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Opinion / Han Dongping

Chinese leader's visit to Iran crucial for peace

By Han Dongping (chinadaily.com.cn) Updated: 2012-09-12 14:50

Chinese leader's visit to Iran crucial for peace

As the head of the Chinese People's Congress, Wu Bangguo's visit to Iran at this critical moment, when peace in the Middle East hangs in the balance, will have huge impact. History will prove that this visit will contribute tremendously to peace in the Middle East as well as peace in the world.

A few days ago, the Canadian government announced its decision to close its embassy in Tehran, and to order Iranian Embassy officials to leave Canada, in a move to further isolate Iran. This move is part of a concerted effort by the West to further squeeze Iran in order to break Iran's will and force Iran to give up its nuclear program.

At this moment, the Israeli government is considering the option of a preemptive strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.

In the past, Israel has successfully bombed its opponents' nuclear facilities without repercussions, and therefore there is no reason to believe it will not consider doing so again. For Iran, the development of its nuclear program is absolutely imperative for its security and well-being.

Without nuclear deterrence, Iran will continue to face the threat of foreign invasion. What has happened in Iraq and Libya and what is happening now in Syria should serve as a prime example of the importance of having a nuclear deterrence for Iran's self-defense.

American Joint Chief of Staff General Martin Dempsey announced a few days ago that he did not want to be complicit if Israel attacked Iran.

He also said that he was opposed to America's participation in Israel's attack on Iran.

But Israel knows that if its attacks against Iran's nuclear facilities are successful, it will suffer few repercussions, if any, from the global community.

And if its attacks are unsuccessful, it knows that it can rely on the US to prevent any serious consequences that would result from its actions.

Whether General Dempsey thinks it is wise for America to get involved in a military confrontation between Iran and Israel is ultimately unimportant.

The elected officials in the US government will certainly choose to enter into any such conflict on behalf of Israel.

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