The Showdown continues

What are we watching unfold in the news?

While the most of the Western World watches in dread, Iran plays a deadly game of nuclear chicken with the EU3, Israel and the United States. Iran says that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, claims a "right" to nuclear power and forges ahead with its development program. How many millions world wide echo this sentiment from this BBC News sample of Global Reaction?

The US, Europe and other nations need to understand that nuclear development does not pose a threat to anybody. India and Pakistan are examples - since they have developed their nuclear energies they have not had a war. It is wrong for the West to want to retain its monopoly on nuclear weapons.
Ravish Vaishya, Canada

Meanwhile, as Der Speigel reports the rhetoric goes nuclear:

After months of unusual reticence, French President Jacques Chirac on Thursday returned to character. In a speech about France's nuclear policy, given on the atomic submarine base Ile-Longue off the coast of Brittany, he made clear that countries which support terrorism or desire weapons of mass destruction are at risk of a nuclear attack.

Talking heads have said that Chirac's warning is an acknowledgement that of E3 failure. Also, they say, the stage is being set and the public prepared for UN sanctions or military action. Whether in concert with the allies or completely independantly Israel once agains rattles a saber.

Israeli Hints at Preparation to Stop Iran Jan 21, 9:00 PM (ET)
By JOSEF FEDERMAN

JERUSALEM (AP) - Israel's defense minister hinted Saturday that the Jewish state is preparing for military action to stop Iran's nuclear program, but said international diplomacy must be the first course of action.

"Israel will not be able to accept an Iranian nuclear capability and it must have the capability to defend itself, with all that that implies, and this we are preparing," Shaul Mofaz said.

So Iran asserts it postion, Chirac threatens retaliatory obliteration, Israel reiterates it's position and we wonder where this is going.