MILITARY ATTACK ON IRAN WOULD BE A 'DISASTER'

Military action against Iran could have disastrous global consequences according to a new joint report published this week by a diverse coalition of groups including aid agencies, Trade Unions, and religious groups, such as Christian Solidarity Worldwide.The report warns that, despite the seriousness of the situation, there is still time to talk and sets out some ways that the UK government could work with allies to engage with Iran in a sustained effort to find a diplomatic solution.Sir Richard Dalton, UK Ambassador to Iran 2002-2006, said:"After three years in Iran, I am well aware of the threat Iran poses and of the frustrations of engagement. I also know that firmness, patience and a commitment to diplomacy offer the best chance of success. Given Iranian defiance of the Security Council, there is bound to be a break in the negotiations on the nuclear issue. But both sides should work for a resumption. It is vital that the US becomes fully involved in creative diplomacy. Recourse to military action - other than in legitimate self-defence - is not only unlikely to work but would be a disaster for Iran, the region and quite possibly the world."
Stephen Twigg, Director of the Foreign Policy Centre, said that the consequences of military action against Iran were “unthinkable”, adding that "even according to the worst estimates, Iran is still years away from having a nuclear weapon. There is still time to talk and the Prime Minister must make sure our allies use it."Adding to the overwhelming voice against military action, Adam Leach, Oxfam GB's Regional Director for the Middle East said that "a military attack on Iran could add yet more human misery to a region where nearly 70 million people are already suffering from the effects of conflict and war”."As this report shows, such an attack [on Iran] would open a Pandora's box. The view held by some in Washington that all diplomatic and political options have been exhausted is a palpable nonsense that needs to be challenged," said Dr Ali Ansari, Director of the Institute of Iranian Studies at St Andrews University.

Aidan Liriano
(CPF Co' Ordinator)