How effective was the 2007 arms embargo against Iran? As in Cuba, Iran turned its efforts to independently produce what it needed and is now a supplier to other countries. Forging working agreements with Russia, North Korea, China and other nations, Iran has imported needed military technologies to expand its own. In recent weeks, Iran has had ample opportunity to put its military equipment on view. There was the Army Day parade and last week the exercises near the Straits of Hormuz.
But it is the assemblage of key industries to render Iran a nation capable of delivering nuclear weapons from space or other launch sites that has the West worried. Activity in this area is what could inspire a military response from Europe, the US or Israel.
All of this has caused the Saudis and the UAE to recast their arms inventories. They will be looking for technology transfers from the United States and other nations. [Janes] Best to keep friendly with them.
But also best to remember other of Ahmadinejad’s toys: unmanned predator-type drones and cruise missiles. About those missiles:
Sen. Ahmad Vahidi announced during the inauguration of the cruise missile’s production line that the Nasr 1 would be capable of destroying 3,000-ton boats. It can be fired from land or sea, and will eventually be upgraded to fire from helicopters and submarines, according to Vahidi. [The Trumpet]
As for the other toys:
Ground forces commander Brig. Gen. Ahmad Reza Pourdastan told a news conference …[t]hat an unspecified number of the Iran-made drones would be displayed along with a fleet of new weapons, military equipment, jet fighters and advanced combat helicopters Sunday during the country’s Army Day. [UPI]
The Obama Administration really looks out of date scanning the globe for signatures for tough sanctions on Iran. We would be better served if the Whitehouse denizens got down and dirty with tending to their own knitting.
Further reading for an opposing view:
Harvard Law Record: Noam Chomsky: Iran pursuing nuclear weapons out of fear
______________________________
HotAir – Video: Mystery US spacecraft launched from Cape Canaveral
VotingFemale Speaks! – Heads Up DHS, Bertha Lewis is plotting racial violence and civil unrest
HotAir – Abbas to Obama: Impose your will on us
dancingczars
April 24, 2010
Wow SH This was a great read. I’ve been thinking about this as well. I can’t believe that the ignorant moron running the country doesn’t get that he can’t negotiate with those who’s fundamental religious belief is to impose Islam on all of Western Civilization, Jim
samhenry
April 24, 2010
Thanks very much, Jim. No, Obama doesn’t get very much. He really thinks the world is convinced he is middle class flying down to the Carolinas for a brief holiday. They know he is in an expensive hotel AND that of course he flew Air Force Fun.