Dealing with Iran’s nuclear ambitions

Re “Iran Nuclear Issue Moves Toward U.N.,” Jan. 12

I see that the European Union diplomats, led by Britain, Germany and France, are beginning to talk tough about Iran with respect to restarting its nuclear activity. This will be interesting to watch unfold.

Now is the chance for the United Nations to show the world how it can fully and finally stop the Iranians, diplomatically or otherwise, and to demonstrate to all of us Bush supporters how the United States should have behaved in the Iraq situation.

When, and if, the U.N. solves the nuclear-ambition problems brought about by Iran and North Korea, I will fall down on my knees and give credit where credit is due.

I hope that the U.N.’s steps work -- these may just be the last chances the organization has to establish its credibility and effectiveness and prove its detractors wrong.

DARYAL T. GANT

La Crescenta

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Re “Getting tough with Tehran,” editorial, Jan. 11

If the U.S. wants to deter Iran from engaging in a nuclear weapons program, it should tell Iran that if it continues its current path, the CIA will no longer share with it our ultra-top-secret engineering blueprints detailing how to develop efficient nuclear warheads. If this is insufficient, then the U.S. should really get tough: announce that the office of the vice president will no longer disclose the identities of covert CIA agents working to halt nuclear proliferation.

Somewhere in my head is floating the saying from Pogo, “We have met the enemy and he is us.” I’m certain that Walt Kelly is weeping somewhere.

JEFF ESTES

Long Beach

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Why shouldn’t Iran develop nuclear weapons? Its principal enemy is the United States. As you know, the U.S. is a nuclear-armed power and recently attacked and occupied Iraq, on Iran’s western border. The U.S. also is allied with nuclear-armed Pakistan to the east, has a military presence in Afghanistan and additional military presence in several nations close to Iran’s northern border.

Undoubtedly, the difference in treatment by the U.S. of unarmed Iraq and nuclear-armed North Korea has been noted by Iran’s leaders. They would be remiss in not seeking an Iranian nuclear option.

JOHN R. YATES

Los Angeles