Global Security Studies Practicum

14 November 2011 Authorities in Bahrain have claimed that the Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has links with terror cells that attack high profile sites. These attacks include the recent plots against the Saudi ambassador in Washington, the Saudi embassy and the Gulf causeway linking Bahrain and Saudi Arabia . The Bahrain News Agency gave no additional information on the suspects and details on the allegations. The Bahrain Shias claim to have no political connections to Shia power groups in Iran. The Sunni Monarchy declare that Iran seeks to attain by creating an unrest in Bahrain. Since the anti-state protests in Bahrain this case of the alleged terror cell in Bahrain is the first time officials are trying to prove a connection to Iran and a plan for attack. Bahrain’s public prosecutor claims that the terror group has links with high profile exiles such as Ali Mushaima whose father Hassan was sentenced to life in prison for anti-state protests and violence. The terror group suspects wil...

8 November 2011 International Atomic Energy Agency just released a critical report expressing “serious concerns” regarding Iran ’s nuclear program. IAEA has reliable information the Islamic republic may be developing nuclear weapons. IAEA report on Iranian program’s military scope found no evidence on Iran ’s decision to build a bomb, however their nuclear program is now more ambitious and structured than ever before. IAEA carefully assessed and analyzed information made available to them, and concluded Iran has indeed carried out activities pertinent to the development of a nuclear explosive device. A senior US official called the report a “big deal being the report is comprehensive, credible, and alarming. According to IAEA some of the activities assessed on Iran have both civilian and military applications and others are specific to nuclear weapons. Iran has insisted repeatedly its nuclear program is for peaceful, civilian energy purposes only. US officials stat...

Turkey and Iran hold divergent views on the ongoing Arab Spring protests across the middle east. One indicator of the divide is the current international conference on Afghanistan which opens in Istanbul today. All states in attendance sent high level diplomats except for Iran which sent a low ranking deputy foreign minister despite it claims to be a regional super power and sharing a long border with Afghanistan. The diplomatic tensions reveals how the current Arab uprising has  transformed Turkey-Iranian friendship into a intensifying rivalry. The outcome of the rivalry is the rekindling of centuries old rivalry for influence between the Persians and Ottoman. The result will shape the security architecture of the middle east for years to come. Source: http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2011/1102/Turkey-s-rising-clout-leaves-Iran-fuming-on-sidelines-of-Arab-Spring Reliability (9) Comments: Iran claims the Arab Spring is modeled after its own 1979 Islamic Revolution...

Associated Press (Tehran)- Iran has criticized Turkey for allowing NATO to place missile defense systems in Southeast Turkey. President Ahmadinejad of Iran states that the aim of the defense shield is to protect Israel against Iranian missiles in the event of war between Israel and Iran. Earlier in September, Turkey agreed to host NATO’s radar system aimed at countering Iran’s ballistic missiles. However, Turkey claims the missile defense system does not target a specific country and has vowed to block the deal if NATO names Iran as a threat. Turkey is a key Muslim voice in NATO and the missile deployment indicates improving relations with Washington since the 2003 Iraq invasion. Also, Turkey works closely with U.S troops in Iraq and Afghanistan on non-combat roles. Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/10/04/ap/middleeast/main20115639.shtml Reliability(9) Comment: Turkey is strategically located between Europe and the Middle East is trying to balance its relationsh...