By Michael McCally, M.D., Executive Eirector - Physicians for Social Responsibility, Washington, as published in a Blog letter published on USA Today's website, says:
USA TODAY correctly points out the dangers of the United States using nuclear weapons against Iran. If American leaders want to show real leadership, they should draw the line against any use of nuclear weapons ("Loose talk about nukes could sink U.S. interests," Editorial, Monday).
It is unfortunate that amid criticisms of Republican chest-thumping, USA TODAY's editorial gave short shrift to the consequences of a U.S. nuclear attack against Iran.
As Physicians for Social Responsibility documented in our March 2007 report, "War is Not the Answer: The Medical and Public Health Consequences of Attacking Iran ," a nuclear attack could cause hundreds of thousands of casualties and disrupt social, communication and economic systems in Iran.
For example, consider the devastation resulting from a nuclear attack against the Esfahan Nuclear Technology Center, which is staffed by up to 3,000 workers and is only about 2.5 miles from Esfahan, a city of about 1.5 million. In that scenario, two other nearby villages also would be at risk of radiation contamination. An attack could cause serious long-term public health effects like those plaguing Hiroshima survivors to this day.
If the United States is serious about stemming the spread of nuclear weapons and averting an international catastrophe, it needs to deal directly with Iran on nuclear and security issues.
The United States needs to begin talks without preconditions —especially while there is still substantial hope and time for a diplomatic solution.
Reprinted from In the News on
www.PSR.org
This was a column by the PSR Director on USA Today Online. Dr. McCally is a Member of the PNA Board of Advisors.
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