Obama 'strongly' opposes singling out of Israel at nuclear conference
189 signatories of Non-Proliferation Treaty back a declaration proposing a 2012 conference to discuss banning nuclear weapons from the Middle East.
By Natasha Mozgovaya and Reuters Tags: Israel news Iran IAEA UNUnited States President Barack Obama said Friday that he 'strongly' opposed efforts to single out Israel on the issue of nuclear non-proliferation and would oppose actions that jeopardize Israel's national security.
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U.S. President Barack Obama in the White House on Thursday, May 27, 2010. |
| Photo by: AP |
"We strongly oppose efforts to single out Israel, and will oppose actions that jeopardize Israel’s national security," Obama said, adding that "the greatest threat to proliferation in the Middle East, and to the NPT, is Iran’s failure to live up to its NPT obligations."
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference adopted Friday a declaration upholding principles of disarmament and calling for an international conference in 2012 with the aim to establish a nuclear-weapon-free Middle East.
The 189 NPT parties also decided to address North Korea in the final declaration, calling on that country to return to negotiations to settle the dispute over its nuclear activities.
The 28-page declaration was adopted by consensus, closing a month of debate that began on May 3. It contains a 22-point action plan.
U.S. National Security Adviser General James L. Jones also deplored the decision to single out Israel, calling the move "gratuitous".
"The failure of the resolution to mention Iran, a nation in longstanding violation of the NPT and UN Security Council Resolutions which poses the greatest threat of nuclear proliferation in the region and to the integrity of the NPT, is also deplorable," Jones said.
Under the NPT's action plan, the five recognized nuclear-weapon states - the United States, Russia, Britain, France and China - commit to speed up arms reductions, take other steps to diminish the importance of atomic weapons, and report back on progress by 2014.
The NPT is intended to stop the spread of atomic weapons, though it allowed the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia to keep their arsenals while calling on them to negotiate on disarmament.
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The nuclear power plant in Dimona. |
| Photo by: Archive |
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon praised the adoption of the declaration and its plan of action.
"A strong spirit of compromise and cooperation has delivered a significant agreement to build a safer and more secure world," Ban said in a statement.
The action plan "lays the solid foundation to further strengthen the treaty and address the challenges ahead," Ban said. He welcomed the nuclear-weapon-states to commit themselves to actions to eliminate nuclear weapons.
Nuclear-weapons-free zones around the world and talks on nuclear disarmament are part of the NPT, which entered into force in 1970, but has so far failed to get the world's five nuclear powers to agree on a legal timetable for a total elimination of nuclear weapons.
Those powers - the United States, Russia, France, China and Britain - still resist pressure by other NPT parties to impose such a timeline.
The NPT conference chairman, Philippine Ambassador Libran Cabactulan, has said that the revised draft declaration was "carefully balanced" to reflect demands by all parties. He said adoption of the declaration would allow "all the seeds of hope planted throughout the conference would bear fruit."
The declaration called on the UN secretary general, the US, Russia and Britain to designate a facilitator to organize the conference in 2012 to be attended by "all" Middle East nations. Those three countries co-sponsored a resolution calling for a nuclear-weapons- free Middle East when the NPT met in 1995.
It said that resolution must be implemented in order to help the peace process in the Middle East region. It called on Israel to sign the NPT and to place "all its nuclear facilities under comprehensive safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)."
The document called for the total elimination of nuclear weapons, weapons of mass destruction, and chemical and biological weapons in the Middle East.
Sticking Points
The creation of a WMD-free zone would eventually force Israel to declare and abandon its atomic bombs. U.S. officials say such a zone could not be created without Mideast peace.
Israel, which like nuclear-armed India and Pakistan never signed the NPT, is presumed to have a sizable nuclear arsenal but neither confirms nor denies its existence.
The Obama administration changed U.S. policy by joining Britain, France, Russia and China in backing a Mideast nuclear conference while encouraging Israel to participate.
"We've got a strong draft that would strengthen all three pillars of the NPT - disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful use of nuclear energy," a diplomat said.
