State Responses to Nuclear Proliferation

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

State Responses to Nuclear Proliferation State Responses to Nuclear Proliferation The Differential Effects of Threat Perception Brian K. Chappell State Responses to Nuclear Proliferation Brian K. Chappell State Responses to Nuclear Proliferation The Differential Effects of Threat Perception Brian K. Chappell Washington, DC, USA ISBN 978-3-030-59800-6 ISBN 978-3-030-59801-3 (eBook) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59801-3 © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021 This work is subject to copyright. All rights are solely and exclusively licensed by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Cover illustration: © Alex Linch shutterstock.com This Palgrave Macmillan imprint is published by the registered company Springer Nature Switzerland AG The registered company address is: Gewerbestrasse 11, 6330 Cham, Switzerland The views expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy and position of the Department of Defense, its Components, or the U.S. government. The public release clearance of this publication by the Department of Defense does not imply Department of Defense endorsement or factual accuracy of the material. For the ancestors who endured and sacrificed everything to survive. Your dreams live. For Amir Pasha To my mother Jan and Grandmother Olivia Acknowledgments This book has been a goal since I was a student at the University of Michigan, and a work in progress since I began my doctoral work at Catholic University. After years of contemplation and revision, I now share it with you. To my inspiration, Amir Chappell, who consistently asks, “Daddy, why do you have so many books?” You will soon discover a world many can only imagine. I hope our trips to the bookstore and nightly readings planted a seed in you. I look forward to your growth and our lifelong discussions as you begin your journey. Behold, the only thing greater than yourself. To my mother, Jan Chappell, whose love was the spark that lit the fire. She skillfully guided me into a world that had only existed in our dreams. Her vision lit the path that became my reality. I can only hope that I have made her proud. I am immensely grateful to the Chappell family for their unconditional love and unwavering support. Thank you: Beverly Chappell, Gwen Chappell, Debra Chappell McIntosh, Camille Chappell Johnson, Kathy Chappell, Veronica Chappelle McCullough, Annette Chappell, Robert Reed, Rodney Reed, Brandon Chappell, Darren Chappell, Christian Chappell, Cedric Boswell, Rashid Johnson, Amirah Johnson, Larry Breland, Harold Tillman, Trevor Ruffin, Dayan Ruffin, Korey and Kristen McCullough, and Aisha Ruffin Atkins. Kim James Haygood and Tonya James, your humor and encouragement made this process a bit less stressful. I am thankful for both of you. Rosalind Boswell, thank you for always believing in me. You are the light that has shined brightly since my childhood. I owe immense gratitude and loving admiration to my grandmother Olivia Chappell, who truly understood the value and power of education because a segregated public school system limited her educational opportunities. Her century of wisdom is my guide. One professor played a critical role in my academic career and in the evolution of this book. Dr. Phil Henderson was my graduate school mentor, and I owe him tremendous gratitude for the years of friendship and guidance he provided. Phil never missed an opportunity to remind me that I needed to write this book. Most graciously, he was there every step of the way: graduate school lectures, honor society initiation, promotion ceremony, colloquium, comprehensive exams, ix x Acknowledgments dissertation proposal, dissertation committee, dissertation defense, graduations, and manuscript development. His generosity and dedication made all the difference. Every student should be so fortunate. Dr. Andrew Yeo served on my dissertation committee where his edits and reccomendations had a surgeon’s precision. I am grateful for the critical thought and academic rigor he added to my dissertation. Dr. Yeo’s knowledge and inputs made this a much better book. Dr. Willard Hardman, the “Vilnius Schoolmaster,” was crucial in advancing my line of critical thought. I credit him for guiding me to probe beyond politics and towards culture and political psychology because, as he famously stated, “There is never, ever, a single cause