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Moscow threatens Washington with S-300 sale for Iran
The S-300 is one of the most advanced multi-target anti-aircraft-missile systems in the world today and has a reported ability to track up to 100 targets simultaneously while engaging up to 12 at the same time. It has a range of about 200 kilometers and can hit targets at altitudes of 27,000 meters.
Iran's acquisition of the system would vastly upgrade Iranian defenses against any air strike on its nuclear sites, Pentagon adviser Dan Goure was quoted by the British newspaper as saying. "This is a system that scares every Western air force," he added.
"If Teheran obtained the S-300, it would be a game-changer in military thinking for tackling Iran. That could be a catalyst for Israeli air attacks before it's operational," he said.
George Friedman, director of Stratfor, a leading US private intelligence agency was quoted by the Telegraph as saying that if the S-300 became operational, it would effectively rule out an IAF strike and seriously complicate any US air raid.
In early August, a top defense official told The Jerusalem Post that if Russia goes through with the sale of the S-300 to Iran, Israel will use an electronic warfare device now under development to neutralize it and as a result present Russia as vulnerable to air infiltrations.
Friedman said Moscow was saying that if US and Western Europe don't stop meddling in its sphere of influence, the S-300 deal would go ahead.
"Back Georgia and Ukraine for NATO membership and you'll see the S-300 sent to Iran. It is a very powerful bargaining chip and a major deterrent to US actions in the region. Moscow is playing very strategically on America's obsession with Iran," the UK paper quoted Friedman as saying.
While Russia has denied that it sold the system to Iran, Teheran claimed last year that Moscow was preparing to equip the Islamic Republic with the S-300 systems. Iran already has TOR-M1 surface-to-air missiles from Russia.
Mixed media reports have emerged recently regarding the possible delivery of the system to Iran. In July, Reuters quoted a senior Israeli official who said the system would be delivered to Iran by the end of the year. In response, the Pentagon released a statement rejecting the assessment and saying that the US did not believe Iran would get it in 2008.
According to the Israeli defense official who spoke to the Post, "no one really knows yet if and when Iran will get the system."
The Telegraph said that a senior US intelligence official who recently returned from the Middle East said Russia had reportedly struck a tentative deal to sell the S-300 to Iran. There are reports that Russia has already moved some basic components for the system to its close ally Belarus, ready for possible transfer to Iran.
"Moscow cannot simply threaten to strike the deal," the official told the British newspaper. "Iran certainly thinks it has a deal. And the Israelis believe that a deal has been reached but that they can still block it."
On Saturday, Iranian Deputy Chief of Staff General Masoud Jazayeri warned that Should Israel or the United States attack Iran, it would be the start of another World War.
On Friday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Reza Sheikh Attar, said Iran had increased the number of operating centrifuges at its Natanz uranium enrichment plant to 4,000, pushing ahead with the nuclear program despite threats of new UN sanctions. The S-300 is one of the most advanced multi-target anti-aircraft-missile systems in the world today and has a reported ability to trac... more -
Ukraine offers satellite defence co-operation with Europe and US - Russians Outrag...
Ukraine inflamed mounting East-West tensions yesterday by offering up a Soviet-built satellite facility as part of the European missile defence system. Ukraine inflamed mounting East-West tensions yesterday by offering up a Soviet-built satellite facility as part of the European missil... more
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How to Build a Nuclear Bomb
As children we wondered how things were built. I heard stories of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It amazed me of the potential a nuclear bomb could do.
This book might hold true for those Iranians trying to build THE bomb. But if you plan to build it in your backyard - here’s the guide. We sure hope and pray you have plenty of space to test it out…Lets say the size of Texas. Hmmm…To own a place as big as Texas, you must be filthy rich–if you are you won’t need to read this book cos’ you can buy The Bomb from the break-away states of USSR.
Let’s be serious here…
About the book
Weapons of mass destruction (WMD) are the greatest threat to national security in the twenty-first century. How to Build a Nuclear Bomb explains what it takes for a rogue state or terrorist group to obtain and use them.
