Former Spook at In from the Cold has an excellent analysis of the importance of the arrival of the Tor M-1/SA-15 air defense missile system in Iran.

Despite recent upgrades--including the SA-15--Iran's air defense network is still beset by confusion on a daily basis. Significant gaps in radar coverage, limited automation, and a lack of cooperation between the regular military and the IRGC have resulted in missed assignments and near-fratricide on numerous occasions. Comparing Iran's air defense system to a Chinese fire drill isn't an exaggeration. Faced with a massive, U.S.-led attack, the Iranian C2 network would quickly crumble, leaving air defense units largely on their own.

This anaylsis by a real professional seems to agree with what I've said earlier, while deepening my amateur analysis. See also Bill's recent post

But that still doesn't mean we're safe for long. The Iranians are trying to catch up, and eventually will, particularly if we and the Israelis both continue policies of self-impairment.

Don't put off till tomorrow what can be bombed today

-Rurik

Contributed by George Mellinger on November 25, 2006 at 11:51 AM in Current Affairs, George Mellinger, Iran, Islamism Delenda Est | Permalink

Comments

Posted by: Bill Faith

Thanks for the update, George. I just left a comment on Former Spook's site making sure he knew you'd linked to him and about the information you'd provided earlier.

Posted by: Bill Faith | Nov 25, 2006 2:06:10 PM

Posted by: OWB

Must vote with you on this one. Early bombing could save thousands of lives, perhaps many more.

Posted by: OWB | Nov 25, 2006 7:19:54 PM