Hypocrisy: Condemnation of Iranian Missile Tests While Supporting Israeli War Exercise in the Mediterranean By Mohammed Khako

Hypocrisy:

Condemnation of Iranian Missile Tests While Supporting Israeli War Exercise in the Mediterranean

By Mohammed Khako

ccun.org, July 15, 2008

Once again Iran has been all over the news over its test-firing 1,200-mile range Shahab-3 missile capable of reaching Israel and U.S troops in Iraq, as part of war games. The missile test conducted by Iran is a response to recent war games by Israel, reportedly and believed to stimulate a test run for a possible attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. The White House, State Department, and presidential candidates have all condemned the Iranian test as “provocative” and describing Iran as a “great threat”.

I find it hypocritical to condemn Iran’s missile tests, while supporting Israel’s five-day exercise code named “Turning point” simulating air and missile attacks on cities in Iran. Where is the similar outrage when Israel was performing its “war games” over the Mediterranean? Why is Bush administration not speaking out against Israel and its war games, yet being quick to condemn similar activities by Iran seems hypocritical? It is shame that Bush administration is being hypocritical and selective in condemning Iran. Moreover, I find it amazing that the editorials have failed to address the obvious question – For what reasons does Iran want nuclear weapon?

The answer is logical by looking at the world map. Iran the country of over 200 million is sandwich between nuclear Israel on the west, nuclear Russia to its north and nuclear India and Pakistan on the east, with occupied Iraq and Afghanistan by a nuclear America. Why shouldn’t Iran posse’s nuclear missile to protect its citizen?

What Iran is showing is that can defend its citizen and will retaliate if attacked. After all, after 9/11 we were so emotional that we went after wrong country in order to retaliate. And what about when Israel uses its missiles to attack Palestinian and Lebanon. Why are these Israel’s missiles not a “missile threat” to humanity?

I failed to understand the perception that it is morally reprehensive for Iran to pursue its missile test, but morally acceptable for other to conduct the test. And why is it that some countries can conduct war games to protect their national security, while when other do the same it generates a barrage of righteous indignation? Basically, why can some countries posses hundreds of nuclear warheads while other countries cannot aspire to obtain nuclear missiles for self-defense or as deterrence? What’s the argument? Isn’t it a “nuclear apartheid” and “double standard”?

The regime change, pre-emptive strike against Iran and $30 billion taxpayer’s money in military aid to Israel is a major obstacle to peace in the Middle East. And US are partly to blame for Iran nuclear ambitions for allowing Israel to develop nuclear warheads.

The Bush Administration, after its deceptive rationales for invading Iraq, should have no credibility on Iran, but unfortunately presidential candidates, Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain have signed on to the AIPAC and Neo-cons theme to “Bomb Bomb” Iran. While “The Lieberma-Kyl” amendment designating Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as “terrorist” organization, has give green light to President Bush for pre-emptive strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities without congressional approval.

Iran, is important partner in regional stability and has a legitimate right to conduct it’s missile test and to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purpose, as it has signed the NPT treaty and has to fully cooperate with the international Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The administration in Tehran need to realize that it suffers great loses by producing hostile rhetoric toward US and Israel. While Bush administration has to understand that threat of pre-emptive strike, sanctions and isolation are ineffective policy where as diplomatic dialogue is the road to peace. However, ultimately President Bush and future administration will be forced in to accepting a single standard to a nuclear –free Middle East, if democracy is to prevail in Middle East.

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