A new Plan for Iran

Written by: Scott Trimble on May 9, 2007 10:52 AM EDT

So, the big "problem" with Iran is the idea that they want nuclear energy.  They say they want it for peaceful energy purposes, while many other nations (including the US) seem to fear that they want to develop nuclear weaponry.  So, my idea is to call their bluff.

If they want energy for peaceful purposes, there really is no more peaceful, ecologically-friendly, and in the long run, cheaper source than solar power.  Since solar power is relatively expensive up front, however, it can be prohibitive to get into.  So, why don't we (the US) try to estimate how much it would cost to retro-fit all of Iran's houses and other suitable buildings with solar panel roofing, then create an international fund, and ask all the other nations who are concerned about Iran's desire to acquire nuclear energy to contribute, and then offer Iran basically a free solar energy plan that will not create nuclear wastes to make their citizens sick, tied to an agreement for nuclear inspectors to be able to carry on inspections there to guarantee the rest of the world that no new nuclear weaponry is being created.  After all, expensive as it may be, it's bound to be cheaper than another war. Heck, there might even be some money after that (that we won't need for more war) that could be used to start retro-fitting houses here.

Iran would be hard pressed to turn down such an offer, as it would say to the world that in fact they would prefer nuclear power for its weapon capabilities, but it would also help their people, which would also be a show of humanitarian generosity and ecological good intentions, which would be a good first step in restoring the good reputation the US once had. Furthermore, if Israel was one of the contributors to the fund, then it might be the beginnings of trying to bridge the differences between those two nations.

 I'd like to find out what others think about this idea.

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