Iran and Russia sign $1 billion defense deal

[kpete]

Iran and Russia sign $1 bln defense deal: reports By Meg Clothier
20 minutes ago


MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia plans to sell more than $1 billion worth of tactical surface-to-air missiles and other defense hardware to Iran, media reported on Friday.

Moscow is already at odds with the West over its nuclear ties with Tehran but has sought to use its warm relations with Iran to be recognized as a key mediator between the West and the Islamic Republic

"Moreover, practically all the weapons that Russia is delivering to Iran in the coming years are defensive rather than offensive in character," the source said.

One Western diplomat who closely watches Russia-Iran dealings said news of the deal was alarming and would further increase tensions.

"Russia has long positioned itself as a major peace broker between Iran and the West -- and all of a sudden they are throwing this bombshell. It just does not make any sense," said the diplomat, who asked to remain anonymous.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20051202/ts_nm/russia_iran_arms_dc

[mmonk]

1. Why doesn't Russia

want us to conquer Iran?

[Danieljay]

Good for them

Iran has every right to protect itself from aggression. I'd do the same thing if the United States government was threatening my soveriegnty. hey wait...they are in a sense...my civil rights.

[rucky]

2. How do you broker peace with Bush and Condi?

you don't. If they want to attack, they will.

Baghdad had no surface-to-air defense and look what happened to that city.

[Imagine My Surprise]

3. Yeah, let's see Condi work up that scowl she's so known for...

and see what little good it does}(