The one reason that led to the war in Iraq in the year 2003 was the possession of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, and it is the same reason, that has got the new Iraqi government all riled up. The new Saddam Hussein free Iraq is looking forward for its own nuclear capabilities which it emphasizes, is required to meet the nation’s energy demands and bolster its economy.

The Iraqi government is now requesting the United Nations to lift off the sanctions that have been applicable on Iraq since the times of Saddam Hussein. According to Raed Fahmi (Science and Technology Minister, Iraq),

“Our nuclear strategy is for civilian application of atomic energy and we believe we have the right and that certain obstacles contained in Resolution 707 should be lifted. We have a clear and transparent political strategy in close coordination with international bodies, and Iraq has the right to certain of its capacities. We are working to put into practice and respect all Iraq’s commitments, and we have raised this issue with the IAEA.”

However, Mr. Fahmi has stressed that, the Iraqi government hasn’t made any firm decision regarding its pursuit of nuclear power.

The sanctions on Iraq were imposed after the former President and dictator, Saddam Hussein invaded its neighbor, Kuwait. As per the sanctions approved by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 707, Iraq had been banned from initiating or conducting any sort of nuclear related activity, till the time, the Security Council could be convinced that, any such activities would not lead to proliferation of nuclear technology.

One of the leading oil producers in the middle east, Iraq still faces massive power losses and shortages due to poor infrastructure. However, Iraq has started a massive campaign to build new and improved power plants, that will take several years to complete. Therefore, Iraq is heavily depending on nuclear power, that it hopes will be allowed to produce.

Via Space War.