Full Description
Iran today is still struggling with the legacy of its own Islamic revolution, and is deeply divided between the moderates who enjoy broad public support and the conservatives who control the levers of power. The mixed policies that result are reflected in Iran's ambivalent military posture. In recent years, Iran has only conducted a limited build-up of its armed forces and has cut defense spending and arms imports. On the other hand, Iran has developed a carefully focused program that threatens shipping in the lower Gulf and the world's oil exports. It has strengthened its capability for unconventional warfare and continues to be a significant proliferator, setting up indigenous military industries and developing a greater ability to import weapons. In this authoritative analysis of interest to Middle Eastern specialists and military affairs experts alike, Anthony Cordesman concludes that the continuation of Iran's current defensive security posture depends as much on these economic factors as on the outcomes of domestic political rivalries.
Iran may eventually limit any military expansion to a necessary defensive strength and set strategic goals for itself that are compatible with the legitimate interests of other nations, or it may choose a more aggressive course. Regardless of the ultimate outcome, argues Cordesman, it does no good to either demonize or excuse Iranian policies. Instead, the United States and other nations with interests in the Middle East and Central Asia need to deal realistically with Iran as a reemerging regional power.
Contents
Introduction
Iran's Strategic Perspective
The Control and Leadership of Iran's Military Forces
Iranian Conventional Arms Transfers and Military Industry
Iran's Military Manpower
Iranian Land Forces
The Iranian Air Force
Iranian Ground-Based Air Defenses
Iran's Conventional Warfighting Options
Iran and Weapons of Mass Destruction
Iranian Reasons for Pursuing Weapons of Mass Destruction
Plans, Doctrine, and Warfighting Options
Dealing with Uncertainty
Iran's Delivery Systems and Long-Range Missile Programs
Iranian Terrorism, Unconventional Warfare, and Weapons of Mass Destruction
Iranian Delivery Systems and Warfighting Capabilities Using Weapons of Mass Destruction
Iranian Chemical Weapons
Iranian Biological Weapons
Iranian Nuclear Weapons
The Uncertain Implications of Iran's Weapons of Mass Destruction
Iran's Military Future and the Proper Response
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