Quote:
Originally Posted by timhaughton
If I was the leader of an oil rich nation, and if the US didn't like me, I'd be trying to get a nuke too. There doesn't seem to be any other mechanism to prevent illegal assaults.
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Really? Let's examin that propsition, shall we. 1979. Iran, an oil rich nation takes an overt step toward war with the USA by seizing its embassy in violation of international law and its treaty obligations with the US, but it has no significant nuclear weapons program. During the 1980s and 1990s Iran supplies terrorist organizations with money, training and weapons to strike at the US and our allies, yet has no significant nuclear weapons program. At no time did the US invade Iraq. In the 2000s, Iran starts to act seriously about acquiring a nuclear weapon and the US along with our European allies begins pushing back through diplomatic means. The US and UK indicate that force is not off the table.
Now, if you are thinking logically, the conclusion you have to draw is that a little terrorism, and a little propaganda will not get you invaded, but serious pursuit of a nuclear weapon will certainly get the US upset enough to do real harm to your economy and at least threaten an invasion.