Submitted by Scott Baker, Aug 8, 2008 11:37

America has to define its goals better. There is a difference between allowing the peaceful use of nuclear energy and the use of nuclear capability for weapons, and we shouldn't gloss over that or ignore it because it is easier to do so — for us. New Scientist magazine this week had an article about the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership, of which the U.S. is a prominent member. The goal of the partnership is to develop new forms of nuclear energy that cannot be subverted into weaponry. There are a number of well-developed programs that, if applied to Iran, would allow them to have their (yellow)cake and eat it too. I'm dismayed that Obama as well as McCain, who should know the horrors of war better than anyone, have not bothered to look for out-of-the-box solutions to this ongoing standoff. Sanctions — short of ending the purchase of Iranian oil — will not work. Iran will not back off its development; what part of 'no' does the Administration not understand? It's time to turn the problem into a solution. Find a compromise that opens the way to true discussion, not just repeated posturing until Israel or America is forced to choose between a possibly nuclear weaponized Iran, or pre-emptive war.

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