Le Bomb? Non Probleme!

And so the truth slips out. Once again pointing out that there is great disparity in the way that the United States and the Europeans see the acquisition of nuclear weapons by Iran. To wit, we see it as an existential threat - to them, it's no big deal. As French President Jacques Chirac pointed out:

PARIS, Jan. 31 — President Jacques Chirac said this week that if Iran had one or two nuclear weapons, it would not pose a big danger, and that if Iran were to launch a nuclear weapon against a country like Israel, it would lead to the immediate destruction of Tehran.

What Kid Various loves is the next paragraph:

Mr. Chirac said repeatedly during the second interview that he had spoken casually and quickly the day before because he believed he had been talking about Iran off the record.

i.e. "I was unaware that you were going to print what I really think..."

It just highlights the essential difference, outlined so well in Kagan's "Of Paradise and Power," in the way the Europeans and we percieve the threat form the Enemy. We see Iran becoming a nuclear power as a grave threat to the continued existence of the United States and the Free World. They see it as a scenario to be managed. And besides, who else are they going to sell nuclear material to?

Who are you to resist it, eh?

My kids need wine!