Britain's chief delegate, Ambassador John Duncan, told Reuters the draft text was "unprecedented" in its scope.
The 2005 NPT review collapsed after participants could not agree on a WMD-free zone in the Middle East and in the face developing nations' annoyance with the United States for failing to meet previous disarmament pledges.
The creation of such a zone could ultimately force Israel to sign the 1970 nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and abandon any nuclear weapons it has. But U.S. officials say this could not happen until there was peace in the region.
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Jews are not stupid to commit a suicid
All this Israeli talk about Iranian nukes made sure the attention shifted to Israeli nukes. That was a dumb strategy. It is important to make sure Iran does not develop nuclear bombs, but this automatically means Israel will be asked to report on its own nuclear capacity.
In 2005 Mordechai Vanunu told me: "President Kennedy tried to stop Israel from building atomic weapons. Kennedy insisted on an open internal inspection. "When Johnson became president, he made an agreement with Israel that two senators would come every year to inspect. Before the senators would visit, the Israelis would build a wall to block the underground elevators and stairways. From 1963 to ’69, the senators came, but they never knew about the wall that hid the rest of the Dimona from them. "Nixon stopped the inspections and agreed to ignore the situation. As a result, Israel increased production. In 1986, there were over two hundred bombs. Today, they may have enough plutonium for ten bombs a year." eileen fleming, producer "30" and "13 Minutes with Vanunu" freely streaming @ WeAreWideAwake[dot]org THE VANUNU SAGA 2005-2010
singles out the Jewish people and its individual members from moving into certain neighborhood for no other reason but for the fact that they are Jewish... This used to be the legal practice in Washington, DC until half a century ago. Now, Obama wishes to see this discriminatory attitude (racist one...??) in Jerusalem, DC (Jerusalem, David's City), the capital city of the Jewish people for more than 3,000 years. Here, in Jerusalem, or Zion if you will, Mr. Obama wishes to see Jews reside only in certain designated areas of town.
to a bad joke of the un, kind of goldstone's
Israel's whole appeal against Iran was that "the world" should be concerned about a nuclear intent that was hypothetical at best, and that "the world" demands Iran come clean BEYOND the NPT's inherent obligations. Now, 189 countries have voted to demand Israel uncover its nukes instead of even bothering to lift a finger against Iran. "The World" (US & Israel) turns out isn't representative of the Earth we live on.
He knew the Arab states are out to get Israel and signed it anyway. Iran is laughing all the way to a nuclear bomb.
That is the whole point of other nations, like Iran, trying to obtain a nuke. It is so, at that point, it is in everyone's interest, to get rid of them, or keep them as deterrent.
Well in that case Israel doesn't need to pay attention to this. Just look at any map of the Middle East in Arabic - Israel doesn't exist.
But the Islamist still voted in favor, The "teflon" president's sheen has worn off in the states leading us to have the first one-term president since Bush 1 and a strong contender to replace Carter as the most damaging US president in US history. NoBama 2012
Time to go beddy-bye, Bawacky. Don't forget to bwush your tweeth. Pwesant dweems.
The election for Congress is coming up now is the time for all American Jews to fight against any Congressman or Senator who will not stand up against Obama and before Israel. The Arab world fought for the Nazis and cheered 9/11 why should the US be supportive of this group. It is time for America to stand strong with Israel and not become the Quisling to thugs.
If Israel do not like being singled out for being the only nuclear power in the ME, then that's a problem which can easily be resolved. Just let everybody else have their nukes too, and then all will be singled out together.
Who gives a damn. America is losing power and prestige by the day, even though not military one, Obama has already lost the Charisma (If he had one to start with). One needs to study the History, when British Empire started back sliding. For heaven sakes, he can't even rein in Turkey, let alone Brazil and he is dreaming of taming Iran. But should confess, he can still destroy the plant, humanity and the world many times over.
The description of "peace in the region" is the difficulty. Unless there are international guarantees and UN troops in the ME for a time long enough that everyone begins to interact with and to trust each other, this effort is another waste of time.
....stronbly opposed....., but at the end did not rxercise his veto power instead USA did sign the document. For the very firsth time USA allow Israel to be singled out.
