Exposed

The discovery of a secret Iranian centrifuge facility near Qom has been a major blast in International politics during the past week. It surely surprised Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who didn't expect that question coming out in an interview with Time Magazine -the expression on his face when listening to it (Ahmadinejad had no need of translators to understand that) says it all.

But also shocked the world. For months, international community focused in the possibility that Iran could low-enrich enough amount of uranium and then kick out the IAEA inspectors and upgrade it to a bomb level. This however, changes that scenario.

Not for all, has to be said. Some, like Nathan Hodge from Danger Room, are delighted now getting some weight off their chest by saying the old “I told you so”. They predicted this long time ago. As he noted, if the Iranians are to “build a bomb, they will do it someplace else. Like Qom”. The new facility (still far from operative) can be used as well as a backup for the existing in Natanz or as a training facility -or viceversa.

But back to the present scenario, every day seems more likely an attack on Iran by the end of the year. Israel has stated clearly in the past -last time was today- his intentions to bomb any threat coming from the Ayatollahs, and has been preparing the road for itself and the world for when it happens. But Israel pretensions have encountered always Washington’s opposition.

Until now. It’s believed that the revelation of the plan by Iran to the IAEA in a vague letter was made because the secrecy of the plant had been compromised. That came from the American, British and French secret services. Immediately, in the G20 summit Obama said that although their diplomacy offer remained on the table, none other options had been ruled out. That, although unlikely, includes the military option.

With the US now more inclined to support Israel, the threat for Iran is clearer. However, if there is a major swift in here is concerning Russia. China still is reluctant to impose more severe sanctions to the Persians. The Russians, however, after knowing of the secret facility -and after the withdraw of the American missile shield in Europe-, have slowly joined the European countries and America on their demands on Iran. And having the Russians on Israel’s side is a huge improvement for the Jews.

The major concern for Israel has never been America’s approval or strategic geo-political complicated outputs. It’s been internal problems, their own pilots’ safety and logistical problems. Their worry for the sold of Russian S-300 surface-to-air missiles to the Persian state -which could diminish their chances in an air attack- has even surrounded the mystery of the Arctic Sea.

Later on that incident, Binyamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Prime Minister, made a secret trip to Russia. No-one knows yet what Bibi did in Moscow. The Israeli media didn’t even know about the trip until a week after; not even the embassy staff in Russian capital knew about it. But it’s more than likely that it had to do with the S-300 missiles.

Now, providing Russia opposes too to Iran and joins the group of four (USA, UK, France and Germany) -unlikely- and Iran finally doesn’t get the weapons -more likely and enough for Israel-; the US approves the operation; and the green light from Saudi Arabia; it will clear the road for Israel.

Iran’s only option now is stop playing and coming clear -some steps made- or make a demonstration of force. Obviously, they’re going for the latter, even unintentionally.

For the past three days, the Revolutionary Guards have tested their arsenal of short, medium and long range missiles, including the Shahab-3, with a 2,000km range and capable to hit Israel. Some of the tests were delivered on Sunday, coinciding with the Jewish holiday of the Yom Kippur. Well, at least you cannot say Iranians aren’t concerned about Israelis. If Yom Kippur is all about suffering, they got a lot of people suffering of stress that day. Also in Europe.

And all that, just ahead of tomorrow's talks.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Photo: Reuters


Did you like it? Share it