The headlines for the past 24 or so hours have discussed US and Chinese sanctions on Iran. As one might expect, The United States have taken a hard line with the nuclear program, while China has not been as vocal.
What would explain this is the outcome that would result from Al Qaida getting hold of a nuclear bomb. For the United States it would be disastrous. Iran would target them pretty quickly. If not immediately, after the demise of Israel. China on the other hand stands to profit. China needs oil, and Iran can supply it. Severing contact with Iran is the last thing that they want.
On Monday, reports from the White House claimed that Obama had succeeded in convincing President Hu Jintao to cooperate with the US on Iran sanctions. China however denied any sort of shift in political stance. Why? They claim its because they don't believe that sanctions will have any effect on the situation whatsoever.
Would sanctions have an effect? I am not sure I disagree too much with China on this one. I can tell you, though, that regardless of whether or not sanctions would deter Iran's nuclear program to conduct business with prospect murderers is immoral and unethical. Do you sell guns to murderers who would otherwise purchase their weapons on the black market?
Wait, perhaps that's a bit extreme. Let's modify it. Do you sell chocolate to murderers who purchase their weapons from the black market? By refusing to sanction Iran, China clearly marks its political stance as being in support of the Iranian nuclear program. There are no two ways about it.
Sorry President Obama, but it looks like China is still against you. Good luck with the remainder of the conference.
Agree or disagree? Leave your thoughts below.
No comments:
Post a Comment