But nuclear weapons and terrorism expert Frank Barnaby has not written a collection of scare stories. His purpose in How to Build a Nuclear Bomb is to counteract the “misinformation, often put out for propaganda purposes” and general ignorance on this most urgent of topics. Barnaby describes, in straightforward, non-sensational terms what is involved when a state or a
terrorist group sets out to make a weapon of mass destruction, what they are capable of doing, and what is needed to produce one. As children we wondered how things were built. I heard stories of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It amazed me of the potential a nuclear ... more -
Israel, US agree on deployment of radar defence system
Tel Aviv, Aug 17 : Israel and the US have agreed to deploy high-power early-warning missile radar, which would be linked to a US satellite-based alert network, the Ha’aretz daily reported Sunday. The radar is to be placed in the Negev desert in southern Israel and manned by US personnel, the daily said.
The Israeli defence ministry would not comment on the report.
The system could double or even triple the range of identification, which would be particularly useful should Iran launch an attack on Israel, Ha’aretz quoted a spokesman for the Pentagon’s Missile Defence Agency (MDA) as saying.
The US satellite system will increase the range of Israel’s early-warning system to 2,000 km from the 800 to 900 km of the country’s current Green Pine system and a component of the Arrow anti-missile missile network.
Israel regards Iran as its biggest current existential threat, given Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s repeated assertion that the Jewish state should be erased off the map.
The distance between the two countries is around 1,600 km. Tel Aviv, Aug 17 : Israel and the US have agreed to deploy high-power early-warning missile radar, which would be linked to a US satel... more -
Town Unfazed By Missile
"We talked about the oil boom, weddings - everything under the sun," Arlene Zacher said Saturday. "But nobody ever mentioned that missile. I guess that shows that people aren't worried about it - I'm certainly not."
The Air Force said a truck carrying the booster for a Minuteman III overturned Thursday a few miles east of Parshall in northwest North Dakota, but there was no danger to the public.
The truck and booster rocket, which is 66 feet long and weighs 75,000 pounds, were still sitting along the road Saturday, under armed guard.
"The scene is still in the assessment phase," said Maj. Laurie A. Arellano, an Air Force spokeswoman. "It's still on its side in the ditch." "We talked about the oil boom, weddings - everything under the sun," Arlene Zacher said Saturday. "But nobody ever ment... more -
Bush Backs Israel Strike Plans on Iran
The Sunday Times of London reported this weekend that "President George W. Bush has told the Israeli government that he may be prepared to approve a future military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities if negotiations with Tehran break down." The Times report quoted a senior Pentagon official as its source.
With increased resistance from the Pentagon and the November elections closing in, the White House may be choosing its next best option in dealing with Tehran: to have Israel launch strikes on Iran's nuclear weapons facilities.
The paper said Bush has told Israel it has an "amber light" to proceed.
“Amber means get on with your preparations, stand by for immediate attack and tell us when you’re ready,” the paper quoted a U.S. official as saying.
Military experts are not sure that Israel's military forces can do the job. Iran has dispersed its nuclear program sites around the country, and some weapons facilities are said to be deep within the earth. The U.S. has special bunker-busting bombs that could destroy such underground laboratories, but Israel does not.
Iran has made clear it will retaliate against Israel and the U.S. if either nation attacks it. Last week, Iran's military demonstrated its reach by firing nine long- and medium-range missiles -- including the modified Shahab-3 ballistic missile, which can easily strike Israel from western Iran.
Political factors may be playing a role in strike plans for both Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
Bush is in lame-duck status, and Democratic Sen. Barack Obama, the front-runner to win the presidency in November, says he favors the use of diplomacy over force when dealing with Iran.
Olmert is facing a political crisis as corruption charges threaten his hold on office. Some Israeli political analysts say Olmert may order an attack on Iran to bolster his political standing in Jerusalem.
The Times cited one of Olmert's closest friends as quoting the prime minister: "In three months’ time it will be a different Middle East.” The Sunday Times of London reported this weekend that "President George W. Bush has told the Israeli government that he may be pr... more -
Iran Tests Missile System
A defiant Iran continues to test missile systems in the wake of a show of strength by Israel's air force. So far, the U.S. is opting for diplomacy to deal with the Islamic republic's perceived nuclear threat. But persistent threats from Tehran to destroy Israel continue to draw international sanctions. A defiant Iran continues to test missile systems in the wake of a show of strength by Israel's air force. So far, the U.S. is opt... more
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Iran Test-Fires More Missiles
Iran test-fired more long-range missiles overnight in a second round of exercises meant to show that the country can defend itself against any attack by the U.S. or Israel, Iranian state television reported Thursday. Iran test-fired more long-range missiles overnight in a second round of exercises meant to show that the country can defend itself aga... more
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Iranian missile tests prompt US warning
Angela Balakrishnan and agencies guardian.co.uk, Wednesday July 9, 2008
Article history
Link to this video
The US has warned Iran to stop missile testing if it wants to gain the trust of the world, after "war games" in the Gulf today that Iranian officials said were a response to US and Israeli threats.
