Today Obama spoke on the fundamental issue with nukes and Iran; we do not like the Iranian regime. Other wise it would be some form of racism that allows Israel to be an un-official nuclear power and the USA to be the only country that has used Nukes in war, while Iran is considered beyond the pale as fare as being part of the nuclear club. So we do not like the Iranian regime. They do not like us much either. So what. Who do we think we are to be the arbiters of who can be a nuclear power and who cannot. The answer is 'that we are the police of the world and we think our standards are the commonsense standards everyone should follow. If you could somehow poll the entire world about whether Israel and the USA are responsible enough to have nukes but Iran is somehow not is not so clearcut. Look at a map. Where is the USA, where is Iran? Geographically Iran is much more a natural fit for a regional power than the USA, unless one pre -decides Iran is unqualified to be a major power because they are not pro West. Who decides? The West. Hmmm, sound kinda fishy... This fits in with Israel's demand that Iran surrender before negotiations can begin. A nation can only impose such conditions if one has defeated the opposing power completely. We have not done that. WE will not achieve that. The only reason I can see for refusing Iran the right to be a serious regional power is a kind of cultural chauvinism, not racism but close. The only way I can see Iran not being a regional, nuclear power but Israel is considered OK, even though they do not admit it, is a serious anti Muslim bigotry. Israel says they call for the elimination of Israel. That is the same as the USA saying that Iran's regime is illegitimate. No one is considering wiping out the Levant or Persia. It is all about regime change. So what we are left with is it being the natural order of things for the USA to be a nuclear power ( because we are Western) but Iran can never be unless they re-instate the Shah or whatever. This sort of thinking is rejected by most of the world.
I have discussions with various Right wing friends who believe that the USA must be so militarily strong no one would ever dare to cross us. I write back ' How original! Did you think of that all by yourself?" Ever power wants to be so strong their dictates are unchallenged. So far, this has not worked well for the countries that have tried it. What Iran needs is recognition that they are a real, important country. They will not be cowed into being a sub-nation just because the USA does not like their policies. I do not understand, except in terms of European superiority, the Iran should not be a major power. They have been there for 5000 years. Our history is much shorter. This makes the idea that we ( USA) have any right to dictate to much older cultures insulting and laughable. The USA is the most Nationalistic country that does not recognize nationalism. We are the 'Master race" ( regardless of our skin color) and what we say goes or else. No wonder Iran does not seem to feel safe without a serious deterrent. Imagine if Saddam had the weapons we said he did. He would still be i n power and Daesh would not exist. Something to think about. What ius good for the goose....