Cuban Missile Crisis - Take 2

Germany's Die Welt has reported that Iran is planning to build a medium range ballistic missile (MRBM) base in Venezuela on the Paraguana Peninsula. Nice payoff for Hugo Chavez--he must provide exceptional fellatio as guys like Bashar al-Assad of Syria and Mahmoud Ahmadin-Nejad keep showing up.

Why should this be a concern for us?  After all, MRBMs are supposed to have a range of 3,500 kilometers (~ 2,200 miles).  Well, when you consider that it's only 1,367 miles between Caracas and Miami, it's gets to be a little more personal... and, given that the estimated maximum range for the Shahab-3 is 1,300 miles... you get the idea. (The Shahab-5, under development by Iran , is estimated to have a range of 4-5,000 kilometers or 2,500-3,100 miles).

Again, why should we be worried, because, after all, the Shahab is based on the North Korean Nodong missile--which is based on old Russian technology.  Be worried because Russia has been working with the Iranians since the 1990s.  Russian state agencies and private firms involved in Iran's missile program include the Russian Space Agency; the state-owned arms trading company Rosvooruzheniye; NPO Trud, a rocket engine manufacturer; Polyus, a laser manufacturer; the Bauman Institute; and the Russian Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute (TsAGI). These entities reportedly have sold Iran important components, such as the gyroscopes used in missile guidance systems, and have helped in the design of nose cones and missile guidance and propulsion systems.

Hence, my title of 'Cuban Missile Crisis - Take 2.'  Because the Russians are covertly putting in to place the kind of sword over our heads that they wanted in place back in 1962--a means of striking the United States.  With everyone concentrating on missiles coming from the Middle East and Russia, missile defenses are oriented towards the likely attack vectors.  This adds a new factor to the game.

Because this time the Russians won't have the problem of being tied directly to the missiles they way they were back in 1962.  No pissant dictator directly tied to their state honor and support.  No reason for the United States to strike them directly if anything ever flies from Hugo's back yard.  Using Iran as their front man to place the threat for them is the kind of deft chess move that befits their history.

Russia knows that Iran is the thorn in the side of the West--and they have no motivation to help remove it. Hence the lack of support in the U.N. for serious penalties for Iran's proliferation.  Why remove a major source of anxiety in the world which is keeping oil prices high and, coincidentally, of course, pouring billions in additional profit into Russian coffers. (You did know that Russia exports a crapload of oil, didn't you?)

Aren't you glad we have the most competent Administration evah in office now to handle this kind of danger?