John Kerry Opposes Iran Nuke Strike, Backs Censure

Since 04-10-06

Sunday, April 9, 2006
http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2006/4/9/115451.shtml?s=et

2008 presidential hopeful John Kerry said Sunday that he opposes a U.S. strike against Iran's nuclear facilities that would involve nuclear bunker-busting bombs - and announced his support for Sen. Russ Feingold proposal to censure President Bush.

Asked about reports that U.S. contingency plans include using "tactical nuclear devices" in a possible Iran attack, Kerry told NBC's "Meet the Press":

"I think that is another example of the move from the hip, shoot from the hip, cowboy diplomacy of this administration . . . For us to think about exploding tactical nuclear weapons in some ways is the height of irresponsibility. It would be destructive to any non-proliferation efforts. And the military assessment is [that] it won't work; that even this bombing strategy itself would not work."

Kerry said that instead, the Bush administration should beef up diplomatic efforts and enlist the help of other nations to persuade Tehran to abandon it's nuclear weapons program.

Asked if his opposition to military strike meant he would accept Iran obtaining nuclear weapons, Kerry said: "No, I'm not accepting it. And I've said point blank that you leave that option on the table for the end. But I don't think using tactical nuclear weapons still makes sense."

Kerry was also asked if he would vote for Sen. Russ Feingold's proposal to censure President Bush for wiretapping U.S.-based terrorists who are in contact with al Qaida.

"Yes," the Massachusetts Democrat told "Meet the Press." "[Bush] violated the law, in my judgment . . . A censure for inappropriate behavior is appropriate."

Asked if Bush should be impeached - an option that Feingold says remains open - Kerry said: "I think this impeachment talk is a waste of time. I don't want to go down that road."