West needs new missile shield against Iranian nuclear threat, Nato chief says

[unhappycamper]

West needs new missile shield against Iranian nuclear threat, Nato chief says
By Nick Meo in Brussels
Published: 7:30PM BST 11 Sep 2010

Anders Fogh Rasmussen told The Sunday Telegraph he has full American backing for a proposed €200 million (£165 million) defensive "shield", which he hopes will be agreed in November at a summit of members in Lisbon.

He was speaking after weapons inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned last week that Iran had passed a crucial nuclear threshold which took it nearer to being able to arm ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads.

"Based on their public statements we know that Iran already has missiles with a range sufficient to hit targets in Europe, and they don't hide the fact that they want to further develop their capability," Mr Rasmussen said.

"If Iran eventually acquires a nuclear capability that will be very dangerous, and a direct threat to the allies. That is the reason why I am now proposing a new and effective Nato missile defence system."

~snip~

Not all missile experts are convinced Iran will pose a threat to Europe. Robert Hewson, editor of the industry publication Jane's Air-launched Weapons, said: "Missile defence is more about shovelling money to American contractors than protecting people in Basingstoke."

[Fumesucker]

1. Ding, ding, ding.. We have a winner..

"Missile defence is more about shovelling money to American contractors than protecting people in Basingstoke."

[baldguy]

2. And, just what's wrong with the *OLD* missile shield? The one we've spent $100 billion on?

Oh, right: IT DOESN'T WORK!

[Orrex]

5. Sure it does. It works perfectly.

It got us to stuff $100B directly into the pockets of military contractors which was, of course, its intended purpose.

[hulka38]

3. This is a multi billion dollar joke

and will be a windfall to the industries who sow irrational fear and hatred in order to reap huge profit. They are the enemy of America and my party is afraid to take them on.

[leveymg]

4. They'd get more use-value out of those banknotes if they simply burned them for heat next winter.

[Turbineguy]

6. Mine shafts.

That's what we need. Listen to Bucky. And don't forget to say your prayers.

[Orrex]

7. Nice.

:thumbsup:

[L0oniX]

8. Hmmm ...got to wonder who is holding stock in those companies that will be making that shit.

On top of that ...since they have public health care and 32 hour work weeks and many weeks of vacation and an earlier retirement ...let them make their own missile defense shit.