Russia Sells Missles to Iran
ABC News reports today that Russia has confirmed its plans to sell short-range missles to Iran.
The question in my mind is why. Is this just a commercial transaction, feeding the coffers of Russia's arms industry? Or, is this part of some kind of strategic plan to better position Russia to influence world affairs? If the latter, how is it likely to achieve that end?
Russia is certainly not greatly loved in the Islamic world because of its policies in Chechnya and, before that, in Afghanistan. Maybe this helps to repair Russia's image in Islam, but I doubt it, and I don't see as likely any kind of alliance between Russia and the Islamic world. I just don't get it.
Of course, one could ask why the US sells arms to all kinds of unsavory governments around the world where we too have little to gain politically. So, it may just be commercial greed.
MOSCOW Dec 5, 2005 — Russia has struck a deal to sell short-range, surface-to-air missiles to Iran, the defense minister said Monday, confirming reports that have raised concern in the United States and Israel.
The question in my mind is why. Is this just a commercial transaction, feeding the coffers of Russia's arms industry? Or, is this part of some kind of strategic plan to better position Russia to influence world affairs? If the latter, how is it likely to achieve that end?
Russia is certainly not greatly loved in the Islamic world because of its policies in Chechnya and, before that, in Afghanistan. Maybe this helps to repair Russia's image in Islam, but I doubt it, and I don't see as likely any kind of alliance between Russia and the Islamic world. I just don't get it.
Of course, one could ask why the US sells arms to all kinds of unsavory governments around the world where we too have little to gain politically. So, it may just be commercial greed.
posted by walldon | 2:17 PM
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