for war.” In memory of Dr. Wallace Thies, a true scholar and national security expert who chaired my dissertation committee. Wally was tough and often tested my knowledge and grasp of the literature, but he made me a better scholar and for that, I am thankful. He was a major influence in shaping my academic thought, and I am forever grateful for his brilliance and dedication to his profession. Wally helped make my vision a reality. Sadly, Professor Thies passed away while I was editing this book. This book involved the input and influence of many people to whom I am enormously grateful. Natasha, I am immensely thankful for your Iranian cultural expertise, Farsi translations, religious insight, and support. Your inputs and knowledge were invaluable to my research and the finished project. Thank you for answering all my random questions and helping me better understand the literature, history, and the culture. Yeki bood, yeki nabood. To the original Ph.D., Dr. Lucy Belle Lang-Chappell, thank you for blazing the path for me to follow. You will always be my favorite person in charge. Dr. Kahlil Johnson, thank you for the psychiatric and psychological perspectives, and for being a calming voice during the storm. Your wise counsel and reassurances played a pivotal role during the writing of my manuscript. Our conversations were a welcomed break from the madness. Stephan Pietszak, from day one we dreamt and encouraged one another to succeed. Despite the challenges and words of those who doubted us, we kept our heads when others lost theirs. Thank you, Brother. I owe a special thank you to Mohammed and Bonnie for their kindness and hospitality. They graciously shared their knowledge, and I am thankful for our Iranian history, political, and cultural discussions over chai, sharbat, and baghali polo. Tianna Johnson, thank you so much for the positive energy and reassuring encouragement. Alex Obaitan and Desiree Woodard, your support and encouragement were much-needed and wel- comed voices. I extend a special thank you to Karyn Temple for the intellectual discussions, encouragement, and legal perspectives. I am indebted to Dr. Nesha Z. Haniff, who is one of my former professors at the University of Michigan. Dr. Haniff was the first person I met who had written a book. I thank her for inspiring me to learn about the African Diaspora and encouraging me to write a book of my own. I owe a special debt of gratitude to the early mentors who helped point me in Acknowledgments xi the right direction: David Costa, Tony Grant, Phil Maddox, and William “Big Bill” Page. There are so many special people who encouraged me along the way, these are but a few: Keith Borden, Clifford Boswell, Richard Bramlett, Erica Chappell, Lamont Coleman, Erika Crawford, Ronnie Doaks, Helen Dye, Willie Hall, Ty Haygood, Bev Heck, Mary and Michael Henderson, Elliott Hogans, Jan Jett, Katie Johnson, Valerie Kiley, Pat Lavender, Dawn Lowe, Mike “Brother Black” Madison, Carl McIntosh, Nancy Monday, Tytonia Moore, Ken Moss, Susan Motley, Melvin Pree, Steve Rose, Dharamraj Singh, Mildred and Fred Stringer, Staci Stringer, Anna Trotter, Sara Underwood, Bobby Vinson, Scott Whalen, Francheska Wilson, and Esther Wise. I owe special recognition to my colleagues from the nuclear enterprise: Roosevelt “Ted” Mercer, Anthony Goins, Todd Kaegi, Andrew Kovich, James Bailey, and Billy Wade. I would be remiss if I did not recognize my Brothers from Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated: Michael Tillman, Reginald Hampton, John Beardsley, Kameron McCullough, Larry Breland II, Freddie Knight, Jeff Williams, Darryl Mitchell, and Darryl Marshall. To my favorite teacher, Otto Zillgitt, who inspired me during my early years, when I needed it most. Otto was the teacher who made a difference. I am eternally grateful for our friendship and for his continued mentoring. I also owe special recognition to “Big Brian” Johnson for his unrelenting question, “Man, when are you going to finish that damn book?” I am grateful to the colleagues who contributed their time and expertise to help improve the quality of this book. Our conversations helped shape many of the insights contained in these pages. Dr. Seyyid Mohiaddin Mesbahi, your mentoring and insight on Iran and Islam were immensely helpful to my research and provided me a greater understanding of the region and its complexities. I am forever grateful for both your wisdom and your willingness to share your thoughts.
