On Monday, a new National Intelligence Estimate released by the US government made the surprising annoucement that Iran stopped its nuclear weapons program way back in 2003. This report contradicts a 2005 NIE which argued the contrary. The new NIE states:"We judge with high confidence that in fall 2003, Tehran halted its nuclear weapons program...We judge that with high confidence the halt...was directed primarily in response to increasing international scrutiny and pressure..."
That is definitely good news for the Middle East and global security as a whole. So if Iran hasn't been trying to build nukes, what have they been using their huge laboratories for? Here are a few guesses:
1. A sound stage to film the new season of "Iran's Next Top Model"
2. A bowling alley for the ayatollahs
3. A 300 ft. Slip 'n Slide (left)4. A toy factory to flood the American market with Cabbage Patch Kids
5. An ice rink to showcase the smash-hit "Ahmadinejad on Ice"
Personally, I'm pulling for the Slip 'n Slide, but we'll have to wait until the next NIE comes out.
In all serious, however, this is a big story that needs close attention and analysis. The labs are still being used to enrich uranium. But for what purpose? This report by no means will perfect relations between the US and Iran. Since 1979, the two nations have essentially been at war with each other, mostly covertly and through proxies. Still, let's hope that this news can create an opening for dialogue and perhaps a normalization of relations.
To read the NIE, click here: http://www.dni.gov/press_releases/20071203_release.pdf?ifs=1)
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