Originally Posted by Trumble

Israel is now the world's fourth largest weapons exporter and make far more of their own kit than most other countries. But never let the facts get in the way of a good argument, hmm?

Originally Posted by Ninth_Scribe

I'm kind of fuzzy on the whole subject. I do know these facts:

1. The nuclear program of Iran was launched in the 1950s with the help of the United States as part of the Atoms for Peace program.

2. Iran ratified the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty in 1970, and since February 1992 has allowed the IAEA to inspect its nuclear facilities.

3. Iranian officials have little confidence in the international community because of its behavior during the 1980s Iran-Iraq war.

So, from what I can tell, we helped Iran build it. They agreed to sign the treaty in 1970. They got into an argument with us (1980s Iran-Iraq war). Then we decided they couldn't have it. Gee... sounds like we rule the whole world, lol. We did that to Saddam Hussein too, didn't we? We took his side in the Iran-Iraq war but when he didn't behave the way we wanted, we handed him over to be hung?

You know, far be it for me to decide on these issues, but I have to agree with Osama bin Laden here when it comes to U.S. involvement in the Middle East because the United States is really schizophrenic. They NEVER really help. So, let me see if I have their argument squared here. They think that because a government that no longer exists signed a treaty, the new government has to keep it? But Israel doesn't because they would never sign it? And they're America's favorite??? Hahahahahahaha! Man, do I hate my government!

The Ninth Scribe

Originally Posted by Ayoub

Got some proof to back that up?

Originally Posted by Ayoub

Got some proof to back that up?

Originally Posted by Izyan

We took both sides in Iran-Iraq war. The philosophy the US had at the time that if they destroyed each other it would have been a good thing. I don't agree with this policy. As for the NPT, you are right the program was started in the 50's and scrapped when the Shah was kicked out. The US is under no obligation to help anyone but itself. The problem Iran has is that it was developing a nuclear program without inspection as specified in the NPT for a number of years. To this day the IAEA says that Iran is not turning over all the documents and are blocking them from important sites. Read the report that was put out a couple of days ago. Pakistan didn't sign the NPT either should we forcibly remove their nukes too? I mean if we are gonna take them away from Israel they should go in Pakistan right?

Originally Posted by Ninth_Scribe

Thank you for clearing that up for me. I had often speculated that the U.S. were behaving like war lords in that they seemed to be profiting from weapons sales and to more than one party, but it's encouraging to hear that I'm not the only person on the planet that has noticed that. I'll study the report, but I wasn't suggesting that these countries should disban their weapons. I was merely saying that I see a major contradiction in how the U.S. determines who should or shouldn't have them.

Do you think it would help if Iran openly denounces the treaty that was signed by the last government?

The Ninth Scribe

Originally Posted by Ninth_Scribe

Thank you for clearing that up for me. I had often speculated that the U.S. were behaving like war lords in that they seemed to be profiting from weapons sales and to more than one party, but it's encouraging to hear that I'm not the only person on the planet that has noticed that. I'll study the report, but I wasn't suggesting that these countries should disban their weapons. I was merely saying that I see a major contradiction in how the U.S. determines who should or shouldn't have them.

Do you think it would help if Iran openly denounces the treaty that was signed by the last government?

The Ninth Scribe

Originally Posted by Izyan

Iran can opt out of the treaty at anytime like North Korea did. By the way it's not a muslim thing because the US has never raised a fuss about Pakistan having nukes. It kinda makes you nervous when a country that chants "Death to America" is trying to make mukes.

Originally Posted by MTAFFI

When they do, they will be condemned by the international committee and a war from somewhere is all but definite, I personally believe it will be Israel attacks all POI

Originally Posted by Ninth_Scribe

Yes, I tend to agree especially after their attack on Syria. What annoys me is that every nation in the world minds it's own business when Israel does this, but they jump on the other middle eastern countries whenever they express the slightest hostility towards precious Israel, even if the hostility is tantamount to: I'm sick of their s--t.

The Ninth Scribe

Originally Posted by MTAFFI

it does become a bit monotonous doesn't it

Originally Posted by Ninth_Scribe

Do you think it would help if Iran openly denounces the treaty that was signed by the last government?

Originally Posted by Ninth_Scribe

Yes, it does... one reason why I love your sig: War does not determine who is right - only who is left.

The Ninth Scribe

Originally Posted by Trumble

The fact it was signed by a previous government is pretty much irrelevant; if that represented a reason in itself for abandoning treaties international diplomacy would collapse uncer its own weight of constant re-negotiation.