Netanyahu's UN speech: no 'red line', zero tolerance for Iran's nuclear program
Hassan Rouhani's election as Iran's new president was welcome in his own country and in the international community. His speeches at home and in New York, especially his address to the UN General Assembly, demonstrate the determination of a nation, isolated for too long, to open its doors and to cooperate, contribute and share with the rest of the world.
Rouhani's message is also good news for Israel. No threats from Iran, no plans to build nuclear weapons, condemned in a 'fatwa' by the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, for Israel's prime minister, Benyamin Netanyahu, the Iranians are untrustworthy hypocrites, President Rouhani 'a wolf in sheep's clothing'. In his own speech at the UN General Assembly a few days ago Netanyahu revealed an even more radical position than last year. The 'red line' (iranium enrichment) Iran should not cross, has disappeared. Now, Netanyahu has zero tolerance for Iran's nuclear program. Quotes: 'First, cease all iranium enrichment.' - Iran should not even have 'a residual capability to enrich iranium.' All facilities should be dismantled and scrapped. Military attacks against Iran are an option.
Netanyahu does not seem to realise that times have changed. He does not have the support of President Obama, who seeks a peaceful solution. Iran's right to have a nuclear program for peaceful purposes, based on the NPT-Treaty, has been recognised by all permanent members of the UN Security Council. Iran wants peace and prosperity, not war.
Manfred Liebig
Freiburg, Germany
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