Recommended publications
  • Iran and Israel's National Security in the Aftermath of 2003 Regime Change in Iraq
    Durham E-Theses IRAN AND ISRAEL'S NATIONAL SECURITY IN THE AFTERMATH OF 2003 REGIME CHANGE IN IRAQ ALOTHAIMIN, IBRAHIM,ABDULRAHMAN,I How to cite: ALOTHAIMIN, IBRAHIM,ABDULRAHMAN,I (2012) IRAN AND ISRAEL'S NATIONAL SECURITY IN THE AFTERMATH OF 2003 REGIME CHANGE IN IRAQ , Durham theses, Durham University. Available at Durham E-Theses Online: http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/4445/ Use policy The full-text may be used and/or reproduced, and given to third parties in any format or medium, without prior permission or charge, for personal research or study, educational, or not-for-prot purposes provided that: • a full bibliographic reference is made to the original source • a link is made to the metadata record in Durham E-Theses • the full-text is not changed in any way The full-text must not be sold in any format or medium without the formal permission of the copyright holders. Please consult the full Durham E-Theses policy for further details. Academic Support Oce, Durham University, University Oce, Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HP e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +44 0191 334 6107 http://etheses.dur.ac.uk 2 . IRAN AND ISRAEL’S NATIONAL SECURITY IN THE AFTERMATH OF 2003 REGIME CHANGE IN IRAQ BY: IBRAHIM A. ALOTHAIMIN A thesis submitted to Durham University in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy DURHAM UNIVERSITY GOVERNMENT AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS March 2012 1 2 Abstract Following the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, Iran has continued to pose a serious security threat to Israel.
    [Show full text]
  • Iran Complains to IAEA Over Leak of Confidential Info Kayhan Group of Newspapers
    2 February 16, 2021 DOMESTIC NEWS Iran Complains to IAEA Over Leak of Confidential Info Kayhan Group of Newspapers Allah is He Who cre- Editorial Dept. Tel.: 33911561, 33110251-9 ated the heavens and Ext.: 2334, 2336, 2337 the earth and sent down Advertising Dept.: 33110251-9 Ext. 2336 water from the clouds, then brought forth with it Subscription Ext.: 2322 fruits as a sustenance for Facsimile: 33114228 & 33111120 you, and He has made Website: www.kayhan.ir/en the ships subservient to E-mail: [email protected] you, that they might run P.O. Box: 11365/9631 their course in the sea by His command, and Address: Martyr Shah Cheraghi Street, Ferdowsi Avenue, He has made the rivers Tehran – Islamic Republic of Iran subservient to you. The Holy Qur’an (14.32) In the Name of the Most High Viewpoint PRAYER TIMINGS Noon (Zohr) 12:18 Evening(Maghreb) 18:06 Why is the Catholic Pope Dawn(Fajr)“ Tomorrow” 05:26 Sunrise “Tomorrow” 06:50 Coming to Iraq? The Iranian national flag flutters in the wind outside the IAEA building in Vienna. By: Kayhan Int’l Staff Writer UNITED NATIONS (Dispatches) Republic of Iran’s relations with change the status quo. -- Iran’s ambassador to international the IAEA. He added that Iran’s letter to the Iranian, organizations in Vienna, including the “Iran’s concerns about non-im- IAEA touched on six issues, which On March 5 the Head of the Catholic sect of Christianity is sched- International Atomic Energy Agency plementation of [IAEA’s] commit- make way for the leak of confiden- Pakistan Navy uled to land at Baghdad International Airport – the venue of the (IAEA), says the Iranian mission has ments regarding confidentiality of tial information including: unpardonable act of terrorism committed by the US on January 3 informed the IAEA of Tehran’s con- information have been brought up He cited inclusion of detailed Chiefs Meet in last year.
    [Show full text]
  • Iran's Nuclear Ambitions From
    IDENTITY AND LEGITIMACY: IRAN’S NUCLEAR AMBITIONS FROM NON- TRADITIONAL PERSPECTIVES Pupak Mohebali Doctor of Philosophy University of York Politics June 2017 Abstract This thesis examines the impact of Iranian elites’ conceptions of national identity on decisions affecting Iran's nuclear programme and the P5+1 nuclear negotiations. “Why has the development of an indigenous nuclear fuel cycle been portrayed as a unifying symbol of national identity in Iran, especially since 2002 following the revelation of clandestine nuclear activities”? This is the key research question that explores the Iranian political elites’ perspectives on nuclear policy actions. My main empirical data is elite interviews. Another valuable source of empirical data is a discourse analysis of Iranian leaders’ statements on various aspects of the nuclear programme. The major focus of the thesis is how the discourses of Iranian national identity have been influential in nuclear decision-making among the national elites. In this thesis, I examine Iranian national identity components, including Persian nationalism, Shia Islamic identity, Islamic Revolutionary ideology, and modernity and technological advancement. Traditional rationalist IR approaches, such as realism fail to explain how effective national identity is in the context of foreign policy decision-making. I thus discuss the connection between national identity, prestige and bargaining leverage using a social constructivist approach. According to constructivism, states’ cultures and identities are not established realities, but the outcomes of historical and social processes. The Iranian nuclear programme has a symbolic nature that mingles with socially constructed values. There is the need to look at Iran’s nuclear intentions not necessarily through the lens of a nuclear weapons programme, but rather through the regime’s overall nuclear aspirations.
