Commentary: Some important concerns about Russia-Iran nuclear power cooperation

By Shoshana Bryen

Shoshana Bryen

WASHINGTON, D.C. –It isn’t exactly Iran’s Bushehr reactor that is making people really nervous this week, and it isn’t exactly the Russians. It is the understanding that no matter what the United States and the West say about Iran with nuclear technology, Iran is moving toward the acquisition of nuclear weapons technology and capability – and moving on the path toward the creation of an actual nuclear weapon(s).

That is coupled with the possibility that Russia will next deliver the S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems to Iran, providing a serious new level of protection for the regime and its illegal uranium enrichment program.
 
The Russians, who took over construction of the reactor in 1995, twenty years after Germany started the project, delivered the fuel in 2007 and 2008, but held off installing it. They say they are now preparing to install the fuel rods and plan to have the reactor up and running within weeks, bringing it up to speed over the next six months. According to public reports, it will be tied to the Iranian electricity grid, monitored by the IAEA, and appears to have no link to Iran’s uranium enrichment program. In addition, the Russians claim to have struck a deal with Iran for the return of spent fuel to preclude production of weapons-grade plutonium.
 
On its face, the Russian position seems reasonable – since Iran repeatedly said it wouldn’t cooperate with the IAEA on enrichment activities because Tehran was being prevented from having even civilian energy reactors, the Russians took away that excuse. They also contrived to retain control of the spent fuel. The Russians appear smug about the arrangement and their role as Iran’s energy partner. And as long as the Russians have control, there appears to be no problem.
 
At least that’s what the State Department implied. Unwilling, perhaps, to “re-reset” relations, a State Department spokesman said the United States does not regard Bushehr as a proliferation risk. “Russia’s support for Bushehr underscores that Iran does not need an indigenous enrichment capability if its intentions are purely peaceful,” and the Russian fuel deal mirrors the failed Western offer for a broader fuel swap.
 
But what if its intentions are not “purely peaceful”? The United States had previously expressed three concerns about Bushehr: 

Weapons grade plutonium could be processed from the reactor’s uranium allowing the Iranians to construct nuclear weapons. 

The Russians and Iranians could use Bushehr as a cover for the transfer of sensitive technology.

The knowledge gained by Iranian scientists working at Bushehr could further Iran’s nuclear weapons program.

Even assuming the Russians have the first covered, what about the others? 
 
As recently as May, two German men were arrested for trying to buy dual-use parts prohibited under EU sanctions for use at Bushehr. And Iranians working at Bushehr would certainly gain important understandings about nuclear technology that can be transferred to other parts of Iran’s program – secret parts. The State Department spokesman did note, “the world’s fundamental concerns with Iran’s overall nuclear intentions,” and the fact that “Iran remains in serious violation of its obligations to the IAEA, particularly as regards separate enrichment.”
 
The UK Daily Telegraph reports that Iran has announced plans for ten new enrichment plants “within protected mountain strongholds… The move is a response to sanctions imposed on Iran in an attempt to stop it from producing enriched uranium, which can be used as fuel for nuclear power plants but for weapons if produced in higher levels. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad also issued an edict ordering the government to offer only ‘minimum levels of co-operation’ with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN nuclear watchdog.”
 
It is that – “minimum levels of cooperation,” new enrichment facilities in “mountain strongholds” and the clear determination of Iran to move ahead on the nuclear front coupled with threats well understood by Saudi Arabia, the Gulf States and Israel – which makes us very nervous about the possibility that Russia will, in fact, load up Bushehr.

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Bryen is senior director of security policy of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs.  Her column is sponsored by Waxie Sanitary Supply in memory of Morris Wax, longtime JINSA supporter and national board member.

Editor Harrison adds college instructor to his portfolio

Donald H. Harrison

EL CAJON, California  (Press Release)– Grossmont College has announced that Donald H. Harrison, creator of San Diego Jewish World, an online newspaper, has been selected as a new instructor for the class that produces the student newspaper called The Summit.

In addition to a print version of the student newspaper, Harrison says he is planning for a web-based “Griffin News Service” to feature a calendar of on-campus events, stories written by students and audio and video features.

Harrison has more than 40 years of experience in journalism. He was the managing editor of the Daily Bruin as a student at UCLA, and has worked for the Associated Press, San Diego Union and Los Angeles Herald-Examiner.

He also co-founded the San Diego Cruise Industry Consortium and the Old Town Trolley Tours company, and has authored Louis Rose, San Diego’s First Jewish Settler and Entrepreneur, which was published in 2004.

He also has served as editor of the San Diego Jewish Press-Heritage and a columnist with the San Diego Jewish Times.

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Preceding provided by Grossmont College

Women of the Hebrew Bible, Part 5: Five daughters of Zelophehad

The Five Daughters of Zelophehad (c) 2010, Sheila Orysiek

By Sheila Orysiek

SAN DIEGO–Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah as the only heirs of their deceased father, were determined to claim an inheritance and therefore honor their father’s name.  Moses and the elders in Israel considered their plea and agreed. This set a precedent for women to inherit.

