The CIA, the BBC, Iran, and an Iranian Scientist

"Iran nuclear scientist Shahram Amiri 'defects to US' "
BBC (March 31, 2010)

"An Iranian nuclear scientist who has been missing since June has defected to the US, according to a US media report.

ABC News said Shahram Amiri had been resettled in the US and was helping the CIA in its efforts to block Iran's nuclear programme.

Mr Amiri disappeared in Saudi Arabia while on a Muslim pilgrimage.

Iran accused the US of abducting him but Washington denied any knowledge of the scientist. The CIA has declined to comment on the latest report. ..."

Well, maybe the CIA kidnapped an Iranian scientist, implanted a chip in his brain that makes him say what they want him to, and the IAEA's concerns about Iran's nuclear program are all part of a CIA plot.

And maybe the world is really run by shape-shifting space-alien lizard people.

I rather doubt it. Not that somebody in the CIA would capture ("kidnap," if you must) an Iranian scientist: that the international concern about Iran's nuclear program is some kinda plot.

Which isn't what the BBC article says.

They're awfully careful, though, to focus on the CIA's interest in Iran's activities.

Don't Look Behind the Curtain

I think it's remotely possible that Iran has been ramping up its production capacity for weapons-grade heavy metals and obstructing U.N. efforts to let inspectors look at the 'peaceful' nuclear program's facilities. Possible, but not likely.

Related posts:

• "Iran, Twitter, and the Responsibilities of Proper British Gentlemen"
  (December 29, 2009)
• "Iran's Need(?) for Power, the Natanz Underground Uranium Enrichment Site, and the IAEA"
  (December 5, 2009)
• "Iran's Nuclear (Weapons?) Program and the IAEA"
  (December 4, 2009)
• "Iran's Nuclear Weapons Program: Oops, Let's Look at That Again"
  (October 16, 2009)