America, I am quite concerned for our great nation and the world when considering a nuclear Iran. As I sat in class today, I had an excellent professor explain to me the intricacies of US involvement in the region. It was probably the most enjoyable lecture ever, and I have never thought that much about geopolitics as I did today. First, let me, as the professor did, introduce you to the three major factions of Iranian society.

President Ahmadinejad and his cronies belong to the longstanding conservative moment in the country. It is ruled by the Ayotollah with an iron fist, complete with the Gestapo-like henchman who compose the Revolutionary Guard. Secondly, we have the reform movement, which has been spearheaded by Mr. Mousavi. Lastly, we have nearly everyone else, who are lumped into the group called, “Regime Changers”, these are the brave youths running around the streets of Tehran in protest. Until recently, the conservatives and reformers were nearly identical (Mr. Mousavi was the PM of Iran twenty years ago and was close friends with the Ayotollah). The interesting thing happening now, is that the conservative leaders are becoming marginalized by the vast majority of the population. What we have here is the fracturing of Iran, a nation whose people overwhelmingly oppose the government.

Let me transition to the American state of mind in which Iran is considered an enemy. Iran’s nuclear ambition is simply one of the most dangerous issue facing American foreign policy. We, or President Obama, have tough decisions to make, and I am here to analyze the outcomes of each.

First, we must acknowledge that a nuclear Iran not only bolsters its status as a rogue nation, but increases the chance that terrorists may acquire nuclear technology.I doubt Iran would ever launch a missile at the United States (maybe Israel), but stateless actors (Al Qaeda, etc) certainly possess the stubbornness necessary to attack the US via dirty bomb, suicide attack, or however they wish. That’s why the United States must be involved in nuclear non-proliferation, not because of the “Axis of Evil”, but beacuse of the inforamtion those states may share with terrorist counterparts. You may say, “Ok then, what about North Korea”? Well friend, North Korea does not have ties with Islamo-fascist militias, nor does it play an important role in geopolitics. However, Iran’s relationship with these savage militias makes me unconfortable, and for this egotistical regime to obtain nuclear capabilitis would be dangerous for all mankind.

Option 1 – US stays out of Iranian Affairs and Tries to Contain Movement

This may seem to the be least violent of the upcoming options, but it may prove to the most hazardous to world peace. If the Obama administration allows this dictatorship to flourish and revel in its self-perceived rightousness, the tyrant that is Iran will only become more deadly. How is it possible to contain terror? How can jihadists be prevented from spreading their ideas? They have the internet, they have political leverage, they have a wanna-be hollywood director filming Osama bin Laden. Containment here will be like containment during the Cold War. Containment is unattainable. (Nice play on words huh).

Option 2 – US warns Iran of Nuclear Development. If it is not stopped, let the Air Assault begin.

This method would be conducted in a similar fashion to the 1998 US attacks on Iraq and the 1981 Israeli destruction of Iraqi nuclear plants. In no way possible should Iran develop nuclear capabilities, and the US and its allies must do everything it can to prevent the construction of such dangerous weapons. This option, however, may further infuriate the Islamo-fascists across the Middle East, leading to even greater amounts of hatred towards the US. This plan may include an ultimatum, say a year or to to cease nuclear production.

Option 3 – The US must beg, borrow, and deal with other nations to ensure they will not help Iran build nuclear weaponry.

A path was taken in the right direction today, when President Obama and Dmitri Medvedev  agreed on stricter sanctions when dealing with Iranian trade. We must not let sanctions get in the way however, as they hurt all Iranians, not only the ruling regime. This route will must likely include other neutral nations at the roundtable. To avoid war, the West must be able to make some concessions- only however, if Iran halts its nuclear ambitions.

I seriously hope war can be avoided. Israel however, has its trigger finger ready. The new task at hand may not be preventing the Iranians from getting weaponry, but preventing Israel from prematurely attacking Iran. If that were to happen, their is little the US can do. It seems the only way to avoid war would be to concede something to Iran, but wouldn’t that be appeasement?* If Iran wants a greater share of Caspian oil revenues, so be it. It it wants more trade with the West, fine. The US must do everything it can to avert nuclear proliferation in Iran, but it must not become a push-over. This is the greatest nation in history, and I would like to see it live on into eternity. Peace and diplomacy must always come before aggression. However, the Iranians are giving us little choice. 

*By no means do I believe the US should admit its wrong (I do not) , or act as Britain during the 30s and appease Mahmoud like what was done with Hitler. No, the US must stand strong and put all options on the table. The most important thing is preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear technology, which they may then pass off to terrorists.

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