TIME surprised by Akbar Etemad over Iran's nuclear program

TIME has an article about Akbar Etemad, a former Iranian nuclear official under the Shah's regime, and his support for Iran's nuclear program.

(SIDE NOTE: notice how the title of the article refers to "Nukes" and it has a prominent photo of a "threatening" Ahmadinejad -- who actually has very little say over Iran's nuclear program -- and doesn't have a photo of Akbar Etemad who is the actual subject of the article!)

First, I would like to take this opportunity to point out that both Etemad and I have made the same points repeatedly: for example, that Iran DID suspend enrichment during the Paris Agreement negotiations for two years -- and rather than that resolving anything, Iran was then promptly shafted as the EU/US demands simply increased and the goalposts were again moved.

But aside from that, I think it is so amusing that the TIME author finds it so surprising that the Iranian government's position on the nuclear issue is widely popular amongst not just ordinarly Iranians but also former regime officials.

Why is that?

Why is it so surprising for Americans to learn that other people love their country too? That other people feel resentment and being pushed around?

Imagine a scenario in which the Iranians told the US: You should not exercise your right to engage in any research or development in the field of virology, since viruses "could be" used to make weapons, or that such research would give you the "capacity" to do so. And, if you continue to do virology, we'll impose sanctions on you and even consider launching bombing raids on your country.

What would the reaction of Americans be, if faced with such an ultimatum?

Now, why assume that Iranians would react any differently, especially when you consider Iran's history?

Comments

[akbar]

با سلام من که از متن شما چیزی نفمیدم اما اگه مسئله دلاری است من هم هستم .

[mb]

As you stated in your previous postings, the Iran's nuclear dossier is NOT, repeat NOT, about nuclear weapons. The West knows better than IAEA that Iran does not have a weapons program. It is all about US and the West (including Israel) hegemonic intentions in the region. The GENEROUS package of the West is pure fabrication. They like to suck Iranians into endless negotiations for years to come.