I have recently reflected that my youthful passion for disarmament originated from a black and white sense of justice, and that I have retained it through the insight that acts of logical self-interest often lead to immense risk and could ultimately lead to the destruction of civilisation. While climate change and other environmental threats arise from our corporate materialistic lifestyles, the threat of nuclear proliferation and Armageddon comes from fear, competition and the quest for power amongst elites. The injustice feels more carnal, the universal threat more outrageous.
Analysis
Iran update: number 113
Summary
- P5+1 agree new wave of sanctions on Iran
- Iran predicts it will be using nuclear power by next year
- A Chinese military base in Iran: the geo-political consequences
- US Iranians oppose military action
- Congress discusses normalizing relations with Iran and assessing the effectiveness of sanctions and the policy of isolation
After meeting on January 22, the P5+1 were reported to have agreed a draft for strengthening the existing economic sanctions against Iran.
Iran update: number 112
Summary
- P5+1 met on January 22 to discuss Iran but disagreement within the group set to hinder progress.
- US diplomacy against Iran
- Iran making new disclosures about nuclear programme to IAEA.
- Iran receives third shipment of nuclear fuel from Russia and plans to significantly expand nuclear programme.
Iran update: number 111
Summary
- US heat turned down on Iran, in spite of the President
- Outstanding IAEA questions to Iran
- US statement: Iran no longer assisting Iraqi insurgents
- Pentagon says US ships harassed by Iran
- Congress passes Iran democracy bill
- Iran's changing regional relationships
- Russia begins delivery of nuclear fuel to Bushehr
- Iran produces first nuclear fuel pellets
The New Year marked a dramatic turn-around in the mood music towards Iran in Washington, and attention focused almost entirely upon Pa
Ploughshares Fund grants ,000 to support BASIC programs
The Ploughshares Fund has awarded the British American Security Information Council ,000 to support BASIC\’s agenda of nuclear non-proliferation and transatlantic security. Ploughshares is the largest grant-making foundation in the United States focusing exclusively on peace and security issues.
Updated NIE implies constructive pragmatism
The eight-year Iran–Iraq war and Iraq's invasion of Kuwait were often reported as the reason Iran considered nuclear weapons. With Iraq neutralized, Iran may have felt secure enough to cease weapons-related work.
New Chair Takes Over for BASIC; New Co-Executive Director Appointed in London
Paul Ingram starts today as BASIC’s new Co-Executive Director in London, soon after the launch in Washington DC of a new focus for the organisation on achieving concrete moves towards halting the spread of nuclear weapons by reducing nuclear arsenals.