Points of view on nuclear power vary

Re “Iran bomb feasible by 2010, U.N. official says,” May 25

United Nations’ sanctions and American saber-rattling reveal the Bush administration’s fear of taking direct action against Iran’s uranium enrichment program. It is this knowledge that strengthens the bonds among Russia, China and Iran and gives Iranian President Ahmadinejad the courage to quickly make nuclear weapons.

INA LOGAN

Fullerton

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Re “Arabs make plans for a future with nuclear power,” May 26

It doesn’t matter how fast Iran accelerates its nuclear program. America derives zero benefit from an attack on Iran and should not even consider doing so. Even if Iran gets nuclear weapons, why would it use them? It would be suicide for much of its population. The drumbeat for war with Iran is yet another example of neoconservatives seeking preemptive war to shape a geopolitical outcome they desire.

JEFF SOFTLEY

Los Angeles

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The Times reports that Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Turkey and Yemen, as well as several North African nations, now want nuclear technology that may lead to nuclear weapons. Rather than concentrating on a failed war in Iraq, Bush should seek restraint and arms control in the region. Why is it that any country -- even the U.S. -- needs nuclear weapons?

ANDREW KAY LIBERMAN

Santa Monica

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Iran is justified in wanting nuclear weapons, just as a bank is justified in wanting a security guard. The bank has money; Iran has oil. And as the world’s oil runs out and international order deteriorates, small nations with oil will be put in peril by big nations attempting to secure their supply of oil. Nuclear weapons provide an equalizing effect.

JACK JANSEN

Brea