The above quote appears to be fabricated, see for example : http://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2007/11/is_iran_suicidal_or_deterrable If you want real quotes for threatening, or wanting to, nuke targets, you probably find more from U.S military leaders.

There has been quite a few ex-engineer discussions here in Finland, especially now that some employee NDA are expiring

Long before Elop Nokia board realised they are screwed in Smartphone market. They hired him with full understanding of his MS history.

For background:

• Although regular phones were the main product for Nokia, they felt they need good presence at smartphones to maintain brand
• Nokia was caught somewhat off-guard with sudden popularity of ecosystem based smartphones (read : iPhone)

All their options were pretty bad:

• Symbian was dying as ecosystem, pretty much partner everyone had left it
• Co-operation with Intel (Moblin/MeeGo/Maemo) wasn't producing expected results (Intel sucked at battery life, QT issues, CDMA etc), ecosystem would have been still small
• Google wouldn't give them any special Android package -> they would be competing against emerging asian brands on HW alone
• Windows phone was pretty much only sensible option, especially since MS desperately needed credible partners

Not sure if Elop's burning platform mail was a clear blunder, or actually required to get Nokia research & development focused (it was technically just internal memo).

You can read more from techiical arcticle based on interviewing Nokia (ex)engineers : http://taskumuro.com/artikkelit/the-story-of-nokia-meego

-Lasse