why do americans think...?

Question

that they are within their rights to threaten nuclear war on countries suspected of developing nuclear weapons.

self appointed "watchdog"

surely other countries should be allowed the same "deterrant" that you have.

never mind the fact that you have actually USED them before

Answer 1

Because we are the watch-dog for nations who cannot defend themselves.

Answer 2

No Americans I know are threatening nuclear war on anyone.

And whether we have the right to do so and whether we should do so are separate issues.

We have the right to protect ourselves. In the case of Iran, for example, the public intelligence alone is roughly enough to suggest an immanent threat. Ahmadenejad's own blog has said that he believes we are aboutt o see the Battle of teh Apocalypse and that Iran will fight for God and the US is the great Satan and that Islam will finally win out over the forces of Satan. Additionally, there was internal evidence leaked from Iran's own ministries over Israel's invasion of Lebanon last year that indicates they do, in fact, want nuclear weapons for the upcoming confrontation with Israel and the US. (They opposed Israel and Lebanon agreeing to a cease fire because it made the case for a nuclear Iran harder to take before the international community.)

Should we launch a conventional war or a nuclear war against Iran over this? definitely not, at least at this stage. As with North Korea, most of the conflict seems to come from the lack of autonomy and security felt by the side with less military power. The US meddling in Iran's affairs first with the Shah and then the Contras has not done wonders for their willingness to trust us, big shocker. I think a little de-escalation is called for in order to assuage fears of American neo-imperialism. However, (1) we can't deter Al Qaeda and appease Iran because we physically can only have one central armament policy and (2) the party in charge of the American government believes deterrence and intimidation cannot be dropped in favor of cooperation and helping the other party feel more secure.

Which directly contradicts the book of Micah, which Christians would do well to read in light of current geopolitical problems.

Answer 3

First of all, American policy since the end of the second war is that if a weapon of mass destruction is unleashed upon America, america will respond in kind. Since nuclear weapons are america's only WMD's--we would respond to a WMD attack in theory with a nuke. And no--nuclear weapons should not be allowed to proliferate. There are countries in this world which seek to motivate by force and fear--America is not one of them--Allowing rogue countries to develop nuclear weapons would make about as much sense as have let Adolph Hitler develop nuclear weapons. Won't happen.

Answer 4

Power always makes people arrogant and arrogance brings down fall of nations. Luckily forefathers of America wrote a very good constitution that has the checks and balances of new elections every four years. This way the bad government gets changed.

In previous system of Monarchism a bad King wouldn't leave until he died and by then he damanged the country badly. Their consitution was the word of King or the desires of his advisors.

Answer 5

Because they are following the age old rule of survival of the fittest, its just a natural response to danger.

Why were the cavemen who first honed the use of spears within their rights to threaten non spear carrying cavemen who were sharpening sticks?

Primoa - We are the only country to use Nuclear weapons offensively in history, so your statement isn't exactly backed up by history.

Answer 6

We don't. Which country have we threatened with a nuclear attack because they were suspected of developing nuclear weapons?

Answer 7

Two words. Nuclear F***ing Weapons.

America's got 'em. They don't want anyone else to get 'em. That gives them the right.

As much as I disagree with almost every American foreign policy, I gotta say I don't mind this one so much.

I'm not that crazy about the Americans having nuclear weapons, but if they can keep every ten-cent dictator and whack-job religious nut from getting their hands on atomic weapon capability, then I'm all for it.

Answer 8

The average American does not think that way. We know our governments screwed up. But the average citizen here has less of a voice than other countries seem to think we have. Sure we have a voice...but our leaders don't listen!

besides...who has the cojones to take ours away?

Answer 9

Because those countries have already admitted that they want to use them to wipe out Israel and that America would be next.

And the leaders of those countries think they've been "annointed" to do so. They are trying to bring about the coming of their messiah through their own efforts.

As far as Israel goes, it is predicted that no one (not even America) will come to it's rescue when they are attacked, read Ezekiel 38-39.

Answer 10

they threaten the fact that nuclear war would be inevitable if other countries arm nuclear weapons. the whole point America is trying to make is to disarm countries of nuclear weapons to stop nuclear war from happening. our forces of retaliation would be war, but we wouldn't use our nuclear weapons. it wouldn't make sense.

Answer 11

Because they think they rule the world. They don't.

Netty but who elected the government? Was it not the American majority????