Has now come to see what Israel is going through with these cut-throat regines. Israel & the USA should always keep a strong bond of friendship.
.....the world will judge him on his position on the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the settle- ments, and whether he will have the backbone to push them through, even against the will of the U.S. Congress and the establishment of his own Democratic party. That should be the basis for any fair-minded world citizen to make a (moral) judgement on him.....
The description of "peace in the region" is the difficulty. Unless there are international guarantees and UN troops in the ME for a time long enough that everyone begins to interact with and to trust each other, this effort is another waste of time. Commerece is the best way.
...it is a threat, sign it or face the consequences from the International community (read: the signatories of NNPT with massive amounts of nuclear devices in their stocks). Hypocrisy will only lead to more confrontation and eventually war.
words spoken by a pathological liar.
and he manages to both support and oppose the declaration. All stories about pressures from Egypt were a charade. American Jews: beware! After Congress elections, it's going to be a whole new ball game! "Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice..."
Israel is the only country in the ME to have nuclear weapons - so logic dictates that it can be the only country in the ME to be 'singled out'...
Finally I heard the ultimate: don't touch Israel's national security and stop Iran from proliferating war! And this from who it counts! It feels so nice to spite all the anti-Obama posters herein, all the way from the extreme Right to the extreme Left - the 24/7 permanent ones - who take up all the room, and fill up the hundreds of pathetic votes.... And maybe, just maybe, Haaretz will let this poor post of mine in......for a change.... for respect to Obama.....
You can't talk about "no nukes in the middle east" without talking about Israel's nukes, because only Israel has them. India / Pakistan are not the middle east. And Iran does not have any nukes. So .. that only leaves Israel. Israel is justifiably singled out in a nuclear weapons conference because only Israel has them.
EVERY COUNTRY HAS EQEAL RIGHTS IN NUCLEAR POWER
indeed it cannot... which means that a nuke-free middle east means a nuke-free israel. saying otherwise would single israel out, after all, and obama's just said that he doesn't want that! good, so it's settled. we get ALL middle eastern countries, including israel, to sign the npt and chuck the nukes. fantastic!
No need to panic. Israel is not recognized as part of the Middle East. Because of this, it can not occupy a seat in the Security Council, for example. I'm not the one saying it, the Arabs are. It can not participate in other UN or Middle East forums. Even in football, it plays qualifying games both at the club and national levels in European competitions. Israel is the outsider. Therefore, the Arab-sponsored UN resolution to eliminate nuclear weapons from the Middle East can not affect Israel, because there is no such country in that area. Until this changes, there is nothing to negotiate, and no Arab country can fault this logic. Can anyone inform Bibi and Libermann, please?
White House advisers are already saying that the promised WMD-free zone conference might not even happen. The U.S. is obviously not serious about pressuring Israel to disarm its nuclear arsenal. And as long as the U.S. is willing to provide diplomatic cover, Israel doesn't need to pay any attention to other countries' exhortations for it to disarm.
If you want a nuclear free middle east then it is axiomatic that you want every country in the middle east to sign onto the NTP. So OF COURSE if one country is a "hold out" then that one country is going to be "singled ou"t. Sheesh. How difficult is that to work out?
If Israel signed the NPT, it could veto any resolutions that it opposes.
One cannot address proliferation without addressing causation.
There may be countries that don't like what Iran is doing but everything it is absolutely within its rights under the NPT. If Israel were to sign the NPT it would be automatically in violation. Makes Jones look like a fool when he states they are not in compliance when any one who can read knows thats not true
"The creation of such a zone could ultimately force Israel to sign the 1970 nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and abandon any nuclear weapons it has. But U.S. officials say this could not happen until there was peace in the region." Which, of course, cannot be until the USA stops deploynng troops in Asia.
What did Obama expect when he put Israel on the spot. It's actually good that he now got to see it for himself.
And then Israel will sign the NPT. I am sure it would not take much longer.
Peace is achieved with all neighbors and we agree that peace is stable. Otherwise, we're outnumbered 50 to 1 from all sides.
