Iran's Nukes: The Russian Connection

by Michael Fenenbock, DeNuke Iran: Iran intends to become a nuclear power and Russia is their greatest enabler. This cannot come as news to anybody. So what's up with this summit in Moscow? President Obama just held talks with Putin and Medvedev and apparently never even mentioned Russia's support for Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Surely the President knows about the Russian connection. It's not like it's secret. I mean, here's some of what's public knowledge.

Russia is responsible for construction of the Iranian nuclear power plant at Bushehr.

Russia is supplying Iran with nuclear fuel with no provisions for dealing with spent nuclear fuel.

Russia has provided "blueprints" for Iran's development of a heavy water nuclear reactor.

Official Russia turns a blind eye while Iran obtains uranium mining and milling technology from Russian companies.

Russia is Iran's close partner when it comes to delivery systems - building missiles. At least seven Russian companies expert in missile technology are operating in Iran.

President Obama says his principal foreign policy goal is to "remake America's image in the world." He wants to be liked. And to that end, while in Moscow, he delivered a "please like me" speech aimed at the Russian people. But this is Russia and in Russia you play by the Bear's rules. President Obama's speech was carried only on the least watched Russian TV channel (think C-Span). On the other hand, Mr. Putin's finger wagging lecture to Mr. Obama about the Cold War and American arrogance received extensive coverage on all Russian media.

In all honesty, Mr. President, I would rather America was respected and feared than liked. The regime in Tehran wants nuclear weapons. The Russians are helping them. See also: DeNuke Iran Activist Community