Free Republic

U.S., Israel Ponder How to Slow Iranian Nuclear Weapons Development By David A. Fulghum and Douglas Barrie 09/10/2006 04:47:58 PM BUSTING THE BOMB The fighting in southern Lebanon revealed Iran's willingness to supply sophisticated weaponry to Hezbollah, and one of its ships was intercepted trying to do just that for Hamas in the Palestinian territories. A continuing series of tests has demonstrated Iran's growing arsenal of ballistic, tactical and sea-based weapons, and Western intelligence officials anticipate its fielding of locally built versions of fighter-launched, long-range, air-to-surface missiles. But the real fear is Iran's development of nuclear weapons. Once built, they...

Iran's Mix-and-Match Air Force Still May Have Bite Aviation Week & Space Technology 09/11/2006 Authors: Douglas Barrie and Andy Nativi Israel's 1981 strike against Iraq's Osirak nuclear site was achieved without loss of any aircraft. But it is far from guaranteed that an attack intended to degrade any Iranian nuclear weapons program would have the same outcome. The Iranian air force inventory is a mix of Western, Russian and Chinese combat aircraft--most of them obsolescent. Any spares for Western aircraft will have to be bought surreptitiously, or be work-arounds found using local technology because an arms embargo remains in place....

Due to Liberal neglect and disdain for the Canadian Armed Forces, Canada is now unable to provide air-cover for its ground soldiers in Afghanistan. Accordingly, Canada must rely on American fighter-bombers for support during ground operations in the war-torn but recovering nation. Despite the Liberals wrapping themselves in the flag, their actions to cut defence funding has taken an undesired effect on Canadian sovereignty as a result of its inadequate air-war capabilities. For all the Liberal's anti-Americanism, they sure have no problem calling Uncle Sam for help when they need it. As John Manley said years ago, Liberals frequently order...