Friedman On Iran: Risk Of A "Nuclear Middle East"

In keeping with our 'Friedman Watch' series here at The Last Polka, let's take a look at what NY Times foreign affairs columnist had to say about Iran's nuclear ambitions on today's "Good Morning America." (Note: The whole transcript hasn't been posted yet, so I'll be quoting from the video and ABC's story about the interview)

If Iran successfully develops a nuclear bomb, Friedman warned, "Saudi Arabia is going to want one, Egypt is going to want one. We're going to have a nuclear Middle East." At first glance, it seems a bit premature to be jumping to this conclusion. However, Friedman is correct to note the long term implications of a nuclear Iran. A nuclear Iran would not just be a threat to the United States and Israel - it would destabilize the entire region and make it easier for other Middle Eastern countries to develop nuclear technologies.

Friedman also notes the role of Iranian nationalism tied to its nuclear endeavors. While many Iranians are thirsty for democracy and dislike the current regime, "The idea of Iran getting a bomb is very popular with the Iranian people." Again, I think that Friedman is correct to note this. A nuclear weapon would completely change the way the world deals with Iran, regardless of the regime in power.

I will take issue with one of Friedman's comments: After being asked about what type of 'harm' that Iran could inflict upon the U.S., Friedman commented, "If they cut off oil and it went to $100 a day, that would make my day because then we'd get everybody in America driving hybrid cars fueled by corn and ethanol and I think that would be a great thing." Let's be serious Tom. While having the country driving hybrid, electric, or ethanol fueled cars is admittedly your wet dream, I don't think the best way to achieve this would be allowing Iran to get a nuke. I hope you feel the same way.

Here's the story from ABC: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/print?id=1703960

The video can be found at www.abcnews.com or at Yahoo News.

UPDATE (3/9/06 - 8:11PM): For more on the Iranian public's support of a nuclear Iran, see: http://oxblog.blogspot.com/2006/03/noteworthy-thus-tgamillions-of.html -

P.S. OxBlog is a great site.