Posted on 05/15/2007 11:49:30 PM PDT by TigerLikesRooster
S. Korea, U.S. verifying reports on test of new N.K. missile in Iran: source
WASHINGTON, May 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korean and U.S. military authorities are trying to verify newly obtained intelligence that North Korea test-launched in Iran a new kind of missile that was only revealed to the public last month, a source here said Tuesday.
Speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity involved, the source said North Korea doesn't appear to have tested the intermediate-range ballistic missile within its territory.
"But we did obtain intelligence tips that the missile was test-fired in Iran. I understand that the intelligence communities of relevant countries are tracking down the information," he said.
The missile, named "Musudan," is believed to have been developed from the former Soviet Union's SSN-6 model. Its range is estimated at around 4,000 kilometers.
The missile was first made public on April 25 at a parade marking the anniversary of the foundation of the North Korean military.
North Korea launched seven ballistic missiles on July 4 of last year, including an inter-continental Taepodong-2 that theoretically can strike the U.S. west coast.
The Musudan version is estimated to have a range longer than the Taepodong-1 but shorter than the Taepodong-2.
Ping!
I think we need to increase the length of your tagline.
I may add one more. Have to make a careful choice.:-)
Ping!
And take it from me.
Nothing good has come out of the Bush Administration over North Korea for the last six months. They have done a complete about face, and we are in ABJECT RETREAT.
We need to get ready for more of this.
And it is not just a "liberal" or "Bush bashing" thing to make such an objective observation.
I am in full agreement. Really love to see what went on inside White House to cause this meltdown.
BTW, in the Russian configuration, that missile had much more range. The North Koreans adapted them to carry heavier payloads.
Translation:
Title(bottom) - SOB Peddling Nukes
Narration(on the left) - On a peaceful autumn day, here comes the nuke-peddling curly-haired big shot.
It's a simple game of leverage. Iran and North Korea need each other, and are allies of convenience. From there, look at their pooled resources and shared goals.
Iran has something that North Korea doesn't. A trump card. Simply put, Iran has burrowed deep into the Iraqi political, military, and social reconstruction. Their militias are powerful, organized, and laying in wait. Their agents in the Iraqi government are numerous and well placed. If we move on Iran, Iran can reduce Iraq to an ungovernable, unsalvagable mess, at least for the duration of President Bush's term.
Enter North Korea, brimming with nuclear and ballistic know how. By staying cozy with Iran, they can deflect a lot of heat, by virtue of the Iraqi trump card. And they run some missile tests and other business options with Tehran in the meantime. There's nothing to be gained by letting the other be divided and conqured.
The White House, on the other hand, is isolated, and utterly desperate to keep Iraq progressing. Just getting a hold of Baghdad and Anbar is taxing us to the limit. While Iran would prefer to slowly but thoroughly subvert Iraq politically, if pressed they'll give it up and set it ablaze instead. We're not going to lay a finger on Iran or the DPRK while our military (which is stretched a lot further than the White House is admitting) is so tied down.
Our enemies are not fooled. They know we're off balance, and will keep Iraq on the brink for the next year and a half. All they have to do is run the clock out on President Bush. He's emotionally vested too deeply to the success of Iraq to take his eye off the prize. To that end, he'll sacrifice his struggle against Tehran and Pyongyang for a win in Baghdad.
It’s awful to watch. It’s almost like something is unraveling. Is the president so utterly focused on Iraq that he’s given up on Korea and Iran?
Why Tehran? They might as well launch it from their north-western border with Turkey, and come closer to London by more than 700 kms, easily making up for the shortcomings of the 4000-km missile.
Well if the Iranians have the same (har har) ‘success’ with those missiles that North Korea did when they staged their liddle multiple-launch attempts last year, I would expect to see one of those duds explode right over Tehran.
Which would be the ultimate irony, especially if a prototype nuke was installed in the nosecone.
(psssst, say Lord? “from my keyboard to Your Ears”, ok? ;)
MI Ping
You nailed it, Erik
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