The Next 9/11 — A Nuclear One?

IBD Editorials ^ | September 9, 2011 | Staff

[Jerrybob]

Read the book “One Second After” — a novel. Not the greatest writing in the world, but a very compelling book.

[Ramius]

It’s likely just a matter of time. We may stop them a few times, but eventually they’ll get one through.

[GAB-1955]

It would need a hydrogen bomb and a very powerful booster, and it would not cripple the U.S. ability to respond, since most of the U.S. military force would be under the sea or over the horizon from the EMP.

[A_perfect_lady]

This is why I’m such a Luddite. We are WAY too dependent on electronic toys.

[mountainlion]

I think the Iranian fleet would sink before they got close enough to launch an EMP.

[GAB-1955]

It's the same sort of fear that existed in the 1930s with the introduction of large bombers. The bomber would always get through, but it would not hit the target it was supposed to hit. It's the same thing with this fear. If Iran wants to destroy the U.S., not merely cripple it, it would need several hundred bombs and launchers. Meanwhile, Iran would be reduced to trinitite.

[Bean Counter]

I’m more worried about the plethora of conventional arms that are pouring onto the Black Market from places like Libya....

[NonValueAdded]

But the issue is “respond against whom?” Ultimately we might be able to discover who sent the nuke but that could take lots of time and you would want to be damned sure you had the right people identified.

[GAB-1955]

Follow the rocket course! Follow the ship! We can and do do both!

[Rushmore Rocks]

One of our biggest fears on the “Threat Matrix” threads.

[driftdiver]

Iran is building missile sites in Valenzuela which will put the eastern half of the US within range.

They’ve also orbited a 60kg payload, which would allow them to put that 60kg anywhere they want.

[certrtwngnut]

Or from our own govt.

[driftdiver]

“If Iran wants to destroy the U.S., not merely cripple it, it would need several hundred bombs and launchers.”

It needs 3 bombs and the ability to detonate them at the proper altitude and location.

“Meanwhile, Iran would be reduced to trinitite.”

Its an acceptable tradeoff for their leaders.

[certrtwngnut]

Where the hell is Valenzuela?

[robowombat]

Yes it is. The rather banal writing adds to the impact of a pretty detailed description of the US returning to a circa 1900 technology base.

[Truth29]

Even if Iran didn't use a domestically developed system, it has been reported that Russia sells a “missile in a box” system that could be adapted. As I remember this system, it is something like a scud in a cargo container. Such a system could get off the US coast easily. The real issue is when Iran has a warhead that is sufficiently miniaturized that could be fitted to such a delivery system.

[mountainlion]

I have heard glowing reports on our reprisals not to mention defense.

[driftdiver]

Its close to the country where Shavez is the leader.

[wally_bert]

Remote pilot the falsely flagged cargo ship, launch, scuttle vessel.