Nuclear Technology in Iran

I do think Iran has the right to pursue nuclear energy. I think every country does. However I think this right should only be there if they comply to the regulations such as allowing random inspections. Iran has not been doing that and therefore there should be some kind of consequence for that. I believe that's where the diplomatic talks, sanctions, and sabotage come in. I feel like there should be some kind of set consequence for breaking the rules because otherwise it is just an empty promise. I don't think any country should have the right to create nuclear weapons. They are just too dangerous that no one should actually use them. Ideally  no one would have that but that's only in an unrealistic world. If I was the President, (which will never happen ever) firstly I would already have set consequences for breaking the treaty. So I guess breaking the treaty would be one red line. My red line for further action would be concrete knowledge that Iran has nuclear weapons. Until then I would use the techniques we are using right now.

Internet in Iran

I think there is no way for Iran to stop youth from finding ways to get on the Internet as long as it is still up and as was said in the Newshour special, Iran would never shut down the Internet completely. There are just too many different routes and avenues used to explore the Internet for the Iran government to block it. I think a huge role the Internet plays is to allow the youth in Iran to see a world outside of Iran. They don't want to be confined to the oppressive regime they live in. The Internet has given them a greater view of how others live and I think that has strenghtened their will to be freed. Also, I think it gives others on the Internet a chance to see a different side of Iran. The Newshour special said some youth recieve help from people in other countries to get access to the Internet. The Internet has given Iranians a chance to express their situation and therefore they have recieved more worldwide sympathy. It's easy to see why the oppressive government would want to stop this technelogical influence, yet there is no way they can stop it. I think the more the government tries to crack down, the harder the Iranians will fight to keep this precious world of freedom. It's really humbling to compare their Internet use to ours. People in both Iran and the US would be upset if bans were put on the Internet, but the reasons would be completely differnt. For Iranian youth, this is their one connection to the outside world. They used it to put protests together and get the word out about rallys and happening. People in the US would be upset that they can't update their Facebook relationship status. Comparing our lives makes me really grateful for what I have but also guilty. Iranian youth are so involved in their government and use the Internet to enhance that. I am not very involved in politics and take for granted all the freedoms I have. It really makes you reconsider your priorites.