French FM Causes International Controversy
Although by no fault of his own, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, was at the root of an international controversy on Tuesday after Israeli newspaper Haaretz quoted him as saying that Israel would “eat” Iran before letting it develop nuclear weapons.
“I honestly don’t believe that it will give any immunity to Iran. First, because you [Israelis] will eat them before,” the newspaper quoted Kushner as saying.
A controversy erupted immediately. Both sides of the debate - about whether or not Iran should be allowed to develop nuclear weapons and, if not, what should be done if it continues on its path to developing them nonetheless - responded furiously. Even those in favor of military action against Iran considered Kouchner’s words to be overly aggressive, let alone those who oppose such action.
On Wednesday, however, Haaretz apologized saying it had misquoted Kushner. Instead of “eat” Kushner, Haaretz said on Wednesday, said “hit.”
Although indeed an important distinction - “eat” indicates a kind of action that goes much further than strikes against nuclear facilities, nor is it very respectful - the main point stands though; virtually no analyst let alone politician believes that Israel will allow the Islamic Republic of Iran to develop nuclear weapons.
In this, Israel is correct, as far as I am concerned. Although some may rightfully argue that Iran has not proven to be an aggressive nation, throughout its history (also as Persia), its current leaders have said on several occasions that they wish to destroy Israel. The current president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, even went so far as to say that Israel had to be “wiped off the map,” which is difficult to top with regards to aggression and hatred.
Furthermore, the defense of Iran and its allies arguing that countries have the right to develop nuclear energy, possibly even nuclear weapons, may sound logical to some, but not to people like me who believe that such a ‘right’ does not exist, and should not exist. Those of us who are inclined towards realpolitik do not care much about perceived ‘rights’ for nations. Instead, they emphasize the importance of protecting allies and one’s interests, and opposing governments that try to harm them. Having a nuclear Iran, then, would harm the West’s and its allies’ interests in the region. Not only Israel’s situation would become more difficult, but also that of Iraq, Lebanon and, yes, even Saudi Arabia.
Even Turkey, a true not merely a nominal ally of the West, would be a victim of the change in the balance of power in the region.
As such, a military strike - either by Israel or by other countries - cannot be completely ruled out, in my opinion. It is not necessary to use military force now, but it may very well be necessary in the future. As a realpolitik kind of guy, I’m not willing to oppose such action beforehand.