Israel should to put nuclear warheads at disposal of the United States, provided that the United States pledges to ensure the security of Israel, and pledges to in the event of an attack from a nuclear state or in case of danger threatened their survival or they exist, be in return for signing the Convention by all parties to the Middle East, including Iran and Syria to a joint non-aggression treaty between the parties with ensure from the United States, Russia and China, Israel will be in the solution of them in case they were attacked by any party in the region.
No to nukes,yes to chemicals?Are you serious?
Once upon a time, when I was a young man, Israel had several good reasons to maintain 'ambiguity.' The BIG one was that the USA was pushing the NPT and aiding Israel in violation of it. This is no longer valid. The other was that BEFORE the Yom Kippur War there was no desire in Israel to encourage a nuclear arms race in the Mideast. During the Yom Kippur War Israel delivered via the USA and it's actions at certain facilities the message to the world that it HAD a nuclear deterrent and it would use it if the existence of Israel was at risk. BOTH the USA and the Soviet Union, having satellite imaging of Israeli facilities used that evidence to PROVE to all combatants what would happen if Syrian tanks swarmed down from the Golan or Egypt pushed on towards Israel. From the fall of 1973 there was NO reality to AMBIGUITY. The proverbial cat was out of the bag. Olmert left no 'ambiguity' when he opened his mouth and anyone who pretends to 'ambiguity' now is clearly a fool. Times change. Only idiots don't.
Because they want to wipe it off the map? The difference between Muslims with nuclear weapons, like in Tehran, is that they are intending them for offensive attacks. Israel has them only for defense. Israel should NOT give in to becoming defenceless until... the real means of defence come into play. In a region where your nation's destruction is a popular goal, you're rather justified to have defence against such evil infidels.
THE PROBLEM IS NOT ISRAEL AND NOT INDIA. THE PROBLEM NUKE ARMED "nations" are iran,n.korea,pakistan...The 189 clowns are doing iran's dirty work...NO WAY.ISRAEL MUST DO WHAT IT IS IN ISRAEL'S INTEREST
He ain't got no choice!
It surely would have been impossible for a document to mean anything if Israel were not singled out in the Middle East. It is the only country there with nuclear weapons, and the only ME country not to sign the NPT. The main effect of Israel's nukes is to cause other countries to want them in defence- notably Iran. Give them up and that excuse goes. The deterrence factor is minimal, unless Israel uses them and is willing to be universally despised for generations. Post Nagasaki/ Hiroshima, there is no place for such weapons.
... as, I assume, Mr Obama will be standing for re-election, and needing all the friends he can get - including the US Jewish community. Of course, in politics as in life, he won't get something for nothing, and I am nearly certain he will be placing the 2012 conference plans in his back pocket - most American Jews would be vehemently opposed to rendering Israel defenceless. Regardless, things should improve in November of that year, when Mr Obama is treated to a long retirement pension by the US electorate, and his ideas about unilateral Israeli disarmament treated to deposition in history's dustbin.
It was a South American, African, Middle Eastern, Asian demand. And this time, with the sanctions resolution making it pretty much impossible for the US to completely block things, it had to let the world have a little of what it wanted (the assurance that a ME war won't go nuclear)
OBAMA behind this
...the only state that actually has nuclear weapons. not really a flaw, that's a feature.
I can't imagine the Arabs normalizing relations with Israel unless Israel scraps its nukes.
Why does Israel need nuclear arms? It has proven once that the Arab states governments will not allow Israel to lose a war, and twice that Israel can defeat all Arab armies together. Look at the savings folks.
come out in the open
1) What Israel and the US have done in the past is to announce that they will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons...they do so despite the fact that they own nukes themselves...and despite the fact that they know that the only way to insure success is a military strike. 2) The NPT is worthless...some countries have never signed...N. Korea signed and later withdrew. 3) The real problem Israel faces right now is that she is so dependent on the US for her defense that gives the US influence on Israel in the diplomatic arena. Until Israel can defend herself, by herself...expect American pressure to continue...the pressure comes hand-in-hand with the $$$$$. The common sense lesson here is that..."no one (not even Israel) gets something for nothing"...let the powers that be draft whatever they like...and just say NO.
