Introduction to International Politics
Foreign Event Analysis
| Locale | ![[]](http://www.kvasaheim.com/flags/flag15-ir.png "Flag of Iran") | Iran |
|---|---|---|
| Title |
Iran’s Long Range Missile
| |
| Summary |
Iran has recently test fired a surface to surface long-range missile. The missile has been claimed to be for self defense only. Yet, it has the ability to be an offensive threat. The missile can travel as far as two thousand kilometers and still maintain accuracy. The missile is composed of a solid-fuel mixture. Therefore it is different and better than the liquid-fuel mixtures in Iran’s arsenal.
| |
| Analysis |
The missile has the ability to hit Eastern Europe, Iraq, Afghanistan and Israel. Consequently, Iran, by testing the missile, has illustrated its power to the Western allies. Such an illustration should not surprise the United States and this is because Iran has recently accused the United Sates of sending helicopters inside Iranian territory. So, it can be argued that the recent test was an act of balancing power. Iran has clearly put out the message that it is able and willing to protect itself.
The recent missile test has come at a time when the United States has established its desire to set up missile defense system in Eastern Europe. It is clear that both Iran and the United States are in a power struggle and are using its military capabilities to compete with the other. Iran has made the last move in this power struggle and it seems that it will be effective. The United States will now recognize Iran’s new missile technologies and capabilities and will be more hesitant to upset Iran. One can expect the United States, in the near future, to further develop its missile shield in Eastern Europe and possibly even in a region closer to Iran. | |
| Perspective |  | Realist |
| In-Region URL | ||
| Out-of-Region URL | ||
| Submitted | November 14, 2008 at 11:55 am | |
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