Iran demonstrated its military force when it test-fired nine long and medium range missiles in the strategic Strait of Hormouz, through which 40% of the world's oil passes.
Speaking from Japan where President George Bush has attended the G8 summit, White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said the Iranians should "refrain from further missile tests if they truly seek to gain the trust of the world".
"The Iranian regime only furthers the isolation of the Iranian people from the international community when it engages in this sort of activity," he said.
Washington said Iran's development of ballistic missiles violated UN security council resolutions.
But it added that the US was committed to pursuing a diplomatic solution to the impasse over Iran's nuclear ambitions.
The practice shots by Iran's elite revolutionary guards were another in a series of conflicting messages coming out of the country over its nuclear programme and relations with the US and Israel.
General Hossein Salami, the guards' navy commander, told state television today that the test missiles exercise, called "The Great Prophet 3", would "demonstrate our resolve and might against enemies who in recent weeks have threatened Iran with harsh language".
An Iranian news agency quoted Salami as saying: "Our hands are always on the trigger and our missiles are ready for launch."
But less than a day ago, the Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, dismissed fears that Israel and the United States could be preparing to attack his country, calling the possibility a "funny joke".
At a press conference during a visit to Malaysia yesterday, Ahmadinejad said: "I assure you that there won't be any war in the future."
The G8 expressed "serious concern" over the risks posed by Iran's nuclear programme and urged Tehran to suspend all uranium enrichment-related activities.
"We call on Iran to respond to the updated incentives package in a constructive manner," a G8 statement said today. "We also urge Iran to act in a more responsible and constructive manner in the region, particularly in the context of the Middle East peace process and the stability of Iraq and Afghanistan."
Television reports said the missiles fired included a new version of the Shahab-3 missile, which officials have said has a range of 1,250 miles and is equipped with a conventional warhead weighing a tonne.
Such a missile could reach Israel, Turkey, Afghanistan or Pakistan.
Israel's military has also flexed its muscles in recent months as tensions with Iran have risen, sending warplanes over the eastern Mediterranean in June.
US officials described that incident as a possible rehearsal for a strike on Iran's nuclear programme, which the west fears is aimed at producing atomic weapons.
Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev today said Israel "does not desire hostility and conflict with Iran". Angela Balakrishnan and agencies guardian.co.uk, Wednesday July 9, 2008 Article history Link to this video ... more -
Iran tests a missile capable of hitting Israel
In response to Israel's recent military exercises, Iran has tested a long range missile that places Israel deep within its firing reach.
Iran stated that it will retaliate with a strike on Tel Aviv if there is any military action against it.
This is pretty scary, and hopefully a situation that can be solved with diplomacy. As good ol' Kucinich explains here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8e9yMfMF3g
An attack on Iran's nuclear facilities could create a catastrophic nuclear fallout that will affect many surrounding countries.
On the other side, if nothing is done Israel might be blown off the map, difficult issues that I think our current President isn't capable of dealing with appropriately. In response to Israel's recent military exercises, Iran has tested a long range missile that places Israel deep within its firing... more -
Poland rejects U.S. missile shield offer
Poland spurned as insufficient on Friday a U.S. offer to boost its air defenses in return for basing anti-missile interceptors on its soil but said it remained open to talks with Washington.
The decision by Poland, a staunch NATO ally, is a setback for the Bush administration drive to counter perceived threats from what Washington calls "rogue states." Poland spurned as insufficient on Friday a U.S. offer to boost its air defenses in return for basing anti-missile interceptors on its ... more -
'US builds 4 bases on Iraq-Iran border'
The US military has constructed four advanced bases 20 miles from Iraq's border with Iran, a senior Iraqi police officer has announced.