    [Show full text]
  • Highlights of Iran's Perilous Pursuit of Nuclear Weapons
    INSTITUTE FOR SCIENCE AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY REPORT Highlights of Iran’s Perilous Pursuit of Nuclear Weapons By David Albright with Sarah Burkhard and the Good ISIS Team August 25, 2021 Iran’s Perilous Pursuit of Nuclear Weapons chronicles the Islamic Republic of Iran’s effort to acquire nuclear weapons. It started slowly, building to a crash nuclear weapons program in the early 2000s to create five nuclear weapons and an industrial complex to produce many more. Under international pressure, fearful of military attack, the program was driven to downsize and deeper secrecy. Nonetheless, Iran remains on the brink of becoming a nuclear weapons power; its nuclear material production capabilities stronger than ever, its weaponization capabilities lurking under the surface. But just how close did Iran get to nuclear weapons during its crash program and how close is it today? Up until the events of a cold, clear night in January 2018, the world could only guess. In a dramatic nighttime raid, the Israeli Foreign Intelligence Service Mossad broke into a warehouse in Tehran and seized a large cache of documents detailing Iran’s darkest and long- denied secret. The Amad Plan, the codename for its crash nuclear weapons program, was far larger and made much more progress than previously known. Containing many top secret details, the seized documents offer unprecedented insights into Iran’s progress—and the hurdles it faced in building nuclear weapons. With what Iran learned about building nuclear weapons during the Amad Plan, combined with its subsequent accomplishments, the Islamic Republic has developed a sophisticated capability to make nuclear weapons.
    [Show full text]
  • The Assassination of Fakhrizadeh—A Major Iranian Counterintelligence Failure?
    Global Security and Intelligence Studies • Volume 6, Number 1 • Spring / Summer 2021 The Assassination of Fakhrizadeh—A Major Iranian Counterintelligence Failure? Ardavan Khoshnood Summary: The assassination of Iranian top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh is one of numerous assassinations in Iran conducted by foreign powers ever since 2007. In the past six months, assas- sins have in addition to Fakhrizadeh also been able to kill Al-Qaida’s no. 2 on Iranian soil. The three most important organizations in the Iranian intelligence community are the Ministry of Intelligence, as well as the Intelligence Organization and Intelligence Protection Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. There is no doubt that the assassination of Fakhrizadeh is a counterintelligence failure; however, there are indications that the Iranian intelligence community have been compromised. The assassins of Fakhrizadeh had accurate information about Fakhrizadeh and his security details. Because of this breach, Iran will conduct serious reforms in its intel- ligence community and may also eliminate individuals it suspects work on behalf of foreign powers and may have leaked information. he recent assassination of Iranian the Tehran province. Have the Iranian nuclear scientist and high-pro- intelligence community been compro- filed member of the Islamic Rev- mised? Tolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Brig- adier General Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, A Review of Targeted Attacks is yet a sign of the Islamic republic of Iran’s poor counterintelligence. Since Ardeshir Hosseinpour the beginning of 2007, Iran has wit- (January 15, 2007) nessed seven targeted killings and one Born in 1962, Hosseinpour was a nu- attempted assassination in the country. clear physicist.
