Understanding Iran and the Non Proliferation Treaty

As you might have read in today's paper Iran has announced the planning of ten new uranium enrichment sites - just after the condemnation by the UN of the site that they recently submitted to the UN nuclear proliferation watchdog the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This is such a bummer of a situation and one that I really don't understand well.

It should be noted that in the recent press it was often reported that the international community "discovered" the existance of the recent site in Qom. In fact, the BBC article that came out today says "On Friday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) passed a resolution that was heavily critical of Iran for covering up a uranium enrichment plant near the town of Qom." This is quite interesting BECAUSE - the site was not discovered at all. Iran submitted a letter to the IAEA stating that they were building a new site. ** It should be noted here** that in the Nuclear Non Profliferation Treaty (that Iran has signed) signatory states are required to notify the IAEA 180 days before the site is operational. Iran's letter to the agency said that the site would be operational in about THREE YEARS.

The site was not discovered - it was announced by Iran in the legal terms set out by the NPT.

Today's turn of events prompted me to read the NPT - why not? Here is the link - it's only five pages and quite short (i read it in less than five minutes). Article X is quite interesting: it reserves the right of all signatory parties to WITHDRAW from the treaty at any time if they believe that their country's "supreme interest" is in jepordy. They are required to give the IAEA three months notification. Food for though.

Seymour Hersh - quick interview

Here is a quick and informative interview with Seymour Hersh who is known for his exceptional work as a journalist. He has in the last decade become known for his writing on US intervention in Iran.

Shin Bet in South Africa?

Here are two interesting articles that I found as I was browsing the news this evening. One about secret Israeli activity in South Africa and the other about Sarah Palin's connection to the Christian Zionism. The second one is on a blog that I have recently discovered that I think gives an interesting perspective. Check it out - let me know what you think!

Guantanamo Men - Aquited by Algerian court

Sorry for the LONG absence! I'll try to check in more regularly - promise!

Here is some exceptionally great news coming from the BBC (even if it has few details). I would sum up the information except that it would probably be longer than the article itself - check it out. For now I have found no other details but I will post them when I do.