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Monday, November 7, 2011

Iran Nuclear Weaponizing - Next Middle East War On Our Doorsteps?

According to WaPo, the IAEA is about to report that Iran is on the verge of becoming a nuclear state. What does that mean for us?

 More than likely it will serve as a green light for all of Iran's enemies to launch a pre-emptive strike. Below is some must read commentary from Emad Mostaque of Religare Capital Markets on what this IAEA finding will mean for the region and for the world:

 The IAEA report on Iranian weaponization is due to come out earlier than expected on Nov 9th. We maintain our belief that this report is likely to state that Iran close to becoming a full nuclear power and we look at the near term implications in this note.
  • Nothing new: The report is unlikely to contain much new information, but rather to “connect-the-dots” in line with increasing US/Israeli influence over the IAEA. It is very difficult to prove weaponization absent a mushroom cloud.
  • Breaking out: We believe that Iran does not intend to create nuclear weapons but are looking to reach “breakout” potential to act as a deterrent. We believe this is 6-12 months away, shifting the balance of power significantly. Iran will continue with its program regardless of international sanctions or pressure.
  • Oil support, sanctions and attacks: Oil should get more support and take the Brent-WTI spread back toward $20 given the broken nature of that market. The first move may be to sanction the Central Bank of Iran, cutting oil exports and dividend repatriation (negative for MTN and the like). Russia and China will push back on this toward the end of the month, increasing the probability of an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities late November/December, which we upgraded to 40% a month ago.

While I believe in the right of each Nation-State to control its own destiny and be free to make political decisions based on the will of its people, I do not see that Iran is making decisions for the general public and do not trust that they would not use such weapons against other nations.

The proliferation of nuclear weapons is a clear threat to the entire world. Weapons of such mass destruction are a pariah to modern day life, unfortunately one that we can not escape or pretend does not exist.

I see no easy solution, but fear that the next Middle East war is not far at hand.

4 comments:

  1. Why is it OK for America to have the most nuclear weapons? Lead by example.

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  2. It is very scary combination, Iran and nuclear weapons.

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  3. Iran with nuclear weapons is akin to a coiled snake rearing its head. The Israeli government, hearing the snake's hiss, might become sufficiently alarmed to remove that threat, which would be most convenient for the American Administration. The clock ticks.

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  4. I couldn't agree more with the above comment. That is the really scary part of this plot unfolding.

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