Iran's nuclear program and world order

Abstract

Iran is a major power in the Middle East and does play a major role in the region. It is the center of Shiism. It exerts its influence either as a supporter of militias and 'terrorist group' such as "Hezbollah" in Lebanon, Palestinians and others. It had historical feud with Iraq especially under the Sunni President Saddam Hussein. Presently this unfriendly conflict could change with the formation of an Iraqi Shiite government. By contract, Iran's anti western stands are unchanged since the Khomeini revolution. With its militant regime following the demise of the Shah, Iran aims at becoming a superpower at best in the region, a leader of militant Islam and a member of the nuclear club. The major question in this research revolves around: why does Iran who claims to be a peaceful nation and has plenty of oil, need nuclear weapons? This thesis will focus on the nuclear energy and its importance on one hand, and the quest of Iran to acquire it for military purpose. The research is divided into six chapters: The first chapter is an introduction that describes historical information about Iran. It covers the republic, the economy and the importance of oil, then the Khomeini revolution underlying all the changes that include the political regime and its implications on the different classes of the Iranian society. Chapter two highlights the importance of Iran's role in the Middle East from a cultural, political and military point of view, focusing further on Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Israel. The third chapter explains the importance of nuclear energy, its use and dangers. Also, it will outline the needs of nuclear energy by some countries for peaceful means by contrast to military ones. It will attempt to explain why countries insist on having nuclear weapons in spite of the threats they cause and the costs they have to incur. It centers on Iran's needs for WMD. It also describes the role of Iran in the Arab Israeli conflict, international terrorism and its effects regionally and internationally. It will focus on Iran as a leading Muslim country developing nuclear power in violation of international laws and treaties.Chapter four will analyze the UN role in curtailing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and impossible use of nuclear energy, international rules and regulations, as well as the reactions to violators by different countries such as the Europeans, the US, Russia, and China. Last but not least, the conclusion summarizes and offers suggestions for future policies. In undertaking this research I had to rely on both the qualitative, analytical method and the quantitative one to include books, articles in refereed journals, internet, newspapers and some interviews of university professors.