The issue of peace and stability in the Middle East is one of the most important issues in the world. The urgency of the concern is because of the region’s position in world’s oil markets, the strategic position of the region a gateway between Europe and Asia and because of socio-political influence of the region on terrorism and religious conflicts. One of the methods for instituting peace and stability in the region has been in military control in the region since armed aggression has historically been a major cause of conflicts.
Thus, Iran’s defense of its nuclear program and its resistance to United Nation’s inspection has been seen as a threat to the region. Iran’s President Mohammad Mohammad Khatami has used the issue of the country’s nuclear program as admitted openly to the presence of nuclear facilities in the country and justified them to protect the country as well as a resistance to extra-territorial efforts to demilitarize the region leaving it vulnerable to US supported factions in the region.
According to some observers, Khatami uses the issue as to support his political agenda as well: his objective seems to be to fill in the role of leadership in the region. The issue has also become entangled with other contentions such as religion and cultural conflicts adding furor to already volatile sentiments in the region. Some researchers believe that the use of an independent issue such as a nuclear program so that it becomes socio-political and cultural issue is one of the reasons why resolution of conflicts has been difficult in the Middle East.
To be able to assess the validity of the thesis, the research will focus on understanding the significance of nuclear arms programs and the role of Iran in the society, politics and culture of the Middle East. What are the global regulations regarding nuclear arms that Iran has violated? What has been the corrective measure for the violations? How has Iran responded to the measures? What are the justifications of Iran’s response? What are the implications of such an action to the region and the world? What are the fears raised concerning the continued development of nuclear arms in Iran?
Is there any direct evidence that the country has an existing intent of using it nuclear capability for military action? What will be the impact of Iran’s nuclear capabilities to the balance and structure of power in the region? Is the issue a source of tension in the region? How does the issue contribute to the already existing conflicts or tension in the region? How have other countries in the Middle East responded to Iran’s actions? What are the factors affecting these responses or opinions?
References
Federation of American Scientists. Space Policy Project Special Weapons Monitor: National Missile Defense. 14 June 2007. http://www. fas. org/spp/starwars/program/nmd/index. html Garden, T. Is Missile Defense Compatible with UK and European Security Interest? February 2002. 14 June 2007. http://www. tgarden. demon. co. uk/writings/articles/2002/021229isis. html Krause, J. The Impact of National Missile Defense and other Arms Control Issues on the Transatlantic Ties – A European Perspective. 14 June 2007. http://www. ndu. edu/inss/symposia/europe2001/krausepaper. htm.