安理会通过核裁军决议

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This was about fixing a goal. They were voting for a hope--a distant aspiration, but the symbolism was strong--the world's most powerful states in agreement and an American president in the chair at the Security Council for the first time.

"The historic resolution we just adopted enshrines our shared commitment to the goal of a world without nuclear weapons, and [it] brings Security Council agreement on a broad framework for action to reduce nuclear dangers as we work toward that goal."

Critics of nuclear-armed states say they could start by living up to their obligations to reduce their own arsenals, but at the Security Council, they were worrying about Iran getting the bomb.

"Today I believe we have to draw a line in the sand. Iran must not allow its actions to prevent the international community from moving forward to a more peaceful era. And as evidence of its breach of international agreements grows, we must now consider far tougher sanctions together."

In the General Assembly, Israel's prime minister attacked Iran’s president for saying the holocaust didn't happen.

"Is this protocol a lie?"

The document was the official minute to the Nazi decision to exterminate European Jews. He believes a nuclear-armed Iran would be as dangerous as Nazi Germany.

"The most urgent challenge facing this body today is to prevent the tyrants of Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons."

Iranian protesters outside the UN last night against what they believe was a fraudulent election victory by Iran's President Ahmadinejad.

"He is against the whole world. He is against everything. He just talks nonsense."

Inside, many delegations did not stay to hear President Ahmadinejad speak. He defended his election, condemned Israel and didn't mention Iran’s nuclear plants, but intriguingly used the same metaphor about negotiation as President Obama. He said Iran would warmly shake all those hands which were honestly extended.

Iran denies it's developing nuclear weapons. It might face tougher sanctions now that Moscow and Washington are a little closer. But if diplomacy can't solve this growing crisis by the end of the year, there will be more talk about Israel or the Americans attacking Iran's nuclear installations.

Some intelligence agencies and Israel's Mr. Netanyahu were warning in the 1990s that Iran was close to getting the bomb. Some Iran watchers believe the dangers are still being exaggerated. World leaders have to decide who's right; mistakes would be very costly.