The Shiite Muslim clerical regime governing Iran test fired a new missile in late May that military experts say may pose a serious new threat to Israel. The surface to surface missile is known in Iran as the Qiyam, the Arabic word for “resurrection.” Analysts say the missile is very similar to the Soviet-designed SCUD missiles that Saddam Hussein hurled at Israel during the Gulf War in 1991. However there is one major difference – the new Iranian missile has been built without the stabilizer fins that were featured on the older SCUD missiles. Instead, the Qiyam relies on a sophisticated navigation and guidance system which is based on advanced computer technology.
{pub}To read this entire article, please register and it will be opened up to you{/pub} {reg}Weapons experts say the new missile demonstrates a high level of military expertise by the burgeoning Iranian weapons industry. Video footage of the test firing was broadcast on Iranian television. Israeli military analysts say the new missile was probably designed to be used by Iran’s proxy Hizbullah militia force operating in Lebanon, and possibly also by Palestinian Hamas militiamen stationed in the Gaza Strip. Both groups support Iran’s call for Israel’s total destruction.
By David Dolan
Visit David’s website at http://DDolan.com
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