Iran tests missiles amid tension with U.S., Israel

[superconnected]

Source: Reuters

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran test fired nine long- and medium-range missiles on Wednesday, state media said, including one which it has said could reach Israel and U.S. bases in the region.

The tests occurred at a time of increased tension between Iran and Israel over Tehran's nuclear program, which the West fears is aimed at making bombs. Iran, the world's fourth-largest oil exporter, says its program is only for electricity.

A New York Times report in June said Israel had practiced an attack on Iranian nuclear sites, and the tension has rattled financial markets. U.S. and London Brent crude oil futures rose by more than a dollar on news of Iran firing the missiles.

"The aim of holding this maneuver is to show (Iran's) will and authority to the enemies that have threatened Iran with harsh language in recent weeks," state broadcaster IRIB quoted a Revolutionary Guards commander as saying.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080709/ts_nm/iran_missiles_test_dc

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I really wish they wouldn't give bush who is trigger happy, a reason.

[skoalyman]

1. they must all be in cahoots

specially after the big oil sell off yesterday :eyes:

[Changenow]

2. Iran must flex their muscles

but it also gives them an excuse to attack. There isn't anything that Iran can to to avoid an attack.

[Xenotime]

7. * is just itching to attack Iran

[Alcibiades]

3. "The aim of holding this maneuver"

... is to give Bush an excuse to invade us. After the US is stuck in Iraq and Iran, this nation will be ruined as a hegemon.

Is Iran trying to take one for the team? WTF? This will only be received as an invitation for an invasion by Bush. Our high gas prices have been caused by our war in Iraq, but with them being what they are and headed north, plenty of people will buy the line that we need to invade Iran "because they pose a threat" (wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more). Then we'll have $10/gallon gasoline.

[Muttocracy]

8. which will send $$ to Iran but it's hard to weigh all that

:crazy:

[The Stranger]

4. Interesting how in the propaganda-media blitz, the fact Iran would be defending itself is lost.

No one thinks Iran would launch an invasion of Israel or take anyone else's land, oil, resources.

Everyone thinks Iran would launch if launched upon. Weird thing is, why would anyone expect anything different?

[Hugabear]

5. Ah, but using Bush logic, we'd be the ones defending ourselves

After all, isn't that what preemptive action is all about? Hitting the other guy before he gets a chance to hit you? You don't even need proof that they're about to attack anymore.

[uppityperson]

6. Pre-emptive defense. Jump the gun, so to speak.

I want to control you, so that means you want to control me, so you have given me no choice to make sure you can't control me. Projection and twisted logic rule!

[freedomnorth]

9. Reaching U.S. bases in the region

is not difficult US having bases in every country bordering Iran except Armenia Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.