U.S. President George W. Bush reiterated his pledge that the United States will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons in a wide ranging speech on the Middle East Friday.

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You know, one of the things I’ve respected about Bush is his support of Israel (though his desire to form a Palestinian State during his administration often clouded his judgement).  However, does his word really matter now?  He’s out of office in a month, so what really matters right now is the next guy’s stance on Iran’s nuclear aspirations.

Jordan signed a civilian nuclear cooperation deal with China on Monday, as part of its efforts to develop its nuclear energy capabilities.

Under the protocol, China will help Jordan mine and enrich uranium, as well as assist in training and studies to build a nuclear station, head of the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission, Khalid Tuqan, said, according to news reports.

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A senior Syrian official on Friday all but ruled out new visits by UN inspectors probing allegations that his country had a covert program that could be used to make nuclear weapons.

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Yep, they have nukes.

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Iran has now produced roughly enough nuclear material to make, with added purification, a single atom bomb, according to nuclear experts analyzing the latest report from global atomic inspectors.

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Well, now we get to see if Iran was telling the truth about using nuclear energy for fuel, or if they’ll try to “wipe Israel off the map.”  I’m hoping for the former, but expect the latter.

See also: Analysis: Does this mean it’s too late?

The French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner has said Israel is expected to launch a military strike on Iran before it acquires a nuclear bomb, and urged the Jewish state to hold back in favour of sanctions.

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Remember when preemptive strikes were okay?  Well, in our PC world, especially if you’re Israel, you aren’t allowed to do anything until the country that’s been threatening to wipe you off the map nukes one of your major cities.  Should Israel listen to advice like this. . . well. . . if you want to visit Tel Aviv, do it now.  It’ll be gone in a year or so.

Six world powers, including the United States and Russia, have reached a deal to seek a new U.N. resolution on Iran’s nuclear program, European officials said Friday.

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Unfortunately, this deal doesn’t seek new sanctions.  So, what we’re saying is, “if you continue to do what you’re doing, we’ll continue to do nothing in response!”

Iran plans to build six more nuclear plants
By Haaretz Service and The Associated Press

Iran plans to build six more nuclear power plants, the deputy head of the Iranian Atomic Organization said Tuesday.

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Ask yourself: why would a country with that much oil need so much nuclear energy?

Iran Rejects Nuclear, Terrorism Charges Against Banks
By VOA News

Iran has rejected accusations by France, Britain and the United States that its banks are financing illegal nuclear activities and terrorism.

Article Continues… (VOA)

Well, Iran is continuing its nuclear program despite UN (ha!) sanctions, and it’s funding both Hamas and Hizb’Allah. The money for all of that has to come from somewhere.

U.S. puts brakes on Israeli plan for attack on Iran nuclear facilities
By Aluf Benn

The American administration has rejected an Israeli request for military equipment and support that would improve Israel’s ability to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Article Continues… (Haaretz)

Regardless of any reason given, this is all about oil. It’s what drives the world economy, and it will be the reason the U.S. bails out on Israel