Think pipes not rockets

Posted by Matt in April 10th, 2008 | no comment

Published in Energy, Europe, Russia, gas, security

But the real worry for Europe is a different one. It gets a quarter of its gas from Russia and the proportion is set to rise sharply. The Kremlin uses its monopoly of east-west gas pipelines, and offers of lucrative bilateral gas deals, to interfere in Europe’s energy business. It relies on friends like Germany [...]

Spy photos reveal ’secret launch site’ for Iran’s long-range missiles

Posted by Matt in April 10th, 2008 | no comment

Published in Iran, Missiles, Kavoshgar 1, launch site, long-range missiles

The secret site where Iran is suspected of developing long-range ballistic missiles capable of reaching targets in Europe has been uncovered by new satellite photographs.
The imagery has pinpointed the facility from where the Iranians launched their Kavoshgar 1 “research rocket” on February 4, claiming that it was in connection with their space programme.
Analysis of the [...]

Hamas’s military buildup in the Gaza Strip

Posted by Matt in April 10th, 2008 | no comment

Published in Middle East, Gaza, Hamas

The Israeli disengagement from the Gaza Strip in August 2005 created a new situation which accelerated the establishment of an area fully controlled by Hamas. It was quick to use its increased military power to make political capital in internal Palestinian affairs. It won the Palestinian Legislative Council elections in January 2006 and formed the [...]