The tentacles of terror
Under a Mushroom Cloud: Europe, Iran and the Bomb by Emanuele Ottolenghi
Profile, £9.99

The nuclear stand-off between Iran and the West is “the greatest foreign policy challenge for a united Europe in a generation.” Emanuele Ottolenghi’s persuasive analysis, together with Tehran’s reaction to post-election protests, should convince even the most sceptical of the pressing need for trade sanctions against Iran.

Since the National Council of the Resistance in Iran, an opposition group in exile, revealed the existence of two undercover nuclear sites seven years ago, Iran has been trying to develop a nuclear arsenal.

Ottolenghi’s central premise is that because European countries have substantial business interests in the region, and Iran is dependent on European technology to develop its energy sector, it is up to Europe to impose sanctions. Ottolenghi admits this will be hard in the short term, particularly given the current recession, but suggests trade relations are more critical for Iran than for Europe so will pay off in the long run.

Despite Iran’s recent concessions to UN nuclear inspectors, many believe the US, British and French governments are poised to push for stiffer sanctions so Ottolenghi may find many of his recommendations are implemented sooner rather than later. As he stresses, it will not take long for Iran to “master the nuclear cycle” so time is of the essence.

Ottolenghi’s thorough examination of the devastating consequences of Iran’s “tentacles of terror” both supports and underlines his call for tough economic sanctions. He provides robust arguments against taking the more diplomatic approach of dialogue and engagement. As recent demonstrations indicate, Iran is at a crossroads. This book is both timely and essential reading for anyone interested in the nuclear debate – and securing stability in the region.

Lucy Popescu