Wardrums 2013: Iranian crisis nearing 'red line'

[key2thecup]

Davos 2013: Kissinger says Iran nuclear crisis close

A nuclear war in the Middle East would be a "turning point in human history," says Mr Kissinger

Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger has warned that a crisis involving a nuclear Iran is in the "foreseeable future". The Nobel Peace laureate, 89, was speaking about prospects in the Middle East at the World Economic Forum.

He said nuclear proliferation in the region triggered by an armed Iran would increase the chances of an atomic war - "a turning point in human history".

He also urged the US and Russia to co-operate in resolving Syria's conflict.

"There has emerged in the region, the current and most urgent issue of nuclear proliferation. For 15 years, the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) have declared that a nuclear Iran is unacceptable, but it has been approaching," he said.

"In a few years, people will have to come to a determination of how to react, or the consequences of non-reaction.

"I believe this point will be reached in a very foreseeable future," he added.

'Nuclear war'

In his assessment of the stand-off between Iran and Western powers over its nuclear programme - which Tehran argues is for peaceful and civilian purposes - Mr Kissinger called for "serious" negotiations on both sides to look for solutions.

"Unilateral intervention by Israel would be a desperate last resort, but the Iranians have to understand that if they keep using the negotiations to gain time to complete a nuclear programme then the situation will become extremely dangerous."

The consequences of Tehran's programme, he said, would be that other countries in the region would also want nuclear arms.

"The danger is that we could be reaching a point where nuclear weapons would become almost conventional, and there will be the possibility of a nuclear conflict at some point... that would be a turning point in human history," he said.

"If Iran acts as a nation and not as a revolutionary cause, there is no reason for America or other permanent members of the UNSC to be in conflict with it, nor any countries in the region. On that basis I would hope that a negotiated solution would be found in a measurable time."

Meanwhile, Mr Kissinger advocated a US-Russia understanding over the conflict in Syria, while opposing military intervention.

"The Syrian problem would best be dealt internationally by Russia and America not making it a contest of national interests," he said.

"I would hope that the undertaking of the US foreign policy will not be be characterised by the divisions that we see in [its] domestic policy."

http://www.bbc.co.uk...siness-21177535

[Jägermeister]

It was nice knowing all of you.

[Special Ed]

War drums are overrated.

[Gurn]

Since no one has used a nuclear weapon on people since the end of world war two, why the big worry? TO me having the nuke means no one will nuke me. It worked for the Russia, America, Britian, France, Pakistan, India and others.

[DeNiro]

Israel trying to use America as a puppet again?

What else is new.

[stawns]

Israel trying to use America as a puppet again?

What else is new.

[Red Light Racicot]

This just sounds like a continuation of whats been going on for decades. Empty threats.

I mean, how could anyone take Netanyahoo's "bomb" diagram seriously?

[Pouria]

[Mr. Ambien]

Israel has enough weapons, and has the ultra aggressive foreign policy, now they just need their balls to drop. They won't go tinkle without the US going into the washroom with them holding their hand.

I find it funny they can't form a coalition (reduced to pleading to sycophantic politicians from other nations by showing George Bush-esque illustrations) or confident enough to just take Iran by themselves.

[Pouria]

Since no one has used a nuclear weapon on people since the end of world war two, why the big worry? TO me having the nuke means no one will nuke me. It worked for the Russia, America, Britian, France, Pakistan, India and others.

[Pouria]

Israel has enough weapons, and has the ultra aggressive foreign policy, now they just need their balls to drop. They won't go tinkle without the US going into the washroom with them holding their hand.

I find it funny they can't form a coalition or confident enough to just take Iran by themselves.

[Pouria]

This just sounds like a continuation of whats been going on for decades. Empty threats.

I mean, how could anyone take Netanyahoo's "bomb" diagram seriously?

[The Colt 45s]

It is not just Israel that is concerned, Saudi Arabia and other kingdom states are concerned.

[The Brahma Bull]

More fear propaganda. What else is new?

[key2thecup]

It is not just Israel that is concerned, Saudi Arabia and other kingdom states are concerned.

[kurtis]

Nothing to worry about. They aren't a threat to us nor the Americans. The Americans are to them though.

[canucks since 77]

OMG, it's a drawing of a bomb! And the fuse is lit! Reminded me of a Bugs Bunny cartoon.

And yes, they are bluffing.Untill Israel opens the doors to nuclear inspectors they should keep their hypocritical mouths shut.

[Lancaster]

All of this is just propaganda in order to get Iran's oil. It was the same thing with Iraq and their "Weapons of Mass Destruction" which was never found. Even if Iran acquires nuclear weapons, they wouldn't use it because of the consequences. Even Pakistan has nuclear weapons.

[Electro Rock]

The real threat from a nuclear Iran isn't so much the nukes themselves but the fact that they'll be able to become even more a stronghold of terrorism and clandestine warfare than they already are.

[Ovech Trick]

Henry Kissmyassinger