|
|
July 26, 2002/Av 17 5762, Vol. 54, No. 45
Transforming rogue statesEditorialTerrorist car bombings in 1992 and 1994 destroyed the Argentine Jewish infrastructure: first the Israeli embassy, then the Argentine Jewish Mutual Aid Association - the organizational nerve center of the Jewish community.The New York Times reported this week that Iran allegedly orchestrated these attacks, paying a $10 million cover-up bribe to then-Argentine President Carlos Menem. Iran reportedly funneled the money through a Swiss bank account. U.S. State Department officials say they believe Hezbollah is behind the bombings. It is well documented that Iran supplies Hezbollah with financing, weaponry and a fanatical ideology. The alleged Iran-Hezbollah-Argentine terrorist connection underscores that in the 21st century, nations are breeding and protecting terrorists - a conundrum for civilized nations impatient to contain and punish them. In the Cold War, power was measured by troops and nuclear arsenals; in the globalized world - where nations are bound by common economic interest - power is measured by economic might and international trade alliances. One way to punish rogue nations like Iran is economic proscription. Recently, the Bush administration - acting in part on provisions of the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991 - imposed trade sanctions on nine Chinese companies and an Indian businessman for purportedly selling goods and technology to Iran that could be used to develop chemical and conventional weapons. The sanctions were a start. Another important administration step would be to persuade Russia not to trade nuclear technology and hardware to Iran, with the goal of further weakening it militarily and economically. At the same time, the globalized world must cultivate and encourage moderate leaders in the rogue states, preparing them to take power. It's a process of slow, steady, quiet relationship building. Recently in Iran, thousands of citizens have clashed with police, protesting low pay and poor working conditions. How much do they know about the choices their government has made to fund terrorism - in Israel, in Argentina - rather than to invest in the Iranian people? Rogue nations like Iran - and Syria, Sudan and North Korea - must be forced to choose between terrorism and membership in the globalized, civilized world. An attack against the Argentine Jewish community is an attack against modern civilization. |
