When France expresses concern about global stability and the threat of nuclear war, that’s when you know the world is in dire straits. From the onset, Iran has assured the world that its nuclear program was for peaceful purposes, designed simply to meet the burgeoning nation’s energy needs. Such a premise has never held much water with the United States for the simple reason that the facts do not add up.

Today, in a distinctly un-French like move, French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said Iran's nuclear program is nothing more than a clandestine nuclear weapons program. This is something Iran has and continues to categorically deny, asserting they have no need for nuclear weapons. If this is indeed the case then why did Iran conceal its nuclear research program in its entirety, only to be exposed by disgruntled Iranian dissidents? Why would Iran, which possess one of the world’s greatest reserves of oil and natural gas, pursue expensive research meet non-existent energy needs?

For a nation with little investment, high unemployment and stagnant economic growth, nuclear energy research seems like a poor investment for oil rich Iran. As the French foreign minister accurately pointed out, "No civilian nuclear program can explain the Iranian nuclear program. It is a clandestine military nuclear program." This statement by Douste-Blazy reflects a growing mood of not only exasperation but also desperation on the part of the Europeans. Sadly, the EU3 have only themselves to blame for this unquestioned failure of diplomacy. It is not unlike a parent who fails to impart values or discipline in their child as a youngster, only to lament the child’s wayward actions in their teens and twenties.

Iran was coddled and frequently appeased for the entirety of Europe’s negotiations with the mullahs of Tehran, all the while Iran was emboldened by a weak and vacillating opponent. Meanwhile the US stubbornly refused to engage the Iranians, a further signal that Iran would not be vigorously opposed for its nuclear ambitions. Now it seems the tide is quickly moving in favor of Iran. The Iranians have again announced their full on intention to enrich uranium unabated. After one false promise after another the Europeans have finally awoken to the reality of Iran’s deception. In so doing they have endorsed UN Security Council action, which amounts to nothing more than an open discussion of sanctions. Sanctions, however, have never successfully cooled the ambitions of a tyrant.

Once Iran becomes a nuclear power its only a matter of time before Al Qaeda and other militants gain nuclear weaponry to foment nuclear terror around the world. In failing to act in a determined fashion the US and the EU have refused to entertain the one strategy that will deter an aggressor: force. The fate of the world now rests in the hands of the UN, as Saddam Hussein can attest, the world has much to fear.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/02/16/iran.france.ap/index.html