Sir, If we strip out the hyperbole which both sides in the anti and pro-Iran camp talk, we can simplify the issue (“What a shambles over Iran”, Comment, Sept 4).

First, there is the issue of whether the US or the UN promotes the spread of nuclear weapons. With India, Pakistan and Israel all having nuclear weapons, and no official regrets by the US for being the only country ever to deploy one, it appears that the spread of nuclear weapons is fine as long as the US likes the country. India has been allowed to further develop its nuclear capability without signing the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Secondly, whether Iran poses a threat is questionable. The two most warring counties in the Middle East have been Israel and Iraq. Meanwhile, it was US-backed Iraq that went to war with Iran, and then Iraq invaded Kuwait.

STEVE EDELSTEIN
London

Sir, The Western world likes to think that policy is generally the outcome of rational thought, of weighing up the pros and cons and coming to a decision. For the current leadership in Iran, belief determines the path to be followed.

I have no doubt that when Iran acquires nuclear capability, they will use it. This might not be the wish of a majority of Iranians, but it is the will of Allah and suffering martyrdom is a small price to be paid for the eternal rewards in the life to come. As one living in a country first on the list of Iranian targets, and as one who understands religious ideology, I sincerely hope that the world awakens from its slumber before it is too late.

HARVEY HAMES
Beersheba, Israel

Sir, The question for the West is how to deal with Iran as an emerging nuclear power. The West has learnt to do so with China and will also come around to doing so with Iran. One thing is certain: any pre-emptive attack on Iranian nuclear facilities will toughen Iran’s resolve to make the bomb.

TERENCE YHIP
Mississauga, Ontario

Sir, What are the alternatives to a negotiated settlement with Iran? $100 gas prices? Or another fiasco like Iraq?

DR JAY SINHA
Philadelphia

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