Don’t Bomb Iran

OMID and the University of Utah have published a  detailed study of an attack  on the main Iranian sites alleged to be involved in a weapons programme .   The 5000 figure is from an attack on 4 nuclear sites, not counting the operational Bushehr power reactor.  It’s conclusions have  reportedly received considerable support from other experts.    Excerpt from the executive summary:

 

In our assessment, it is highly likely that the physical and thermal casualties as the result of the strikes will exceed 5,000 personnel at the nuclear sites. The secondary civilian casualties as a result of exposure to the release of toxic and radioactive materials could increase this number to over 80,000 citizens.Tens, and quite possibly, hundreds of thousands of civilians could be exposed to highly toxic chemical plumes and, in the case of the destruction of operational reactors, radioactive fallout in Arak and Bushehr.The potential long-term political and psychological impact of military strikes on the Iranian population cannot be underestimated. An entire generation will likely feel enmity toward those who supported the attack, or failed to prevent it. Rather than dismissing them as “collateral damage,” strong moral, strategic, political, and military arguments exist for counting the Iranian people’s interests as a prime factor in the nuclear dispute.Iran’s leaders risk a military confrontation that not only promises the destruction of Iran’s nuclear facilities, but also shackles generations to illness, misery, poverty, and dependence.

via EXECUTIVE SUMMARY | THE AYATOLLAHS NUCLEAR GAMBLE.

Tags: attack, casualties, Iran