One of a series of seven concerning women of the Hebrew Bible illustrating the moment in their lives when they were at pivotal point, contributed significantly to subsequent events and/or set a precedent in the history of our people.

 The original is pen and ink on paper, measuring 16 by 20.

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Orysiek is a freelance writer and artist based in San Diego

Commentary:Ground Zero mosque controversy confronts political correctness

By Ira Sharkansky

Ira Sharkansky

JERUSALEM–The issue of the New York City mosque near ground zero has awakened discussion of that big gorilla in the American living room. Despite all the platitudes slung back and forth about religious freedom and the separation of church and state, and the assertion that the problem of terror is not Islam, the gorilla will not go away.

Americans who write to me are strongly disinclined to see the reality, but they are already in the forefront of the battle in behalf of western civilization. It may not be mentionable in polite society, but a religious survey will not turn up many Christians or Jews among the enemy fighters killed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, and Yemen, or still kept prisoner in Guantanamo.

The Soviet Union spent great amounts of blood and treasure dealing with Islamic radicalism in Afghanistan, just over the border of its own Muslim republics. It encountered not the cooperation of the United States, but the active opposition of American arms and money. The result may have advanced the end of the Cold War and entered the books as an American victory, but what was left behind turned against the United States. The Russians are still hurting in the Caucasus and elsewhere. Like others, they are disinclined to say that the problem is Islam, per se.. The New York Times reports the latest chapter in this story.

Dissembling may be necessary when dealing with an issue as explosive as religion. Christians and Jews can become feisty when public figures attack values held dear like homosexuality, abortion, Christmas trees, Easter eggs, Chanukah, or ritual slaughter, but they are nothing like sword waving and suicide belt wearing Muslims.

Scholars can find hateful doctrines in all the monotheistic religions, but those of Judaism and Christianity are historic relics. There are rogue rabbis who write about the conditions when it is proper to overlook the suffering of goyim, and priests who insist that the Jews really were the killers of Christ, but they are far from typical. Aggressive elements of Islam may not be statistically dominant among the faithful, but they are loud, arguably ascendant, and in control of fighters, governments, and armies in enough places to be more than a nuisance.

Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, prominent among the promoters of Cordoba House, has compiled a thick file of endorsements and doubts. Ambiguous comments about Hamas and American responsibility for violent Islamic anti-Americanism leave some wondering about his moderation, and the kinds of lessons that will be taught in the mosque and classrooms that he wants to build.

Dealing with Islam, or any other aggressive religious group is not simple in a society that prides itself on openness, tolerance, and moderation.

Israel suffers the disadvantage of being in the midst of a Muslim region, and having attracted the enmity of jihadists and their friends. It also has the advantage of long experience, and a willingness to invest heavily in intelligence gathering and defense. Critics speak out in embarrassment and anger about what their government does, but supporters are more numerous than doubters.

Israeli authorities know what is said in the mosques after Friday prayers. They pressure clerics who go over the line of what is acceptable. The police assemble in their thousands when the word is that something might happen. They announce that young men will not be allowed to enter the Old City, and put an observation blimp overhead. One of the most excitable clerics has been questioned about his incitement, arrested, tried, banished from Jerusalem, and imprisoned. An even more excitable cleric, based in Gaza, was sent to his Paradise by the IDF.

It is easier for Americans and Western Europeans to deal with rogue religious movements far from home, while telling their citizens that the issue is not Islam. There may be no better way of dealing with this problem while denying that it exists.

Santa Claus, the tooth fairy, and the stork also serve noble purposes.

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Sharkansky is professor emeritus of political science at Hebrew University

Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, January 8, 1955, Part 3

Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff

City of Hope
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 8, 1955, Page 5

The Installation of Officers of the City of Hope Auxiliary has been postponed due to the untimely death of Bill Schusterman, husband of Goldie Schusterman.

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Temple Men’s Club
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 8, 1955, Page 5

With “Sports Nite” as the theme, Temple Beth Israel Men’s Club I planning a get-acquainted meeting for all members and prospective members, January 11 in the Temple Center.

Prominent local sports personalities who will speak include: Olin Dutra, Mission Valley golf pro; Sammy Stein, former top notch pro wrestler, Bill Starr and Bob Elliott of the Padre Ball Club.

During the meeting a 16 mm movie sound projector will be presented to the Temple.  This projector was purchased from Men’s Club funds set aside for such worthwhile projects.

For further information regarding “Sports Nite” contact the program chairman, Al Brooks, Atwater 4-618.

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(High School search)
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 8, 1955, Page 5

Possible sites for a new high school in the East San Diego area are under examination by the Board of Education.

