Iran tested the launch of a Scud missile from a ship in the Caspian Sea, which was designed to provide the capability of launching intermediate range missiles from cargo ships sitting off coastlines. Also, within a few years Iran will have long range missiles capable of striking North America.
Iran could have nuclear warheads available to mount on missiles in late 2009. The U.S. and other countries do not have missile defense systems to ward off an attack. Counter strikes could be launched against Iran, but this would not prevent Iran from launching an initial strike based on irrational thinking by Amadmanejad and his Iranian cohorts.
The Obama Administration is making conciliatory gestures towards Iran, but is not making any progress in curtailing Iran’s nuclear development program. According to Walid Phares, an expert on global terrorism and the Middle East, “the perception in Tehran is the Obama Administration will not use everything at its disposal to apply pressure on Iran”.
Furthermore, Obama’s apparent bow to Saudi King Abdullah is perceived as an act of submission and weakness by the international community.
I fear Obama’s naive blunders will embolden Iran to pursue and possibly use its nuclear missile capabilities.
Donald A. Moskowitz
Londonderry, NH
The Pennsylvania State University
Class of 1963
