And so it begins...

Nuclear proliferation seems increasingly more likely in the Middle East. Here is a story that King Abdullah II of Jordan is thinking of pursuing nuclear power for peaceful means.

Which only makes sense if you think about their strategic situation. You have Iran to the east pursuing nuclear power, and Iranian backed Hamas continuing a stand-off against a nuclear Israel. Here is a decent map of the area.

Here is some of what King Abdullah had to say in response to this question:
Do you see a clear link between the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Iranian nuclear threat and the threat of terrorism?

"Through Hamas, Iran has been able to buy itself a seat on the table in talking about the Palestinian issue. And, as a result, through Hamas it does play a role in the issue of the Palestinians, as strange as that should sound.

"If we start moving the process forward, then there's less reason for engagement on the Palestinian issue.

"But, the rules have changed on the nuclear subject throughout the whole region. Where I think Jordan was saying, 'we'd like to have a nuclear-free zone in the area,' after this summer, everybody's going for nuclear programs.

"The Egyptians are looking for a nuclear program. The GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] are looking at one, and we are actually looking at nuclear power for peaceful and energy purposes. We've been discussing it with the West."