Students can act against nuclear threats

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in October 2005,
“They say it is not possible to have a world without the
United States and Zionism. But you know that this is a possible
goal and slogan.”

Five concerned UCLA students have gathered to discuss what, if
anything, can be done in reaction to these threats. As one of these
five students, I am asking the student body to consider the
seriousness of the Iranian issue, and I urge you to join us in
asking our government to do the same.

Some argue that Iran is not an immediate cause for concern
because it could take many years for that country to produce a
functional weapon. This argument is very misleading. Once Iran has
the technological independence to produce these weapons, it will be
able to cut itself off from the international community and will be
unfazed by external pressures to abandon its nuclear ambitions.

According to International Atomic Energy Agency Director General
Mohamed El-Baradei, Iran is within months of acquiring the
technological independence to produce nuclear weapons. The most
prudent responses to the growing Iranian threat are economic,
political and diplomatic sanctions against Tehran.

Despite its oil wealth, Iran’s economy still remains
vulnerable. Ahmadinejad’s incendiary statements have resulted
in a 40 percent loss on the Tehran Stock Exchange and a reported
capital flight of more than $200 billion out of Iran. Economic
sanctions, diplomatic contacts and trade and investment can serve
as leverage against the Iranian government.

It is necessary to take immediate action against Iran’s
nuclear program through sanctions. If sanctions are not pursued
quickly, the international community might only have one option:
military action. Russia, for one, has not ruled out the possibility
of military intervention despite investing in Iran.

It is necessary to exhaust all diplomatic means in an effort to
stop Iran’s goal of obtaining nuclear capability.

We as students have opted to engage students face-to-face with
our petition, calling for our elected officials to take immediate
diplomatic action in response to the threat posed by Iran. We are
confident that the collective voice of students from UCLA and
around the country will influence Congress’ understanding
that nations who call for the destruction of others cannot and must
not be tolerated.

Azal is a fourth-year political science and history
student.