Netanyahu Calls 'Fanatical' Iran World's Biggest Danger

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 29, 2009 5:27 PM CST

(Newser) – Barack Obama may be making overtures to Iran, but Benjamin Netanyahu wants none of it. The front-runner in the race to become Israel's next prime minister said the global economic crisis pales in comparison with the threat of a nuclear Iran and its "pre-medieval view of the world," the Times of London reports.

A concerted effort by world governments could reverse the disturbing economic trend, Netanyahu argued. “What is not reversible is the acquisition of nuclear weapons by a fanatic radical regime," he said in a speech at Davos. "We have never had, since the dawn of the nuclear age, nuclear weapons in the hands of such a fanatical regime.” Netanyahu said a nuclear Iran would hinder attempts by Israel to engage in Middle East peacemaking.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speaks at a ceremony at Iran's nuclear enrichment facility in Natanz. (AP Photo)

Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos. (AP Photo)

Israeli workers hang an election campaign poster for Likud party leader Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. (AP Photo)

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Chavez, Ahmadinejad Chuckle About Nukes

Bomb is 'ready' under steps of palace, jokes Venezuela's leader

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Thinks 'credible military threat' the only way Tehran will abandon nukes

Ahmadinejad Threatens 'War Without Boundaries'

Iranian president promises retaliation for attacks on nuclear sites

Iran Unveils 'Ambassador of Death'

Does not have capacity to hit Israel

US Talks Israel Out of Attacking Iran (for Now)

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iran • Israel • Mahmoud Ahmadinejad • nuclear weapons • Benjamin Netanyahu • World Economic Forum • Davos • financial crisis • economic downturn

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Chavez, Ahmadinejad Chuckle About Nukes

Bomb is 'ready' under steps of palace, jokes Venezuela's leader

Netanyahu to Iran: Be Afraid

Thinks 'credible military threat' the only way Tehran will abandon nukes

Ahmadinejad Threatens 'War Without Boundaries'

Iranian president promises retaliation for attacks on nuclear sites

Iran Unveils 'Ambassador of Death'

Does not have capacity to hit Israel

US Talks Israel Out of Attacking Iran (for Now)

Says Tehran at least a year from nuclear weapons

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