This is with reference to the report “Tehran must not have nuclear arms: Kerry” (May 8). It is good to know that the top US official also understands the perils of allowing a rogue state to acquire nuclear capabilities. However, the US actions don’t match its words. A closer look at the imminent deal clearly indicates that it is not meant to deprive Tehran of its nuclear program. There will be chances that Iran might pursue its nuclear ambitions secretly and at the end of the so-called moratorium go nuclear.
It is a dicey situation due to which the neighboring Gulf Arab countries have been forced to rethink their priorities vis-à-vis nuclear capabilities. Undoubtedly, the Gulf countries have the means to acquire nuclear capabilities and to build nuclear weapons but they never tread this path, which should be appreciated. However, due to this US-Iran détente things are changing and sooner or later the Gulf countries will have to enter the nuclear race to ensure a balance of power in the region.
The US should link the deal to Iran’s commitment to a policy of non-interference. If President Obama succeeds in implementing this condition effectively, his name would be written in golden words in the history of mankind. The current terms and conditions of the deal are only bound to push the region into an unnecessary arms race. And future generations will remember Obama and Bush Jr. as two sides of the same coin. — Rafay Rahat, Dammam
A nuke race
