government 50 years ago? The discussions between the U.S. and Iranian ambassadors to Iraq could lead to possible cooperation. It would certainly be more consistent with both the U.S. Constitution and the U.N. Charter. It's time to respect International Law, not break it!

Learn more about this author, Robert C. Sage.
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