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Missile Shield Useless Against Iran's Arsenal: Study

System wouldn't protect Europe; Iran far from nuclear missiles

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted May 19, 2009 9:20 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The US missile shield planned for eastern Europe wouldn’t protect the continent from threats posed by Iranian missiles, a team of American and Russian scientists found. Further, the Washington Post notes, it will be more than 5 years before Iran can build nuclear warheads and missiles to launch them, says the report, presented to top US and Russian officials.

If Iran were to attack, it would be sealing its own end, the scientists noted: “The missile threat from Iran to Europe is thus not imminent.” The findings may weaken President Obama’s interest in the shield, a political sticking point with Russia. “The much more urgent problem,” the report says, “is to seek a resolution” on Iranian nukes—a matter which requires the US and Russia to join forces.

Iranian technicians are seen at a new facility producing uranium fuel for a planned heavy-water nuclear reactor, April 9, 2009.
Iranian technicians are seen at a new facility producing uranium fuel for a planned heavy-water nuclear reactor, April 9, 2009.   (AP Photo)
Czech demonstrators shout slogans against a disputed missile defense radar system during a march through downtown Prague, Czech Republic, July 8, 2008.
Czech demonstrators shout slogans against a disputed missile defense radar system during a march through downtown Prague, Czech Republic, July 8, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, center, is flanked by Iranian nuclear officials after inaugurating a new facility producing uranium fuel, April 9, 2009.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, center, is flanked by Iranian nuclear officials after inaugurating a new facility producing uranium fuel, April 9, 2009.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
kokuaguy
May 19, 2009 7:05 AM CDT
Lets hope for some progress toward disarmament coming out of President Obama's trip to Russia this summer. Remember, all of this began when Bush withdrew us from our Reagan era treaty with Russia at the beginning of his term. Great list of related stories by the way. Newser. Mucho Mahalo.
Timinator2K
May 19, 2009 5:19 AM CDT
IRAN USELESS AGAINST AMERICAN ARSENAL: FACT
Derni
May 19, 2009 4:17 AM CDT
I agree-if the US and Russia don't join forces it leaves the other countries open to nuclear disaster.

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