Two links worth looking at: (1) an infographic illustrating Iran's nuclear program and possible diplomatic options, and (2) a very good article on the effect sanctions are having on Iran and its people. I have also included a link I posted in June 2012 discussing, humorously but factually, how to develop a nuclear weapon.
The ongoing negotiations between the Western powers (mostly) and Iran hopefully will bear fruit. In spite of recent setbacks, the atmosphere seems generally positive. Nevertheless, I feel it is always worth reviewing the basic realities:
1. Iran's civilian nuclear program is its legal right. The amount of evidence Iran is developing a nuclear weapon is zero.
2. In the last century, the number of countries Iran has invaded is zero.
3. Despite the rhetoric in Washington about national security, Iran does not pose a threat to the United States.
4. Nor does Iran pose a threat to Israel. Tel Aviv's true concern is Tehran's increased prestige and closer US relations.
5. The US position toward Iran has been one of hostility for sixty years. The timeline tells a clear story - the 1953 coup, the subsequent reinstallation of the shah (which 25 years later inspired the 1979 revolution), US exacerbation of the brutal Iran-Iraq War (1980-88), and years of sanctions - and should be kept in mind as Iran is depicted, even in diplomacy, as a menace that must be dealt with.
NYT infographic:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/11/08/world/middleeast/Background-Irans-Nuclear-Program-And-Possible-Steps-to-a-Broad-Agreement.html
Joy Gordon on sanctions:
http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2013/10/18/the_human_costs_of_the_iran_sanctions
"Become a nuclear superpower ... in ten steps":
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20120607-nuclear-weapons-in-ten-steps/all
