credit: Missile Defense Advocacy
Iran is a clear and present danger to the international community on five fronts.
First, Iran is expected to acquire enough nuclear enriched material to build its first atomic later this year, if not earlier. A nuclear Iran dramatically changes the security dynamics in the entire Middle East.
Second, Iran gladly shares its resources with other negative forces in the global community from nation-states to client groups serving as proxies to effect Iranian foreign policy. For example, Hezbollah, Hamas, and Al Quayda receive generous support from Tehran which leads to our next point.
Third, Tehran is Terror, Inc. Terrorism is a natural extension of Iran's foreign policy. Even the US State Department concedes Iran is an active state sponsor of terrorism.
Fourth, Iran has ballistic missiles (Shahab 3) thanks to China and North Korea. Worse, its latest iteration, the Sijil, reportedly places southern Europe within the shadow of Tehran with its range of 1200 miles. The Sijil is a purportedly a two-stage solid-fuel rocket only adding to its lethality. The marriage of Iran's ambitious nuclear and ballistic missile programs is a nightmare for its regional neighbors and now the continent of Europe. However, Iran reserves it main ire for the continental United States.
Lastly and perhaps more frighteningly, Iranian President Ahmadinejad's statements suggest his following of the apocalyptic belief in the Twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi. Shiites believe the "Hidden Imam" will return to forever end the struggle between good and evil and signal the End of Time. Mr. Ahmadinejad tasks himself to to prepare the world for the return. Such a messianic vision atop of a nuclearized terror state is enough to ring alarm bells in world capitals from Riyadh to Reykjavik.
The Iranian issue facing the global community could possibly redound very ugly. Actions taken and not at this moment impact profoundly near term global security.
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