Remember that Israel isn't the enemy for the West!
The more attention Israel focuses on Israel's own nuke program. Sometimes it is best to know when to stop digging. If Israel continues on their current course, the end result could very well be an Israel stripped of her nuclear deterent.
This will never happen, there isn't any real outside pressure for Israel to get rid of its nuclear arsenal. This could only happen if Israel itself decides to do that.
No Text
Of course, Israel would be insane to co-operate with the request. Whatever it is that she has or doesn't have pretty much guarantees that any attempt to wipe her out is suicide for the aggressor . Might we call that the great equalizer?
I just commented..... but I guess that you didn't like what I said.....because it mysteriously disappeared. We all know that Israel never lies. Who do the people of this planet think they are? Anything that Israel does is right and if anyone disagrees they are obviously anti-semetic and an Israel hater. HAS ANYONE EVER SEEN AN ACTUAL ISRAELI NUKE? OK then shut up !!! As a Catholic (myself) I know that Jesus Christ is comming as soon as Israel has imported every jew in the world to Israel. In fact.....Jesus will be comming out of the sky....flying like superman and boy oh boy is he mad. Jesus will rule the earth like the "new sheriff in town." Yes-sir-eeeee...I can see Jesus there now with a cool black leather gun-belt on packing a pair of real cool 6-shooters (guns). Enough.....Enough....don't get me started...it is all so funny and foolish.... I wish Peace and Love to all....we are all Gods children. The second comming of Christ is when "HIS' spirit enters everyone....and we are all messiahs with the power to change the world through love. (And this is no joke).
There is a big difference between a country that threatens to wipe another off the face of the earth and that looks to dominate all the world, without being immediately threatened by anyone, and a country surrounded by others that don't even accept it's existence and threaten to wipe it out (see first country above): Israel did not use nuclear weapons when it almost lost the Yom Kippur War but relied on conventional warfare. There are already exceptions in countries actions and intentions but you don't know what the word means.
Yes We Can and Cannot
Of course, Israel would be insane to co-operate with the request. Whatever it is that she has or doesn't have pretty much guarantees that any attempt to wipe her out is suicide for the aggressor . Might we call that the great equalizer?
What nuclear ambiguity means to Israel is that their nukes may or may not work. They have never been tested.
Ity has never even been verified that they actually exist.
Could another have covered for them and run the tests. Think about it
Just Shut-Up !
who knos, per eps USA did test for Israel in the past and keeping it secret.
When Iran, Syria and other Arab countries would grow to the level of civilized Western democracies, Israel might consider joining NPT. Until then, dream on. Meantime, let nuclear countries show a good example and disarm themselves.
there objective is served, shia islam wants to rule the world and try to finish what nazi germany failed at.
among the top 5 or 6 countries on the globe. I'm sure you are all pissing down your legs in fright of Yemen or Lebanon. Haven't you destroyed Lebanon twice already? You're like the elephant who's afraid of the mouse.
Those who kill in the name of Islam and those who accept the new land and power the aforementioned killers get through there cowardly actions cannot will not and stand. The other 4 billion people of this earth will grow weary of the attempt by these men of no merit try working for the islamization of the world. Just as before the people will fight back. Just like before they will lose. If they saw reality they would see that they would be better off tending their families and promoting peace, but if they need blood they shall have blood and tears.
Would this mean that your friend, the US, should disarm also.....first?
iran is no arabic country. Surprised you didn't know that by now
Why do you think that Israel’s neighbors should first live to the standard of the Western world for Israel might consider joining the NPT when the NPT is orchestrated by the Western World that always been the back bone of Israel?
The issue is not security through strenght, but security through moral dealings with one's neighbours.
Yes, but it is not a one way street or a one issue arrangement. Peace and security are more complicated.
