Iranian Space Program- Peaceful or Dangerous ?

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Iranian Space Program- Peaceful or Dangerous ?

Iranian Space Program-Peaceful or Dangerous?
Iran says it has successfully launched a rocket capable of bringing a satellite into orbit, and RIA Novosti is reporting that an Iranian spokesman said on February 5 the space technology efforts do not pose a threat to the rest of the world. The United States feels differently.

Speaking to reporters in a press briefing on Monday, US Department of State Spokesman Sean McCormack called the launch, “just another troubling development.” He pointed out that the same capabilities and technologies involved in sending a satellite into space can be used for long-range ballistic missiles.

“We have talked oftentimes about the three parts that are needed for an Iranian nuclear weapons program. Part of that is a ballistic missile program, which they are continuing on with,” said McCormack. “Their medium-range ballistic missile program, which they say can now reach a distance of 2,000 kilometers [1,242 miles], can hit Europe. They are clearly marching ahead on the development of a long-range ballistic missile and, of course, you have the [nuclear] enrichment program which they are continuing to engage in.

However, Iranian spokesman Gholam-Hossein Elham contradicted fears on both their space program and their nuclear program, saying, “The launch of the Explorer rocket into space was conducted strictly for scientific purposes. Our achievements in space research, as well as our progress in nuclear research, serve peace and justice."

Meanwhile, Egypt recently weighed in on the continuing controversy over Iran’s nuclear program. Iranian news agency Fars reported that President Hosni Mubarak told spanish correspondents that the US intelligence report that said Iran had suspended its weapons program has lowered tensions, with Mubarak calling for more understanding and patience regarding the nuclear program.

Mubarak also took the opportunity to mention the necessity of Egypt’s developing nuclear power plants for electricity purposes, and said that they would coordinate those efforts with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

(By Joshua Spurlock, BFP Israel Mosaic Radio, February 5, 2008)

Prayer Focus
The Mossad [Israeli intelligence agency] still believes Iran remains the greatest threat to Israel today. Pray that the nations of the world will not stand by and allow the Iranian nuclear program to proceed. Pray also that the nuclear ambitions of other nations in the region will not lead to a nuclear empowered Middle East.

Scripture
“Now therefore, be wise, O kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth” (Psalm 2:10).
 
"There are none so blind as those who will not see. The most deluded people are those who choose to ignore what they already know.
 
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