Advocates for robust action in Iraq and now in Iran to halt suspected WMD activity there frequently assert that IAEA safeguards are insufficient to prevent those countries from acquiring nuclear weapons.
- Assume the Secretary of State has asked you whether or not safeguards are a sufficient barrier to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons. What would you tell him in a 750-word memo?
- If they are not, are safeguards technically deficient? Is there some other problem with relying on them? What would make you more willing to rely on them?
- If they are sufficient what would you tell the Secretary about them that would reassure him?