Tell me slowly, Ivar, what moral dealing means with neighbours that are committed to the elimination of Israel. Not only in principle but in conduct and indeed conduct that pre-dates (but led to) the occupation and which also pre-dated the existence of the state of Israel. These same neighbours, those that apparently are moral, expelled Jews, at least those that were lucky, and stole their property. Israel and the Jewish people are interested first and foremost , for good reason, with the ability to defend themselves. Everything else is secondary.
Guess who is the moron?
If you knew anything about morality, you wouldn't have written this ridiculous opinion.
obama had already stabbed israel in the back numerous times. now, obama is preparing the poisoned chalice for netanyahu. netanyahu will not drink.
Now that's an overwrought comment if there ever was one, and really a good example of what's wrong with the dialogue in the middle east--just too must angst and fear-mongering and name-calling. What's more important is to get the really dangerous arms out of the hands of all these belligerents! I know this writer feels strongly, but it is often such strong feelings that lead to really bad events. Take a breathe!
Netayahu is presently preparing his own poisoned chalice. And digs Israel's grave ever deeper each time he tries to appear an advocate of peace.
exactly how Obama has stabbed Israel in the back?
You're off the mark this time. (If it's really you) It's certainly not your style !
189 Member Nations are demanding to be heard . They all agreed to to the terms of non proliferation and disarmament. For Israel to believe that if Dimona is a 'secret' it exempts them from complying is sheer stupidity. Ahmadinejad is taking full advantage of his veto power.
Where do you learn this hate and paranoia?
israel has none off the big bang boms in qustion. perhapps someone needs to ask when did they see israel make a statement that they wil nuk there enimees
... of hypocrisy
Israel's own prime minister has let slip, on the record, that they do have nukes, when listing nations with nukes, he included Israel, and then looked very embarrassed about it.
I'm sorry, but you have to be pretty naive to believe that. Israel achieved their nuclear option sometime after the start of the Six Day War. By most estimates, they have the fifth or sixth largest nuclear arsenal in the world. Read More...
What Israel should do, consisent with her policy on acknowledging that she has a nuclear arsenal, is indicate that IF she has nuclear weapons, she may or may not disarm.
And this would accomplish _________?
It would remove Israel from the category of Nuclear Renegade Nations. It would also remove the USA from the category of NPT hypocrite nations. Moreover, it would eliminate the specious but potent argument that both the US and Israel have a 'double standard' on the issue of Iran's failure to comply in total with the NPT and it's Additional Protocols.
If Isrel has nukes, she wont disarm; if she doesn't have them, who cares?
Thank you Obama!
Wake up America! Obama is selling out Israel bit by bit.
Obama is not against Israel, but US is now weaker than before, and can not bargain more
Acting on the best interest of the USA is not selling out Israel, it is in fact doing nothing of the sort. Israel must learn that the USA does not exist solely for its benefit, and that if it ever expects to obtain legitimacy it will have to abide by the same set of rules as every one else.
If no Jews voted for Obama, how much difference would it have made?
It baffles me that you Americans can be so obtuse. How can you forget that the people who carried out the 9/11 attrocities came from Egypt and Saudi Arabia, while the Palestinians danced in the streets and handed out candy. These are the parties that are trying to undermine the nuclear deterrent of Israel. Israel has always been your ally. In my country we do not so easily forget where the Mumbai terrorists came from. We will never give up our nuclear deterrent no matter how much the Chinese protest, and if Mr Obama does not like our deterrent than that's not our problem. I don't see why Israel should do anything different just because Egypt and Saudi Arabia - countries that Israel has not initiated hostile action towards in more than 30 years, or because Iran and Libya - some of the clearly most anti-democratic countries in the world, are protesting.
then you need your head examined. Try reading this Krauthammer column in the Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/20/AR2010052003885.html
Israel must stop whining and pleading for the US to save it from its own stupidity. Act like a grown up nation if You want to be one.
Why shouldn't Israel join the NPT as a nuclear weapons state? The only harm would come if Israel had none. As a nuclear weapons state Israel's weapons complex would be exempt from inspection. Israel's REAL research reactor, IRR-1, at the Soreq Nuclear Research Center is already under IAEA safeguards. Israel could make a major propaganda coup by ending it's pathetic 'ambiguity' which exists only in the fevered imagination of some Israelis.
never.
never.
never.
