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Defusing Iran with Democracy
(Los Angeles Times) Shirin Ebadi and Muhammad Sahimi - Respect for human rights and a democratic political system are the most effective deterrent against the threat that any aspiring nuclear power, including Iran, may pose to the world. Iran's nuclear program began accelerating around 1997. The reformists supported the nuclear program but wanted it to be fully transparent and in compliance with Iran's international obligations. Although a vast majority of Iranians despise the country's hard-liners and wish for their downfall, they also support its nuclear program because it has become a source of pride. A military attack would only inflame nationalist sentiments. Democracy, in the end, will provide the ultimate safeguard against nuclear disaster, because a truly democratic Iran, backed by a majority of Iranians, would feel secure enough not to pursue dangerous military adventures. Shirin Ebadi, a human rights advocate, was awarded the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize. Muhammad Sahimi is a professor of chemical engineering at USC.