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âThe most systematic exposition to date about Iranâs nuclear program and its role in world affairsâ (Middle East Quarterly). Since the Islamic Republic of Iran admitted that it was secretly producing highly enriched, weapons-grade uranium, nations have struggled to react appropriately. For the first time, and in full detail, this book explains exactly what the Europeans and United Nations have been trying to forestall. Iran could shortly have the ability to strike its immediate Middle Eastern neighborsâand more distant nationsâwith nuclear weapons. With the size to dominate its region, Iran also has an avowed mission to export its theocratic principles, and in recent decades, has been a notorious supporter of terrorist organizations. Its parallel development of atomic bombs represents the greatest threat to the balance of world power weâve seen in the new millennium. Here, defense expert Al Venter reveals the extent to which Iranâs weapons program has developed and the clandestine manner in which its nuclear technology has been acquired. He demonstrates how Tehran has violated the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and details the involvement of several countries shown by the IAEA to have trafficked in illegal nuclear materials. He proves, for the first time, a direct link between the now-defunct South African apartheid regimeâs nuclear program and Tehranâs current nuclear ambitions. Venter digs deep into subjects such as Iranâs fervor on behalf of Shiite Islam, its missile programâdeveloped alongside its nuclear oneâand the role of the Pasdaran, the Revolutionary Guards, whose tentacles have spread throughout the Middle East and increasingly farther afield. While noting Tehranâs support of terrorist groups such as Hezbollah, Venter follows closely how the Persian homeland itself has progressed toward a strategic nuclear capability that would make recent terrorist attacks look obsolete. Iranâs Nuclear Option is essential reading for anyone with an interest in global security, the perilous volatility of the Middle East, and Americaâs options, should it be willing and able to counter the threat while time remains. |
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