The NPT does not permit any new signatories to opt-in to nuclear weapons status and you can't apply for a membership upgrade. That is why Pakistan and India didn't sign and North Korea left the treaty. The only way Israel can sign on is as one of the 185 declared non-nuclear members and all that implies. Adding Israel or any other country as a nuclear power requires a new treaty or amended treaty and there could never be a consensus for either.
Why no Cipora? Everyone who has watched Israeli developments for the last 50 years knows that Israel has built the necessary industrial capabilities to produce nuclear weapons. Everyone knows the knebbish Olmert blabbed out the truth. What is the point of maintaining an 'ambiguity' which exists ONLY in the IMAGINATION of a few Israelis?
Sensible thought.
It is precisely this type of knee jerk reaction which makes the ME problems unsolvable.
never...!!! wake up israel. the monent the us comes to its senses, the games over for you. your arrogance blinds you. and rember israel is not china
That's what I've been saying all along.
yes
Very eloquent - but could you expand a little on the never theme?
It makes perfect sense.
Yeah great, terrific, everybody will say bravo to Israel and clap hands for five minutes before the Arabs start their attack. You should remember before you chat dribble that Israel were nearly defeated in 1973, and there were NO threats from Israel about using Nukes.
looks like the international community has finally had enough of america's "do as i say, not as i do" idiocy.
you think obama didnt know of this all along? it's his MO....his grand strategy....use the UN as cover for distancing himself from israel. Jesse jackson said he would and he is turning out to be so right, even though obama himself distanced himself from jacksons comments during the campaign for the presidency. come on people...this man is an arabist and NOT to be trusted.
Limiting battleships and heavy cruisers stimulated the development of aircraft carrier and long range bomber aviation. Like the tax code, closing one loophole stimulates the search for even more lucrative one.
True, several nations turned battle cruisers into aircraft carriers because of the Washington Treaty. The treaty DID achieve it's primary goal which was to limit expenditures on the most expensive of weapons systems for a period needed for economic recovery by the nations which had suffered WW I. The NPT places little limit upon any nation already possessing nuclear weapons when adopted. They are restricted from sales of nuclear technology to non-signatories. Big deal. Aside from that they are pledged to work towards disarmament which no one takes seriously. So why not? Israel is no longer in a comfy relationship with South Africa. The USA has made it perfectly acceptable for a signatory to supply nuclear technology to India. Where is the negative for Israel Doctor Klein? Israel already HAS a mutually satisfactory relationship with the IAEA for safeguards over it's NON-WEAPONS nuclear program. Dimona is off limits, it would still be off limits. Every nation in the world and any person who has a clue seeing the overhead photos commercially available knows what the photos of Dimona show. Israel would rob the Iranians and their friends of the spurious argument that there is a 'double' standard by becoming a signatory. All that is at 'risk' is a policy which had a VERY sound reason 40 years ago, but has no rational purpose now. The USA no longer finds it necessary to have Israel protect it from being embarrassed by it's support of a NPT renegade nation. Time for Israel to stop being a renegade nation and become an admitted nuclear power.
A nuclear-free middle east is in everyone's interest. How can all the countries condemn Iran while completely ignoring Israel's massive stockpile? This is the correct decision and demonstrates that the World is serious about reigning in nuclear weapons, NO EXCEPTIONS for anyone.
Israel should have nuclear weapons because her very existance is threatened. The threats are real, as demonstrated by the aggressive nature of her neighbours and the history of the Jewish people. The only threat that Iran faces is from its own government and the religious establishment in that country. Its not a double standard to leave weapons with those who are threatened and who have for decades demonstrated responsible non-use of those weapons, whilst at the same time keeping weapons out of the hands of mad-men (as in much of the Islamic world). It would not be in Israel's interest for her to be without very serious weaponry that could help equalize the battlefield. Without those weapons the sheer numbers, size and wealth of the insane, belligerent and delusional countries and peoples that surround her, would be a recipe for yet another slaughter house experience.
israel can keep an arsenal of nuclear weapons safe and does not actively provoke fear of usage, whereas surrounding countries including Iran should be leaving the world trembling in fear of deliberate murder with said weapons. this, my friend, is cause for exception.