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Native Son to Sing At Russ January 26
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 8, 1955, Page 6

Theodor Uppman, California-born baritone, who created the title-role of the Benjamin Britten opera, “Billy Budd,” highlight of the London 1951-52 music season, will give a San Diego recital Wednesday evening, 8:30, Jan. 26 in Russ Auditorium.

Young Uppman’s local engagement is the second event on the current Master Artist Series.

Uppman is considered one of the most exciting opera and concert stars to arrive on the international music scene in a long time.

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Salzburg Marionette Theatre Here Jan. 15
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 8, 1955, Page 6

One of the famous Salzburg Marionettes measuring 3 /12 feet tall is shown by Professor Herman Aicher.  The famed Marionette Theatre will present three performances at Roosevelt Auditorium on Saturday, January 15.

The most famous marionette theatre in the world comes to San Diego for three performances on Saturday, January 154 at Roosevelt Auditorium.  Coming from Salzburg, Austria, since its founding  in 1913, the Salzburg Marionette Theatre have given some 7733 performances in Salzburg alone, hwere, since 1936, they have been an integral part of the Salzburg Music Festival.

Professor Herman Aicher, founder, and his family, will present “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” at the matinees at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., while a Johann Strauss evening will be given at 8:30 pm.., including the complete English versio of the opera, “The Fiedermaus” and the “Blue Danube” pantomime ballet. These programs are designed for young and adults alike, and offer entertainment of the highest order and genuine art.

The deLannay-Howarth box office opens January 3 from 10 to 5:30 daily for public sale of tickets.  Matinee tickets are unreserved and are available at $1.66 while reserved tickets for the evening performance are available at $2.76, $2.21 and $1.66.  Reservations can be made by telephoning BE-2-3457.

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Ballet Theatre Here January 16
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 8, 1955, Page 6

The Ballet Theatre, first American-born of the big-time dance companies, will appear in San Diego Sunday evening Jan. 16 at 8:30 in Russ Auditorium. The famed dance troupe’s local engagement is a William E. King attraction.

When the Ballet Theatre plays here, its leading dancers will be Igor Youskevitch, top-ranking classical dancer in the ballet field today, the peerless dramatic dancer, Nora Kaye, John Kriza, one of the most vital and versatile young dancers in America, and Ruth Ann Koesun, Eric Braun, Lupe Serrano, Erik Bruhn and Sonia Arova.

This dance company of 100 will travel with its own symphony orchestra, under the musical direction of Joseph Levine.  Dimitri Romanoff is regisseuer.

Tickets are available at Palmer Box Office, 640 Broadway.

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“Affairs of State” Next at Old Globe
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 8, 1955, Page 6

A witty attire on love and politics, set in Washington during the Truman administration, “Affairs of State” will open the New Year at the Old Globe Theatre. Starting on January 10 and playing e3very night but Sunday for a limited run, the show will feature an outstanding cast under the direction of Craig Noel.

Leading lady Charlotte Henry, who will be remembered for her career in motion pictures and on the professional stage, has appeared as principal in three Globe hits: “John Loves Mary,” “Strange Bedfellows” and “Goodbye, My Fancy.”  Leading man, Robert Hartle, a graduate of famed Cleveland Playhouse, last winter was visible in a Channel 8 TV Show, “Green Thumb.”  Globe Theatre favorites Jack Mosher and Eleanor Rose, last seen in the Community Theatre production “Lo and Behold.”  Bill Nelson has done radio work at WWRL and WMGM in New York, in Bremerton, Wash., and as disc jockey aboard the USS Princeton, broadcasting to Task Force 77 during the Korean campaign.

These five fill the stellar roles in “Affairs of State,” a smartly place Louis Verneuil comedy relating what happens when the Hon. Dan Cupid drops a few bombs over the Capitol dome.

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L.A. Philharmonic Presents Piatagorsky
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 8, 1955, Page 6

Gregor Piatigorsky, world famous cellist, will be guest soloist when the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra resumes its current local concert series, Sunday, Jan. 23 at 8:30 p.m. in Russ Auditorium. Alfred Wallenstein will be on the podium.

Piatigorsky, who has been heard by more people than any other living cellist, began his career at the age of 8 playing in the orchestra of a small theatre in Dnepropetrovak, his home town. By the time he was 15, his fame had spread to Moscow where he was appointed first cellist of the Imperial Opera. When he arrived in this country in 1929, his reputation already was international. In the two decades since his American d3ebut, he has performed in the United States and Canada more than 1000 times including some 250 appearances as soloist with every major orchestra in America.

Tickets are available at the Palmer Box Office, 640 Broadway.

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(Success Ladder)
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 8, 1955, Page 6

You can’t get up the ladder of success any faster by stepping on the heads of those you are passing.

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“Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” is sponsored by Inland Industries Group LP in memory of long-time San Diego Jewish community leader Marie (Mrs. Gabriel) Berg. Our “Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” series will be a regular feature until we run out of history.  To find stories on specific individuals or organizations, type their names in our search box.