This is a map of the EU. It shows Georgia and Poland the two nations Bush proposes to place the missile defense shield. Also to note is Turkey. Why would Iran say anything regarding an issue some distance from it's borders and with of all countries, Russia? Because Russia is an Iranian ally and when Russia is threatened so is Iran. Iran also feels the USA breathing down it's neck. If Bush believes for one minute threatening Russia is going to make things easier in Iraq, he can forget it. The more Bush squeezes both Iran and Russia to war, the worse the circumstances of the people of Iraq and more likely of USA, Iranian and Russian confrontation.
Of course this is the 'fear' regarding Iran. However, it's necessary to realize during the 'fishing' expedition in Maine, Putin stated he would assist with Iranian nuclear issues.
IAEA Chief Receives Award from Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (click here)
Citation Recognizes Dr. ElBaradei's Contribution to International Cooperation
IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei has received an award from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for his 'Contribution to International Cooperation'. The award recognizes Dr. ElBaradei's "high professional skill, broad range of vision, fidelity of principles, ability through dialogue to find ways to solutions of the most complicated international problems with the aim of the use of atomic energy for the welfare of mankind and prosperity all over the world"....
This is not an empty gesture by Russia. It has high hopes for surmounting the issue of World Peace. Russia wants disarmament. Russia has a program to supply fuel rods to any nation that wants nuclear power and they will remove the used rods for disposal. At one time, Russia was hoping Iran would become a partner with this plan, however, Iran is so paranoid of invasion under it's current president of any attempt by the West or Sunni nations, Iran insists on it's own nuclear enrichment facility. So, basically, if anyone wants to say, Russia is trying to gain faux favor with the IAEA; they are grossly wrong. While Putin has had both his oars in the water trying to stop the insanity in the Middle East over nuclear proliferation, Bush has done nothing but provoked same. Currently, India is attempting to be the new 'nuclear warehouse' to the Middle East.
King urges speeding up nuclear energy programme (click here)
....The national nuclear energy strategy involves five components, the first of which is energy generation designed to meet the growing demand for electric power and water desalination, Touqan told the meeting.
The second is the utilisation of uranium, available in large quantities in the country, especially in the vast deposits of phosphates.
The third component covers the cycle of nuclear fuel and processing nuclear waste in accordance with international standards.
According to the minister, the fourth element of the strategy deals with the Kingdom’s readiness to prepare the required studies and invest in qualifying Jordanian human resources in the field of nuclear energy.
The fifth component tackles securing the needed funds for the project without straining the treasury with any extra financial burdens, according to the minister.
In April, the Lower House endorsed the nuclear energy draft law founding the commission, whose duties include handling technology transfer of peaceful nuclear energy use and starting investment projects in the field of electricity generation and water desalination, as well as in the agriculture sector and medical industry.
During his visit to the Kingdom in April, Mohammad Al Baradei, head of the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed support for the Kingdom’s efforts to develop a peaceful nuclear programme.
King Abdullah, during talks with Baradei, said Jordan, an IAEA member and a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, will become a regional model for the peaceful use of nuclear energy in line with international rules.
With all due respect for any Arab leader capable of acquiring peaceful nuclear power, there is no reason for them to explore that venue of energy. There are more ways alternative energies can be harnessed in The Middle East that should be explored first, which are far more economical to build. In my opinion, these are all the beginnings of nuclear proliferation regardless the treaty.