Iran will use their weapons! That's the difference!
David, lets discuss Israel after China, US, Russia, UK, Pakistan, and all other nations are nuke free. What people tend to forget is the why behind the Israeli program. Every Arab state is sworn to its destruction. Israel lives in a state of constant threat, what threat does the US, UK, Russia, and China have? Wake up and smell the Hummus already
cant you ever be REAL !!!
"A nuclear-free middle east is in everyone's interest." - David Dave, how long has it been since there was a major war between an Arab military power and Israel? Answer: since Israel has had a nuclear deterrent. "How can all the countries condemn Iran while completely ignoring Israel's massive stockpile? - Dave Israel has no 'massive' stockpile. It has a sufficient number of strategic weapons to deter aggression and enough tactical weapons to defeat it if it is not deterred. "This is the correct decision and demonstrates that the World is serious about reigning in nuclear weapons, NO EXCEPTIONS for anyone." - Dave Get real Dave, the NPT does nothing to reign in those who already possess weapons. It only limits their spread.
what are you waiting for...the iranies to nuke israel...maybe...and then your condemnetion will undoubtedly be with crocodile tears. Israel is the homeland of a proud jewish nation which will never nuke its neighbors and will never allow then to nuke it ...kapich...... david
And needs no chaperone. And a nuclear-free midle-east is not in everyone's interest, only the Arab interest, because they don't know how to build one.
Like you've seen the stockpile !! Israel has never confirmed or denied it has Nukes, and if it doesn't have Nukes, it's a very smart deterrent.
You can't ask for equality when there is not. If Israel wanted to kill people, it would have used their nuclear weapons already. Instead, every weapon or rocket our neighbors have, they throw it to Israel. Imagine with nuclear weapons...
you must be dreaming! AIPAC+Zionist Congressmen will never permit this to happen
More and more the Jewish voice of dissent is being heard concerning Gaza and the Settler Policy of successive Israeli governments.However that's where it stops. Don't pretend you don't know that a Non Nuclear Israel is an Antisemites dream come true.
Zionist Congressmen, what a load of crap. How many congressmen are there and which one's are Zionists? Just because the U.S. congress overwhelmingly wants to protect Jews and understands that Israel is faced by real, barbarous and deadly threats from looney and violent neighbours, doesn't mean that they are Zionists. Unless, of course, your definition of Zionist is someone who wants to prevent the wholesale slaughter and abuse of Jews. Of course, that essentially sums up the notion of Zionism in the Islamic world. And, you know what, that is entirely accurate. Zionism is all about a strategy by Jews to give them a fighting chance. In any event, pressure all you like. It ain't going to happen.
Seems every time Obama makes a decision, it is against Israel. Hopefully in November he will lose his clout.
The Pro-Settler/ Pro-Apocalypse Americans need quit smoking that YahWeh Pipe, and join the 21st century. Hint "Judea, and Samaria = Incoherent Taliban-esqe babbling about 'God gave us this land'" whether it is Jewish, or Evangelical. "
Tony, 40 years ago the USA was in a position of promoting the NPT and helping Israel violate the NPT. Thus the USA needed Israel to have a position of 'ambiguity' to save American face. After 40 years only nut cases believe that 'ambiguity' and it has NO rational purpose. Indeed, that 'ambiguity' allows you to make specious arguments about a 'double standard.' After 40 years it is indisputable that Israel is a responsible nuclear weapons power. There are few nations in the region who have fear of an unprovoked Israeli attack. Israel has, by it's actions, proven it has a DETERRENT force, not a force created for aggression. Yes, America is under 'pressure' from all sides and from inside, to stop appearing to be a hypocrite, tool, and fool. The best thing that could happen for the USA now is for Israel to stop it's antiquated and self-defeating policy of 'ambiguity' and admit to what everyone knows.
No! Never! Well .... Hardly ever. Maybe.