Iran’s attempt at lauching a satellite has failed miserably. For the time being, Europe and the USA are still out of the Islamic Regime’s effective range. Several experts specified that Iran’s ’space program’ should be of interest to Iran’s enemies as any nation that can launch items into space can also easily modify their systems to launch items across great distances (within the planet). A US official has told Reuters that the

“The attempted launch failed,” the official said. “The vehicle failed shortly after liftoff and in no way reached its intended position. It could be characterized as a dramatic failure.” “The failed launch shows that the purported Iranian space program is in its nascent stages at best – they have a long way to go.

Some have reported that Iranian media declared that the rocket put the nations first domestically produced satellite into orbit. However, when no chest-thumping declaration or doctored photos came out of Iran immediately following the test I had my doubts as to the success of the launch. For a pious religious man, Ahmadinijad absolutely loves the spotlight and we are absolutely itching for his next statement of love & unity. All kidding aside however, this development should be worrying Europe. If they thought the Iranian Nuke could only reach Israel before this test, they can run from reality no more. Combining long-range missle abilites with nuclear warheads may finally awaken Europe to the reality that in the near future, London & Paris may be within reach of a fanatical theocracy. The life of millions in the hands of madmen, not confined or held back by the checks & balances that exist within Western democracies. This failure is no reason to let our gaurds down. A test of this magnitude is proof that Iran is seriously persuing space and/or long-range missle capabilities. Superpowers that possess long range missle capability today also had their share of failures aquiring this capability. Iran is obviously looking to stir up the region and with oil being at record highs, they have an ever replenishing war-chest from which to draw. James Oberg made the astute connection between the launch and Ahmadinijads purported obsession with hastening the re-emergence of the “hidden Imam”. This launch may have been rushed in order to appease Ahmadinijad’s fantasies,

Ahmadinejad was present at this launch on Saturday, and offered a prayer before liftoff: “In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. O God! We beseech you to hasten the lofty advent of your heir [the hidden Shiite imam].  O God! Present him with good health and your assistance; and grant us the honor of being his best companions and to testify before him.”

After the launch, the initial (and later corrected) Iranian press reports echoed this theme: “The satellite was sent into orbit today on the occasion of the birthday anniversary of Shiites’ 12th Imam (May God Hasten His Reappearance), thus illustrating the auspicious name of the Imam in the space.“

The references to a hidden religious leader relate to Ahmadinejad’s claims that a messianic Muslim ruler known as the Imam Mahdi, foretold by Shiite texts, would soon make himself known. Some have even speculated that the name of the rocket and satellite, Safir-e Omid, or “Messenger of Hope,” refers to Ahmadinejad’s world view.

   21st Century technology,
         16th Century Mind.