The idea that Iran feels itself bound by this treaty in any way at this point is absurd. "Bracing for Penalties, Iran Threatens to Withdraw From Nuclear Treaty," from the New York Times, with thanks to Banafsheh Zand-Bonazzi:
TEHRAN, Feb. 11 — Iran's president warned on Saturday that Iran could withdraw from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty if international pressure increased over its nuclear program.His threat was a significant escalation of the government's previous position that it would only stop complying with spot inspections of military installations and sites it has not declared to be part of its nuclear program. The warning also raised the specter that Iran was considering following a strategy set by North Korea three years ago.
In a speech to tens of thousand of demonstrators who had gathered to mark the 27th anniversary of the Islamic revolution, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad also staked out a broader path of resistance if penalties are imposed against Iran.
Evoking the possibility of penalties and international ostracism, he insisted that the country would continue its nuclear activities and urged Iranians to brace for tough times.
"The Islamic Republic has continued its program within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the nonproliferation treaty," he said in the speech, which was broadcast live on state television. "But if we see that you want to use the NPT regulations to deprive us of our rights, know that the people will revise their policy in this regard."
"I ask our dear people to prepare themselves for a great struggle," he added, evoking the possibility of international penalties. "Fasten your seat belts and pull up your sleeves."
Good advice for the entire world.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators, the NYT noted.
Best taken with yesterday's item, "Iranians show massive rejection of the Islamic regime at the occasion of its 27th birthday":
http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/010176.php
Yes, along with the core group of fanatics, tens of thousands of paid or coerced demonstrators--some of them "professional demonstrators"-- were brought from around the country to fill out a demonstration in a city of 12 million (Tehran) that was mostly blowing it off.
NO!!! They wouldn't dare!
Of course they would. When was the last time the the United Nations of the Third World got tough with an Islamic state? The 1990s, when Sadman Insane was dictator. Boy, did the United Nations of the Thrid World show him. especially the way that they punished him with that "food for oil" program. Sadman Insane was fusing all the way to the World bank! Kofi Annan knew how much Mr. Insane was upset. He was stand in the line next to him.
oh really does it surprise anyone moron that iran would dare start up it nuclear program.. bomb the sobs now, give them that they want onto others..
Islam is a peaceful regligion. And the Iranian nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
No need for penetrating Iranian airspace...just program the coordinates into one of our Trident subs and kapoosh. Hopefully take a few thousand of the sand junkies along. But we are a peaceful nation.....until provoked and their psyco Iranian President needs a sock stuffed up his
sheethead.
Interesting point in BBC article on this: an Iranian commentator said they want nuclear power for their needs in 20 years time. Not now! So what will happen to increase the needs that much? No development of solar and wind power, lack of contraception use, oil dwindling? I wonder to what extent living (and breeding) within one's means is considered by these people.
Oh I forgot - they need to take over partly by the 'peaceful' method of producing more children than any nation should these days...
Lillith-
Iran is also working on ways to turn Danish wind-turbine technology toward a pressing need they anticipate in the future:
-a better way to behead more people more efficiently with less energy expenditure.
Picture endless vistas of shiny rotating propellors, turned sideways, positioned about 5 feet off the ground, and powered by nuclear reactors... all sharpened and ready for more dissidents than you could shake a Shi'ite at.
That's what they really need the atomic power for.