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Senior U.S. officials say they are deeply concerned by reports of the seizure of smuggled radioactive material heading into Tehran and commend the Russian security services for seizing the material.
That said, an early read by U.S. intelligence is that the main purpose of this isotope, Sodium-22, is for medical diagnostics. It's used for radiation therapy -- and officials say the materials can be bought legally, so it does not have implications for suspected weapons development.
"We don't know whether the receipient was a government agency," one agency said. "It's unclear why they would want to smuggle it in; we are still investigating, but it does not appear that this involves Iran's nuclear program."
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Oh My!
There appears to be nothing more to this story, then fodder for the chicken hawks & saber rattlers!
Now that Iraq is winding down, the Neo-cons are just itching for ANY reason to start something with Iran!
Anything for a buck with THAT bunch!
Unfortunately, this one might be real.
That was the real danger of Iraq. Beside the point of financially damaging us (perhaps irreparably), we also now suffer that loss in credibility. The result is a lot of folks may share that perception that the U.S. is just picking on the "next" one.
If we had of stayed out of Iraq, and not taken out the bully on the block, this would not be an issue.
Saddam would have taken them out.
Fuzzy,
Pre-Desert Storm Iraq and Iran engaged in a pointless, atrocious, blood and misery soaked conflict (under Saddam) that ended basically in a stalemate. Saddam was incapable of taking anyone out but his own people. The world is a better place with him dead (unfortunately the cost to take him out was way, way too high).
I absolutely do not advocate American military action against Iran. With the joy of seeing our misguided venture in Iraq end, and hopefully Afghanistan soon to follow, any saber-rattling is completely inappropriate. Iran is certainly dangerous, but has been for some time. I believe discontent in that country is high - the Persians are a smart and proud people - making Tehran ripe for regime change. Mr. Huntsman is right, U.S. sanctions are largely ineffective against Iran, as the Russians and Chinese do not play ball. But we can not become militarily involved there. Need to figure out what can be done to spark an overthrow from within. Tricky.
It's easy to tell if a country has nukes. The chicken-hawk neo-cons stop talking about invading. Hell, the neo-cons scare me so much, I'd get a nuke if I could. Neo-cons only like to invade 3rd world countries that can't effectively fight back.
A case of Chicken Little, maybe.
Or perhaps they know something we don't?
Otherwise, maybe they're just practicing for the real smuggle.
And the fact that they got caught should give us real comfort.
But somehow, it doesn't, does it?
Bombs away, I say.
By the way, FR, can someone please answer this:
If it wasn't illegal to purchase the material, then on what authority did the Russians seize it, and can you even call it a "smuggling"?
AM, Many things can be bought legally but have restrictions on who can buy. Think prescription drugs. Have a prescription, legal. No prescription, illegal
Golly, seems Hillary and Obama are rattling the Iran/Pakistan sabers with a vengance and... somehow... the Obama supporters blame republicans. Gotta love the willfully stupid.
Almost sounds like a Radiation therapy dose ...hmmmmm
What about those bilateral talks with Iran?? With Obama's nonarrogant diplomatic skills he was suppose to solve our relationship issues with Iran. Anybody remember that?
Oh yeah, another Obama failure
Considering the Chickenhawks called any talks with Iran "appeasement" I'd have thought you'd be happy that there haven't been any.
yes Danoid - you are right. I am very happy that he failed at his bilateral talks idea. But it doesn't change the fact that Obama is an appeaser. I suggest you read Charles Krauthammer's piece today. He presents the case very clearly.
...and, of course, the neatest thing about Krauthammer's column is that he doesn't offer a single alternative. I guess it's just easier to point out what you think one guy is doing wrong than it is to actually formulate an alternative plan of action, right?
The view is good from the cheap seats.
Ya, read Krauthammer! He is an independent thinker...or NOT! We all might as well go read Ann Coulter's and Glenn Beck's analysis. I am sure you would find that "clear" too. Maybe I will go grab O'Reilly and Hannity's thoughts on the subject, that way I get multiple perspectives. DERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Oh right robeee in ma lotsa numbers..Mr Krauthamer is the inteelectual soul of the conservopusses. Tell ya what rob...how bout you sign up up and volunteer to serve like me and my family and put your sorry A$$ on the line for a change...Obama an appeaser indeed....Like the top two draft dodgers in the republican primary AND their families right??????
Hey, tell me, have any of the candidates on the GOP side stated what they'd do about Iran and Russia?
...I mean, other than Michele Bachmann who said we wouldn't have an embassy in Iran...which we don't.
Obama served how many years in the Military? Only reason he didn't dodge the draft was because when he came of age there wasn't a draft. Slick Willy managed to opt out of the military, any mention of him? So, if a democrat dodges military service it's ok but never, ever let the same be said for republicans...gotcha.
He did give them one of our drones as a peace offering.
This is all so simple.
Why is the largest U. S.embasy in the world built in Bashra so close to Iran? Granted ther are 16000 contractors there ,hired by General Dynamics training Iraqui soldiers to familiarise themeves with the M1 Abrams tank.
Do you think Iran is going to stand for this?Ergo,another war.
Stop the madness. Stop the bleeding.
Donate to the Ron Paul Tea Party Moneybomb today (12-16). ronpaul2012.com
I thought america is home of the brave. Why are we worried Iran might get a little radioactive material. We are sitting on top the biggest nuclear arsenal in all humanity. This propaganda and run up to war is entertaining to listen to. Smacks of 1930's hitlerism.