06) A POSITIVE STEP, BUT DANGERS REMAIN

 

People's Voice Editorial

 

            The initial agreement on Iran's nuclear programme is a welcome step away from many years of U.S. threats to launch a devastating war against that country. But the region remains volatile and dangerous. The "new Middle East" strategy of U.S. imperialist domination remains in place, and the Israeli Zionists have not abandoned the goal of occupying the entire territory of Palestine and beyond.

 

            While the western corporate media demonizes Iran, the Rouhani government in Tehran has shown a far stronger grasp of political responsibilities than its counterparts in Washington and Tel Aviv. Unlike both the U.S. and Israel, Iran has no historic record of initiating wars. Nor is Iran guilty of using nuclear bombs, white phosphorus, agent orange, or depleted uranium. It is true that the Iranian fundamentalist regime has committed serious human rights abuses for many years. But both the U.S. and Israel are guilty of a wide range of human rights violations, and war crimes against other countries.

 

            Any success in blocking the spread of nuclear weapons is welcome. But the Middle East remains awash with the estimated 200 nuclear warheads possessed by Israel, and many more on U.S. warships in the Mediterranean and the Gulf. Easing the threat of war in the Middle East requires comprehensive progress towards disarming the entire region, including the huge arsenals held by the U.S. and Israel.

 

            Unfortunately, the government of Canada has criticized the Iranian nuclear agreement, apparently because the deal reduces the likelihood of a bloody imperialist war to destroy Iran. Removing the pro‑war Harper government from office as soon as possible would mark a significant victory in the struggle for international relations based on mutual dialogue and cooperation, international law, and reduction of tensions, not threats and violence.

 

(The above article is from the December 1-31, 2013, issue of People's Voice, Canada's leading socialist newspaper. Articles can be reprinted free if the source is credited. Subscription rates in Canada: $30/year, or $15 low income rate; for U.S. readers - $45 US per year; other overseas readers - $45 US or $50 CDN per year. Send to People's Voice, c/o PV Business Manager, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1.)