The bases, equipped with missile launch pads, have been set up over the past four months on the Iraq-Iran border; Iraqi al-Noor newspaper quoted the official as saying.
He added that one of the bases has been located 30 km (20 miles) from the first border town with Iran and houses remote-controlled launching pads as well as radar systems similar to ones used in Kuwait during the first Persian Gulf war.
"The bases do not serve military intentions and its staff would not be military personnel."
According to the official, the bases are only precautionary measures in case of a military strike against Israel by Iran.
A team consisting of high-profile US marines, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) alongside Pentagon experts oversee the bases. The US military has constructed four advanced bases 20 miles from Iraq's border with Iran, a senior Iraqi police officer has anno... more -
Israel says 600 Iranian Missiles Are Pointed at Them
This is a video released and posted just within the past few days.
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US, Russia Can't Agree on Missiles
President Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to overcome sharp differences over a U.S. missile defense system, closing their seven-year relationship Sunday still far apart on an issue that has separated them from the beginning. President Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to overcome sharp differences over a U.S. missile defense system, closing t... more
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Al Qaeda/Taliban hideout in Pakistan hit by missile strike
The missile is thought to have been fired by a US drone into the tribal region of Pakistan on the border with Afghanistan and reportedly killed 13 alleged militants.
Anyone else worried by the idea of the US shooting missiles into Pakistan? The missile is thought to have been fired by a US drone into the tribal region of Pakistan on the border with Afghanistan and reported... more -
Deadly missile strike in Pakistan
At least 10 suspected militants were killed by a missile strike on a remote Pakistani village near the Afghan border. According to officials and residents of Kalosha village in South Waziristan, a house occupied by some Arabs was hit by a missile they believe was fired from Afghan territory.
Just last month, a senior al-Qaeda leader, Abu Laith al-Libi, was killed in a similar attack in the neighbouring North Waziristan district. At least 10 suspected militants were killed by a missile strike on a remote Pakistani village near the Afghan border. According to off... more -
What's going on with the spy satellite?
The Navy successfully launched an anti-ballistic missile at a dead spy satellite headed towards Earth, to vent off some of rocket fuel in the satellite that could cause damage if the satellite hit the Earth in a populated area. But there are a number of conspiracy theories surrounding the mission. The Navy successfully launched an anti-ballistic missile at a dead spy satellite headed towards Earth, to vent off some of rocket fuel... more
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US military hits home run
Going...going...GONE!!! An inoperable U.S. spy satellite orbiting about 150 miles above Earth was struck Wednesday by a missile fired from a U.S. Navy cruiser, military sources told CNN.
The Pentagon said the window of opportunity to strike the 5,000-pound satellite opened Wednesday, when the space shuttle Atlantis landed in Florida. The Pentagon wanted to be sure the shuttle would not be struck by any debris from a destroyed satellite.
It says the exploded parts should dissolve upon re-entering the atmosphere...and then it says the US is offering assistance to mitigate the effects of satellite debris. Great!
But what the heck happens to the cloud of toxic gas when the missile hits the satellite? Is my poor home state slated for toxic rain, not to mention falling missile and satellite parts?! Going...going...GONE!!! An inoperable U.S. spy satellite orbiting about 150 miles above Earth was struck Wednesday by a missile fired... more -
U.S will try to 'shoot down' its own satellite
A 5,000 pound satellite as big as a bus is going to get shot down by the U.S Navy since it is slowing down and expected to re-enter earths atmosphere and crash to the ground. The decision to shoot the satellite down is an interesting one since the normal procedure is to guide the satellite over the Pacific to allow it to crash down without incident. This particular spy satellite has 1000 pounds of fuel on board which the US claim is very dangerous and for this reason they want to shoot it down to ensure it doesn't come crashing down onto a major city and cause a political crisis.
The US criticised China who show down an aging weather satellite which sparked an old debate about the arming of space. Incidents like this seem to give a good opportunity to show off some military might as well as demonstrating that a country are acting in the safety interests of their civilians. Win win. A 5,000 pound satellite as big as a bus is going to get shot down by the U.S Navy since it is slowing down and expected to re-enter ea... more -
Missile Bases for Sale
It is the ideal home for an aspiring James Bond villain, or an anxious survivalist seeking a refuge that can withstand an atomic bomb.
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