Simmering Iran

After Afghanistan and Iraq, we all know that US is focussing on Iran. If it was WMDs in Iraq, here the issue is the nuclear programme.

India has defied US for long on this, refusing to sign the NPT; finally US was forced to accept India as a "nuclear power". The difference in Iran's case is that it has signed the NPT and yet they are making noises about their nuclear ambitions. Another thorny issue is the co-operation between India and Iran, on the oil pipeline deal.

The US obsession with Middle East, Islamic countries and oil is under threat if Iran rebels. US already has the neighbours on both sides, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and Pakistan, under their control in some way.

While EU is trying to avoid a clash, Iran's new president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad seems to be in no mood to calm down. He is considered to be an Islamic revolutionary with alleged involvement in the 1979 Iran hostage crisis. The latest outburst from him is the denial of Holocaust.

While it is unfair on the part of US to arm-twist other countries on nuclear programmes while it continues with its own, Iran's rebellious attitude doesn't bode well for the world.