What to do about Iran

    While it's pretty clear that the world as a whole, and Israel in particular, are royally screwed if Iran ever acquires nuclear bombs, one has to admit that it isn't fair to keep the current monopoly on peaceful nuclear energy. The question was how to enforce the ban on weapons while Iran was refusing to allow inspectors into the country. President Ahmadinejad's recent letter to President Bush, however, may indicate that Iran is serious about reopening diplomatic relations with the United States after the US broke them off in 1980 over the US Embassy hostage situation.

    So, as I'm in an idealistic mood today, here's my thoughts on defusing the situation with Iran.

1. Bush and Ahmadinejad need to sit down together in a little room alone and talk. No advisors, no cameras, just them and their interpreters.

2. They need to agree that having our countries hate each other solves nothing. Here's the plan:
      
        America agrees that Iran has a right to civilian nuclear technology.
        Iran agrees to let in international inspectors from the IAEA to make sure they're not making weapons or         weapons technology.
        The two countries reinstate diplomatic ties.
        Ideally Iran would recognize Israel's right to exist, but I know there's about no chance of that happening. But at least this is a start.
        The Muslims need to recognize that Christians aren't their enemies. The Koran says that we're all followers of the same God. Why do they feel the need to attack us? Maybe they'd be happy if we let them send state-sponsored Muslim missionaries.

    Now that I look back at this list, there's no chance of most of it happening. Still, you've got to admit that it makes sense and would solve a lot of problems.