Gary Fitleberg, December 7, 2003

The United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, is divided over an Iran Resolution. The board failed to agree on the condemnation language to be used in the resolution for Iran concealing its nuclear activities.

The United States wants the motion to harshly condemn the nation’s secret activities and declare it as non-compliant paving the way to a U.N. Security Resolution. The head of the agency and others disagreed, fearing that harsh wording might back fire.

The U.S. also accused the agency of undercutting its own credibility by denying that it had uncovered evidence that Iran was seeking atomic weapons.

The IAEA leaked to the media a report that stated Iran had concealed a uranium enrichment program in existence for eighteen years. The report further detailed many other examples of concealment. Iran’s lack of complete disclosure did not meet its obligations pursuant to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Some of those activities appear to be clearly designated as evidence of an attempt to develop nuclear weapons.

Officials within the IAEA debated extensively a key portion of the report before its completion and apparently found "no evidence" of a nuclear program but noted that further investigation was necessary before a final determination. The report stated a pattern of concealment.

The Bush administration has accused Iran of attempting to develop nuclear weapons. The U.S. remains convinced that Iran has been operating a covert weapons program under the control of its military. The U.S. is pushing the IAEA to pass a tough resolution condemning Iran.

The Bush administration made a pledge to act tough on terrorism. By investigating Iran the U.S. remains true to its commitment. Iran is one of the largest state-sponsor of terrorism internationally. The U.N. IAEA and the entire international community must closely examine all of the facts and come to an honest resolution regarding Iran and its nuclear development program. Is the nuclear program for peaceful purposes as Iran claims? Or is the nuclear program for the development of weapons of mass destruction?

One can not couch the true nature of Iran’s nuclear program in language. A weak message might encourage others to act similarly.

The U.N. IAEA must not follow the example and path of Iran but make a complete disclosure. Anything less would be dangerous and destructive as well as dishonest!!!

Gary Fitleberg is a Political Analyst specializing in International Relations with emphasis on Middle East affairs.

Copyright © 2003 Gary Fitleberg