Playing Chicken with Iran

Let's make no mistake about it: we don't want Iran to have nuclear weapons. But the main reason is not the one we are led to focus on. Iran does not, and will not, pose a threat directly to the U.S. In fact, it is unlikely Iran has any intention of initiating a nuclear exchange, even with its neighbors. The truth is, Iran sees its nuclear ambitions in much the way France did in the 1950's: as a deterrent. France developed its nuclear "Force de Frappe" as a deterrent to Soviet aggression. They never deluded themselves into thinking that they could win a nuclear war--their goal was purely to have enough punch to deter the Soviets from launching first. The same is obviously true of Iran, despite all the hot-head rhetoric from its President. Let's not forget that he has little power in his own country.