Article Blog 12: Iran and Nuclear Weapons (April 11, 2010)

Just this past Friday, President Ahmadinejad of Iran announced at its National Day of Nuclear Technology that they have made tremendous progress in developing nuclear technology. In the article, "Iran Unveils New Technology in Spite of Obama's New Policy," (see link: http://www.americasnewsonline.com/iran-unveils-new-technology-in-spite-of-obamas-new-policy-904/) Victor Hatley writes, "Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad presented a new technology that brings Iran up to speed with the rest of the Nuclear world. The development of the third generation nuclear centrifuges will allow them to refine the uranium necessary for weapons grade material much faster." This third generation of centrifuges are six times more efficient than those used previously. This has the potential to help bolster their output in nuclear weapons and mass proliferation. In addition, by Iran gaining nuclear weapons and technology, this causes great concern around the world, especially for countries like Israel and the United States.

It is no surprise that now, more than ever, since Iran has now developed usable, productive nuclear technology that society will be impacted around the globe. For nations like Iran to reveal to the rest of the world that it now has nuclear energy that can be used for weapons, it brings an extreme level of concern for nations which are at odds with Iran. In the article, "Ahmadinejad: Iran has 'Fully Mastered' Nuclear Technology," (see link: http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/04/09/iran.nuclear/) by the CNN Wire Staff, it says, "In a speech celebrating National Nuclear Day, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad slammed "selfish behavior" by "arrogant" countries that have tried to negotiate a halt to Iran's nuclear activity. As he spoke, a crowd chanted "God is great" and "Death to America."" By the crowd chanting "Death to America," it causes a lot of concern. It is widely known that Iran is at odds with America, and now that we have heard the crowd chanting something like this along with the advancement in nuclear weaponry, the outcome may not seem so positive. In his speech, Ahmadinejad also accused the United States of encouraging nuclear proliferation through its policies and the recent signing of an arms deal between the United States and Russia. Many members within the federal government have already pushed for sanctions against Iran. Countries like Iran and North Korea are a threat to the rest of civilization with weapons of mass destruction because they are so radical in their decisions to cause harm to another nation. Given the previous relationship between America and Iran, and depending on the outcome of this ordeal, society will be reshaped in more ways than one.