Dangerous race

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Dangerous race

Former US president Jimmy Carter has recently disclosed that Israel has no less than 150 nuclear bombs in its possession.

He of course knows, or should know, the status of Israel’s nuclear arsenal.

One hundred and fifty nuclear bombs are enough to blow many countries in the Middle East and beyond to smithereens.

By acquiring such a large number of atomic bombs, Israel has made its intentions clear: it does not seek a nuclear deterrent only, it rather builds an arsenal that would allow it to go into offensive against neighbouring countries and beyond.

Is there any wonder other nations in the region are rushing to acquire their own military nuclear technology?

Iran stands out as having the most ambitious programme to develop nuclear technology. The International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN nuclear watchdog, has recently confirmed that Tehran had not coming clean on its nuclear plans and suspects the country is concealing the true status of its nuclear programme.

There is consensus in the Middle East and beyond that Iran will, sooner or later, acquire the nuclear bomb. It is almost a foregone conclusion. When that happens, other countries in the region will feel the heat and start developing their own nuclear response.

Israel has no doubt started this nuclear proliferation when it embarked on its programme decades ago.

The Jewish state bears the main responsibility for the nuclear race in the region; when the area will be saturated with nuclear bombs, 150 or 1,500 weapons in its possession will not make a big difference.

30 May 2008