Introduction to International Politics
Foreign Event Analysis
| Locale | ![[]](http://www.kvasaheim.com/flags/flag15-ir.png "Flag of Iran") | Iran |
|---|---|---|
| Title |
Iran Fires New Long-Range Missile
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| Summary |
Iran claims to have successfully launched a new long-range surface-to-surface missile. Known as the Sejil, the missile is capable of hitting targets as far away as Europe. While Iran has stated that the development of the missile is for purely defensive purposes, the United States has grown concerned with this development and has pressed for the completion missile shield in Europe.
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| Analysis |
Undaunted by pressure from the international community over its nuclear ambitions, Iran has sought to further increase its power and offensive capabilities through the development of this new missile. Israel, who is well within the striking distance of the missile, has grown anxious over this new security threat, and has weighed the option of launching preemptive strikes against Iran’s military and nuclear facilities. The United States has also considered its military options, although it may pursue diplomacy as its first move.
Iran’s development of this new missile may also be viewed as a response to the US anti-missile defense systems which have been deployed throughout Europe. Although the United States has adamantly claimed that the defense system is for protection against ‘rogue nations,’ Iran believes this system has been built to reduce its power and influence in the region. In response, Iran has upgraded its arsenal with this new long-range missile in order to maintain power and decrease the perceived threat to its security. The development of this new missile has only added pressure for the United States to continue with its planned missile shield in Europe.
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| Perspective |  | Realist |
| In-Region URL | ||
| Out-of-Region URL | ||
| Submitted | November 13, 2008 at 8:19 pm | |
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