September 18, 2009 - Iran, one of only four countries who are not parties to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (along with India, Pakistan and North Korea), has vowed not to cooperate with a U.N. resolution calling on it to allow inspection of of its nuclear capabilities.
This latest rebuke to the international community continues Iran's policy of having never allowed international inspectors to view its substantial nuclear arsenal, which it refuses to acknowledge exists, despite irrefutable evidence to the contrary.
(more after the jump)
Perhaps even more troubling, Iran has recently test fired a nuclear-capable missile, without first notifying even its closest allies:
Iran has carried out the successful test launch of a long-range, ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, in what was intended as a clear show of strength to Israel.
The test demonstrates Iran is capable is now an existential threat to its neighbors:
The Jericho-3 is planned to have a range of 2,500 miles which brings all of "Israel" within range.
Making the situation even more dire, Iran has a history of preemtively attackingand even occupying other Middle Eastern countries.
It's no wonder the international community is calling for sanctions, and some even advocating for war against Iran. It's clearly represents a danger to other countries in the region, who should reasonably be expected to take all necessary steps to defend themselves. (For example, developing medium range missiles as a deterrent against aggression.) Regardless of where one stands on the political spectrum, only a fool would argue Iran should be allowed to continue with its dangerous policy of defiance without serious repercussions.
CORRECTION: Due to an editing error, the words "Iran" and "Israel" were inadvertently switched throughout the diary. The author regrets the error.