Iran test fires missile capable of reaching US bases or Israel

[jimmy olsen]

I'm surprised the Israelis haven't launched a preemptive attack yet.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/20/iran-test-fires-missile-israel

Iran test fires missile capable of reaching US bases or Israel

    * Julian Borger Diplomatic Editor
    * guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 20 May 2009 19.09 BST
   
Iran test-fired a solid-fuel missile capable of reaching Israel or US bases in the Middle East today, drawing rebukes from western governments and forcing the abrupt cancellation of a diplomatic mission by Italy's foreign minister.

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced the launch of the Sajjil-2 surface-to-surface missile in Semnan province, in northern Iran, claiming it landed "precisely on target". The defence minister, Mostafa Mohammad Najjar, said the missile was "equipped with a new navigation system as well as precise and sophisticated sensors".

Western officials confirmed the launch and said the Sajjil appeared to be a two-stage solid-fuel missile with a range of about 1,250 miles (2,000km). The Foreign Office said it "underlines profound concerns about Iran's intentions and sends exactly the wrong signal to the region and the world at a time the international community is trying to engage Iran".

The incident came two days after Barack Obama warned Iran had until the end of the year to respond to his diplomatic overtures and enter into serious, "good faith" negotiations over its nuclear programme. Iran insists the programme is for energy-generation purposes, but the UN security council has demanded Tehran suspend enrichment of uranium on the grounds that Iran has so far failed to convince the international community that its intentions are peaceful.

The launch led to the cancellation of a two-day visit to Iran by Italy's Franco Frattini, who was close to boarding a plane to Tehran when he heard that Ahmadinejad insisted on meeting him in Semnan, the site of the launch.

The minister called off the whole trip, fearing Ahmadinejad would use it as a propaganda coup ahead of presidential elections next month.

The president and three challengers were officially approved today to take part in the vote by the electoral watchdog, the Guardian Council, out of 475 hopefuls.

The planned Frattini visit had been the source of considerable tension within Europe. The British and French governments had urged him not to go, arguing that it would help Ahmadinejad electorally and show a lack of western unity.

An earlier version of the Sajjil was tested in November last year.The Sajjil-2 appears to have a slightly longer range than the prototype. Mark Fitzpatrick, an analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said the development of the Sajjil missile was significant because of the type of fuel it used, rather than its range.

"To be able to build a solid-fuel missile of medium range represents a significant technological breakthrough," Fitzpatrick said. "It is technically more difficult than a liquid-fuel missile, and militarily more significant because it is not as vulnerable to attack while being fuelled."

[FunkMonk]

Why are you surprised they haven't attacked Iran yet?

[CountDeMoney]

Why are you surprised they haven't attacked Iran yet?

Because he's a moron?

[jimmy olsen]

Why are you surprised they haven't attacked Iran yet?

Once Iran gets the bomb, they're done for.

[The Brain]

Why are you surprised they haven't attacked Iran yet?

Once Iran gets the bomb, they're done for.

What do you think is the risk that Iran nukes Israel once they have enough warheads and delivery systems to do so thoroughly? Gimme a number.

[Siege]

Why are you surprised they haven't attacked Iran yet?

Once Iran gets the bomb, they're done for.

I wish.
Truth is, nobody in either Israel or the US have the moral fortitud to do the right thing.
Iran will get nukes, and will use them, when they have enough to erase Israel from the map.

Only then, after countless millions are dead, action will be taken.
Nobody in the west is willing to destroy their political carreer to do the right thing.
Its easier to let millions die.

[Habsburg]

I suggest we kill three birds with 8 ICBMs.


Make Persia glow, fallout to Afganistan, and fallout to NW Pakistan. 

[Razgovory]

Why are you surprised they haven't attacked Iran yet?

Once Iran gets the bomb, they're done for.

Just how India was destroyed when Pakistan got the bomb.

[jimmy olsen]

Why are you surprised they haven't attacked Iran yet?

Once Iran gets the bomb, they're done for.

Just how India was destroyed when Pakistan got the bomb.

Pakistan isn't ruled by Islamic fanatics... yet.

[Darth Wagtaros]

I suggest we kill three birds with 8 ICBMs.


Make Persia glow, fallout to Afganistan, and fallout to NW Pakistan. 

MIRV's for teh win!

[Queequeg]

Why are you surprised they haven't attacked Iran yet?

Once Iran gets the bomb, they're done for.

Just how India was destroyed when Pakistan got the bomb.

Pakistan isn't ruled by Islamic fanatics... yet.

What would you call Muhammed Zir ul Haq?

Nuclear war isn't funny.  The loss of Israel and Iran in a nuclear war would be a tragedy greater than all of the wars in recent history combined.

[jimmy olsen]

Why are you surprised they haven't attacked Iran yet?

Once Iran gets the bomb, they're done for.

Just how India was destroyed when Pakistan got the bomb.

Pakistan isn't ruled by Islamic fanatics... yet.

What would you call Muhammed Zir ul Haq?

Nuclear war isn't funny.  The loss of Israel and Iran in a nuclear war would be a tragedy greater than all of the wars in recent history combined.

Did I say it was funny?

[Valmy]

Once Iran gets the bomb, they're done for.

Bullshit.  Iran hasn't got the guts.

That is not to say we shouldn't stop them of course.

[Admiral Yi]

What would you call Muhammed Zir ul Haq?

A caudillo.

[Queequeg]

Did I say it was funny?

That bit was directed at Habs and Siege.  Apologies.