Fear Encourages the Nuclear Rush of Iran's Neighbors

Editorial, The New York Times | May 26, 2008

Recently President Bush signed an agreement to cooperate with Saudi Arabia on developing civilian nuclear energy. ++ In the case of Saudi Arabia, the agreement seems unnecessary. ++ There are alarming signs that this sudden enthusiasm is less driven by Saudi Arabia’s concerns about climate change, or declining oil supplies, than by Iran’s growing nuclear proficiency. ++ Mechanisms, such as an international fuel bank to prevent “expanding nuclear energy today to result in more weapons tomorrow,” need to be put in place.