The UK Times writes that Iran is setting off a nuclear arms race among Sunni Arab countries in the Middle East. If this is true, proliferation will soon explode across the Islamic world.

Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and smaller states such as Tunisia and the UAE want to acquire nuclear technology was suspected for some time, but the headlong race into the atomic age came as a shock. ... They fear the rise of Iran's brand of Islam and the impact it is having on Shia brethren in countries such as Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states.

An Iran that is a member of the nuclear club would have far more clout in the region.

The first country to signal an interest in nuclear power was Turkey. ... Next came Egypt. ... Algeria is expected to be next in line. ...

Most interest will be focused on Saudi Arabia, traditionally Iran's main rival for control of the Gulf. The leadership has consistently cautioned about the dangers of nuclear expansion in the region. ...

Those hopes now appear doomed. In their place is the first evidence of a nuclear race beginning in the region and with it fears that the Middle East is entering the most dangerous period of its history.

These developments were  completely predictable. Only those in chronic denial tried to peddle the delusion that failure to stop Iran and North Korea would trigger massive nuclear proliferation. The Left has been the well—spring of denial and defeatism, both here and in Europe. For decades, liberals have sabotaged US efforts to build anti—missile defenses. Deluded Democrats like Jimmy Carter and the Clintons constantly tried to talk peace and love to power—mad fanatics in North Korea and Iran. Now the consequences of their self—delusions should be plain to all.

In Asia, China is finally seeing the looming crisis, as Japan, Taiwan and South Korea are "exploring" their own nuclear weapons programs. China's Hu Jintao made a final public appeal before the North Koreans exploded their big fizzle weeks ago. He risked losing public face if Kim didn't obey; but Kim defied China. China's tame attack dog has now turned against its owner, and there isn't very much the Chinese can do. If Kim gets away with it, look for nuclear proliferation throughout Asia.

The Russians still seem to believe they can make hay out of the Iranian threat, but they are right next door to the Mullahs. Soon, Putin will inevitably repeat Hu Jintao's experience. He cannot control the Iranian nuclear program which he now feeding.

Nuclear—armed Pakistan just yielded the Waziristan region to Al Qaeda. Pakistan's President Musharraf has been targeted for assassination three times, and his army and secret service are penetrated by Islamists. But Pakistan isn't the only Muslim country that is vulnerable to Islamist take—overs. All the others are, too.

Where are the adults? 

James Lewis   11 4 06