Iran has reportedly produced enough enriched nuclear material to make one single atomic bomb according to analysis of reports by atomic inspectors. The figures were analyzed out of reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which has been conducting inspections of the Iranian nuclear plant at Natanz.

The focus on Iran’s progress in developing a nuclear weapon by the IAEA is a little hard to take seriously for several reasons. Chief amongst is the disturbing truth that a nation’s reported nuclear capability has more to do with the diplomatic spin surrounding that country than the actual reality within their military. India and Pakistan both had nuclear weapons years before their “coming out” to the global public about their capability. Israel still hasn’t publicly declared the extent of its own nuclear program as to avoid the diplomatic ramifications of such a disclosure.

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The 80th annual Academy Awards are on Sunday and on everyone’s minds. But instead of predicting this years winners, I wanted to write about some of the losers in Oscar’s history. OK, maybe losers is a little too strong. These 5 Best Picture nominees didn’t win the Academy Award. But by highlighting important social issues, raising awareness, and inspiring action, they won our hearts and minds. So get ready to be inspired!

1. Mr. Smith Goes To Washington (1939) starring Jimmy Stewart and directed by Frank Capra is both a scathing critique of Washington DC corruption and a heartfelt and hopeful story of an individual’s ability to make change in the face of adversity. The film was criticized by the media, politicians, congressmen, (surprise surprise!) who called it Communist and Anti-American. Another measure of the film’s power and reach is that it was banned in Fascist Italy and Spain and Nazi Germany.

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So ! You can be a Mr./Mrs./Ms. Smith and you don’t even have to go to Washington. All you have to do is e-mail Washington! Tell Congress to stick to its principles and not cave in to special interests and corruption.

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The TakePart Top 10 Weekly Roundup is now here to give you the very best of Katie, Nicole, Giulia, Gina and Kerry! If you worry about missing your favorite bloggers’ posts as they push their way down the page each and every week - Never Fear! Check out our most popular posts of the week, as well as a few TakePart blogger favorites.

Katie:

Woody Guthrie: This Grammy Is Your Grammy / This Grammy Is My Grammy

Rambo Fights for Burma’s Freedom + 5 Steps You Can Take To Help Burma In 5 Minutes

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Nicole:

“Yes We Can” Obama Music Video a Unique Celebrity Endorsement

Top 10 US Grant, Scholarship and Fellowship Awarding Foundations

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Giulia:

Ba-Da-Bling Commercials Pulled in New York

“Safe Sex or No Sex” Shirts Get Teens Suspended

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Gina:

10 Internet Videos Featuring Celebrities Advocating For A Cause

Close Up: An Introduction to Iranian Cinema and Cinematic Rainbows

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Kerry:

Sheryl Crow’s Apocalyptic Peak-Oil Song

Solar Powered Soldiers Wear Uniforms with Built-In Batteries

When folks speak of Iran, they mostly speak of terrorism or nuclear power/weapons and this is quite sad, as despite controversial headlines, Iran stands at the forefront of world cinema. The films that have been coming from Iranian filmmakers for the past 20 years are the films that are inspiring the folks who are determining the future of cinema. There is a passage in Hamid Dabashi’s “Close-Up : Iranian Cinema, Past Present and Future” that says it all:

“Iranian cinema took the world by surprise simply because the world got a glimpse of our cinema only after it had decided the character of our culture through the prism of the Islamic revolution. These disabling circumstances and our liberating vision did not quite add up.

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By Katie Halper

Today, the President formally known as General, Perves Musharraf, stepped down as leader of Pakistan’s armed forces, and was sworn in as a civilian leader. An emotional, demilitarized Musharraf said, “I am bidding farewell to the army after having been in uniform for 46 years…This army is my life, my passion. I love this army, and this relationship will continue, although I will not be in uniform.” It seems like Musharraf is most concerned about not being able to wear his uniform. And I think I know why.

Look at him!

In a suit, the President looks looks like an avuncular bureaucrat, a friend of the West, a supporter of democracy. But in a military uniform, General Pervez “Pervie” Musharraf is transformed into the sexy beast he really is: the naughty bad boy/ stern task master who will launch a coup on you from behind, crush your opposition, bump and grind and oust your elected leaders, suspend your constitution, and declare his martial law all over you until you’re begging for reform. With his nuclear virulence and proliferation, Musharraf could literally rock your world and blow your mind.

This is why “The Mush” isn’t the only one obsessing about the wardrobe change. I’m freaking out! Who is going to fulfill my democracy-touting, oppressive dictator-in-army-uniform fantasy, now that Pervez is back in plainclothes?