Bellicose Effrontery

No one quite does it like the Iranians. Their defiance of world authority classifies them as professional agitators par excellence. Nothing appears to faze them, neither blandishments nor threats. They feel themselves supremely entitled to everything they aspire to achieve. And why should they not, since they know they have the approbation of the highest authority. Any who doubt may choose to debate that with the Grand Ayatollah who, given instruction by Allah, has in turn instructed President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to proceed.

How many nuclear enrichment sites precisely does any one country require to furnish itself with the presumed required amount of energy sources it wishes to attain? For nothing but peaceful civic purposes, to advance the country's energy requirements. The sky's the limit, it would appear. It's doubtful that many other countries of the advanced world have dedicated their technology (and treasury) to the building of the number of nuclear plants that Iran has announced it plans to proceed with.

But there's that about poking your perceived enemies in the eye; poke hard.

Ten additional sites? Stop laughing, they think they're serious, and they feel that this should be treated seriously. As in giving respect through, if nothing else, an atmosphere of fear of the possible. Where would an almost-impoverished country like Iran which, if the avails of fossil fuels were removed, would have nothing to support it, no industry, no other natural resources of note - apart from its heritage and culture, now disgraced - support itself?

They haven't the wherewithal, that elusive, yet practical set of requirements inclusive of funding, technology and expertise, to proceed with their plans. Their current level of uranium enrichment is at a low level, not representative of the state they would have to acquire to get on with their nuclear agenda. They've managed to piss off their most ardent supporters with clout, Russia and China, although there's still some wiggle-room they'll take advantage of.

On the other hand, on the record, and judging from past performance, perhaps the world is simply jumping the gun and behaving presumptively when it isn't warranted. For listen to President Ahmadinejad's soothing words meant to sincerely allay suspicions of his country's trajectory: "We have a friendly approach towards the world but at the same time we won't let anyone harm even one iota of the Iranian nation's rights."

Chuckle.