Jordan Wants Nuclear Program

Jordan's King Abdullah II told Haaretz that his country 'wanted nuclear power "for peaceful purposes" and was already discussing its plans with Western countries.' However, Shlomo Brom, 'a researcher at the Institute for National Strategic Studies and former head of strategic planning for the Israeli military,' said
"Abdullah might be saying that if the Iranians aren't prevented from getting a nuclear program, Jordan and everyone else will want one of their own."

"The rules governing the nuclear issue have changed in the entire region," the Jordanian leader told Haaretz, noting that Egypt and several Gulf states have declared their desire for a nuclear program. Though Jordan would rather see a Middle East free of nuclear weapons, he said, "every desire we had on this issue has changed." [snip]

Abdullah was likely not serious about developing a nuclear program. "The Jordanians don't have the resources," Brom said. (CBS)

It's a Middle East 'keeping up with the Joneses", or in this case, keeping up with the Iranians. Mahmoud has one, so everybody wants one. King Abdullah is a friend to the United States. He loves the U.S., has been here many times, loves American television and movies, and even had a walk-on part in Star Trek Voyager. He is also concerned about Iran's influence in the region, saying that Iran had, 'through its support for the radical Islamic Palestinian group Hamas, had established a role for itself in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict'. Abdullah, like the rest of us, see this as a bad thing.

"Solving the Israeli-Palestinian problem allows us to tackle the other issues around us. All of us are looking at Iraq with concern, we don't know what's going to happen in Lebanon, although we hope that they're moving in the right direction," he said. "Whether people like it or not, the linchpin is always the Israeli-Palestinian problem."

King Abdullah is concerned about Syria and Iran's relationship, but not as much as the Israeli-Palestinian situation. But now intelligence analysts are concerned about the relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia:

In Saudi Arabia, many Wahhabi religious leaders warn of the "Persian onslaught" and consider Iran a threat to Saudi interests, internal stability and the Muslim world. Already, the rise of Iran may be causing internal divisions within Saudi Arabia. Some analysts have claimed that the recent resignation of Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States, Prince Turki al-Faisal, was a signal of an internal shift among the ruling family. Turki is considered a moderate when it comes to Iran and was supportive of dialogue with Tehran rather than confrontation. According to this theory, the rest of the ruling family supports the policy of preventing Iranian encroachment. (source)

This just shows what a tight rope some countries are walking in the region.

Other reading:
Baby Steps and Bounds, Wake Up America

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Comments

[SVC Alumnus]

That's good to hear we have an Americanized Muslim over there... Thanks - SVC Alumnus!

[Debbie]

SVC Alumnus, yes the photo is real. He had a walk on part in Star Trek Voyager. He loves Star Trek, American television.

[SVC Alumnus]

Is the photo real?

[Debbie]

Thanks Angel and Layla. Night Rider did the Welcome to Right Truth gif for me. He did a great job and will do one for anybody else who wants one.

See post:

http://righttruth.typepad.com/right_truth/2007/01/something_new.html

for more information.

[Layla]

I forgot to mention in my comment that I LOVE your welcome in the top right hand sidebar! It is not flashy and in good taste. Did you make it? If so, beautifully done Debbie!

[Angel]

hey Debbie! 'wanted nuclear power "for peaceful purposes"..ha! what a joke!

[Layla]

What is with these countries wanting a "Nuclear" program? We know in light of Iran none of these Arab Nations have good intentions. It is really sick Debbie.