Would Iran be so open about its nuclear ambitions and its hatred of Israel if...?

Question

... the USA did not invade Iraq, and had a totally different image on the world stage. And was not mired in a war with no end in sight?

What I mean is, Iran (and North Korea) both seem to be exploiting the fact that the USA is just not in a position politically or militarily to launch another war.

What do you think?

Answer 1

How stretched the conventional military may be has little bearing on the politics of nuclear proliferation. The pattern is simple. The nation aspiring to join the nuclear club claims to be researching nuclear power for peaceful purposes, the UN, at worst, sends in some inspectors who are stymied and decieved at every turn, then the nation eventually withdraws from the treaty and joins the club.

Iran - in spite of what's going on in Iraq - has not changed that tune. They still insist that thier program is for peaceful purposes.

Answer 2

Your premise is incorrect. It is not the perceived inability of the US to handle another war that has emboldened Iran and North Korea. Iran has watched and learned from Iraq, North Korea and other nations when dealing with the United Nations. They have learned about the corruption and lack of will power that runs rampant within the UN. They watched as Saddam Hussein received warning after warning and laughed them all off. They watched the process of North Korea in their lies, stand-offs, and delay tactics while pursuing nuclear weapons.

North Korea itself has an agenda which is nearly devoid of outside influences. The have had so many injunctions and sanctions placed on them that what they are doing now is merely for survival. Any benefits or easing of restrictions will only help to delay their progress to nuclear weapons. They do not feel like they have anything to lose by continuing to research nukes.

Answer 3

USA backed Iraq vs Iran in the Iran/Iraq war, doesn't really relate to Israel, but it's among the reasons why Iran hates the USA

Answer 4

Iran claims they want uranium for power generation. So they are not very open. And they hated Israel all along. hard to keep that a secret. North Korea may be in the verge of disarmament. (Thanks to European diplomats). so while a agree with your stance on the war, the premise of this question need some work.

Answer 5

Just another attempt to blame America for what that crazy terrorist Ahmadinnejad does. It's either America is doing something, or America is not doing something that casues all the bad things in the world to happen. Meanwhile Iran is building nukes, and Ahmadinnejad says he will use them. When the middle east goes up in a nuclear pall I suppose it will be all our fault, no matter what we do.

Answer 6

Now I have heard it all. The latest theory is 531,000 and I have as much proof as you do that all the want is power. They are one of the nations that has come to realize that they need electricity to be competitive in the world. They have told those who will listen their intentions to contribute to the world. They have products to trade and ideas that we should hear. This a good time for them to deal with the world and prove their worth.

Answer 7

They have been open since they overthrew the Shah that was our ally, each time we placate or appease them it just makes them take another step. Each time we ignore them, as we have for quite a few presidents, they get more brazen. It's not about Iraq.

Answer 8

the axis of evil speech didn't help matters. i think Irans leaders would still hate Israel though.