In "Blood Weekly", (July 2, 2009, p603) wrote that Cotara R, a radioisotope is being developed as a potential new treatment for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a deadly form of brain cancer. Just as the West makes use of radioisotopes to make strides in modern medicine, so does Iran.
In October, Iran announced it had produced two new radio medicines called "Samarion 153" and "Renium 186" which were able to reduce pains of cancer patients. Furthermore, these medicines could be used for defining of cancer and reducing bone disease. Iran also informed that the results of a new anti-cancer medicine would be publicly announced in 2010[vi]. However, the Iranian-derived radio medicine differs vastly from the Canadian product.
The U.S. supplies weapon-grade uranium (HEU, 90-percent 235U) to the Canadian radioisotope producers. HEU is capable of being used to make a nuclear bomb, which is why the 1992 Schumer Amendment to the U.S. Atomic Energy Act requires that a foreign producer cooperate with the United States in converting to LEU (containing less than 20 percent 235U). In 2005, a lobbying campaign sponsored by MDS-Nordion of Canada and Mallinckrodt resulted in the Burr Amendment in the National Energy Policy Act of 2005. This amendment exempts medical radioisotope producers in Canada, Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands from the Schumer Amendment's requirements[vii].
In sharp contrast, Iran uses LEU (not suitable for bomb-making). Not only is this the standard permissible under the NNPT, but it is the standard that the United States is pushing its allies to strive for. There are currently some challenges in converting from HEU to LEU for isotopes. While there are two major plants currently being repaired which supply much of the required isotopes, the main technical issue that has been raised by current producers is increased waste generation when LEU is used.
While the Department of Energy's findings indicate a coming shortage in medical isotopes, it also promises new treatments such as ' isotopes for cancer therapy and pain control'[viii] . Given this view, Iran's extraordinary achievements are to be commended, not blasted - literally. Even in isolation Iran's remarkable strides in medicine can serve as a bridge, not as a crevice.
Furthermore, The Scientist confirms that there will be an oil crisis by 2030. What reserves can be found are not easily accessible. "Three-quarters of the global shale resource lies in Colorado , Utah and Wyoming , and Barack Obama's administration has recently restarted the process of leasing federal land for shale oil R&D. Shade oil was used in the 19th century. To produce oil from it, you essentially need to speed up a geological process that takes millions of years. This is done by heating the rock to 500 C until the kerogen decomposes into a synthetic crude oil and a solid residue. Traditionally that has meant digging up the shale and baking it in a huge oven. An expensive, energy-intensive process. It also leaves a greater volume of waste than the original shale." [ix] Surely it is plausible for Iran to need nuclear power plants for fuel given the future of oil.
It is tragic that a nuclear program intended for civilian use, and research programs with the potential to cure and alleviate human suffering should be the Lobby's weapon for destruction - at home and abroad. Washington has full knowledge that Iran's pursuit of a nuclear program is for civilian purposes, and the two countries have cooperated in medical research, yet bowing to AIPAC, it is pushing along with more sanctions - a prelude to war. Sanctions, not only harm the target country, but the American economy at a time when Americans need jobs, not another military confrontation. Perhaps the real tragedy is the realization that Americans are sovereign no more.
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