    [Show full text]
  • The Long Road to Tehran the Iran Nuclear Deal in Perspective
    THE LONG ROAD TO TEHRAN THE IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL IN PERSPECTIVE BRYAN R. GIBSON STRATEGIC UPDATE 15.6 DECEMBER 2015 THE AUTHOR Bryan R. Gibson holds a PhD in International History from the London School of Economics, was a post- doctoral research fellow at the LSE’s Centre for Diplomacy and Strategy, and an instructor on Middle Eastern politics in the LSE’s Department of International History and the University of East Anglia’s Department of Political, Social and International Studies (PSI). He has taught undergraduate courses on U.S. and British politics toward the Gulf region, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and Arab nationalism, winning a departmental teaching excellence award in 2011. He also taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses on Middle Eastern politics at the University of East Anglia. He is the author of Sold Out? US Foreign Policy, Iraq, the Kurds, and the Cold War (Palgrave Macmillan, 2015), Covert Relationship: U.S. Foreign Policy, Intelligence and the Iran-Iraq War (Praeger, 2010), and co-edited with Professor Nigel Ashton, The Iran- Iraq War: New International Perspectives (Routledge, 2012). He also contributes regularly to publications dealing with Middle Eastern issues, like Foreign Policy, Middle East Eye, CNN, and Huffington Post. His research focuses on foreign policy decision- making with respect to the Middle East and Gulf regions. Specifically, he analyses U.S. foreign policy toward Iraq, Iran, and the Gulf. Gibson 1 THE LONG ROAD TO TEHRAN THE IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL IN PERSPECTIVE The history of the Iranian nuclear issue is littered with missed opportunities. It is a history in which fixation on the perfect crowded out the good, and in whose rearview mirror we can see deals that look a lot better now than they seemed then.
    [Show full text]
  • Iran: Statement of Abbasi at IAEA General Conference
    Statement of H.E Dr. Fereydoun Abbasi Vice President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Head of Atomic Energy Organization of Iran At IAEA 56th General Conference 17 September 2012 In the Name of God The Most Gracious and the Most Merciful Mr. president, At the outset allow me to express my congratulations for your Excellency’s election as the president of this important session. I hope in light of your wise management along with the valuable cooperation of Member States, this year’s session will yield fruitful results. Mr. President, Distinguished Delegates; The Islamic Republic of Iran, based on Islamic instructions, has always opposed and will always denounce the manufacture and use of weapons of mass destruction, and the Supreme Leader of the I.R. of Iran has stressed the fact that production and application of nuclear weapons are forbidden. We do not regard nuclear weapons as instruments that can create might and power, rather we believe that a nation can overcome the power created by nuclear weapons through reliance on its overall natural and human resources and capabilities. The victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran and the toppling of the US-backed monarchical regime is an evident example of overcoming such a power. Following the martyrdom of Daryoosh Rezaeenejad happened after the anniversary of martyrdom of Dr. Majid Shahriyari and one day before the second anniversary of assassination of Dr. Masoud Alimohammadi, the Zionist agents staged another criminal act and assassinated Mr. Mostafa Ahmadirooshan and his colleague Mr. Reza Qashqaee by using sticky bomb to their moving car.
    [Show full text]
  • Possibility and Implications of an Israeli Strike on Iranian Nuclear Installations
    POSSIBILITY AND IMPLICATIONS OF AN ISRAELI STRIKE ON IRANIAN NUCLEAR INSTALLATIONS Major Shams-uz-Zaman Abstract Iran is at the centre of the international diplomatic storm over its nuclear programme. Lot of scepticism exists over Iranian nuclear programme which is accused of in violation to NPT by the western countries. Iran, on the other hand, denies these allegations and asserts for its nuclear rights for peaceful purposes. There is a difference of opinion in dealing with Iran between the US and the Europeans, as the US is willing to use military option, whereas Europeans seek for a diplomatic solution. But with the passage of time, the US problems are compounding due to destabilizing situation in Middle East, Iraq and Afghanistan beside the economy which is in doldrums. Under these circumstances, a US strike on Iran is less likely however, regardless of the US problems, Israel which considers Iran as an existential threat, may not hesitate in taking such an action if it gets convinced that Iran is about to cross nuclear threshold. Such a strike will have devastating implications for the region and Pakistan which warrants a critical analysis. Introduction Since last decade or so, the global politics have seen dramatic changes which had a profound impact on the global security paradigm. The invasion of Iraq and rise of militant groups in Muslim world has terrified the western world, and all those countries posing a challenge to the western domination and hegemony, are perceived as a potential threat by the West. Since the Iranian revolution, Iran has been generally viewed by the West, as a country completely out of step with the modern liberal and secular values, which remains as hallmark of western universal model of “Liberal Democracy”, and thus in this backdrop, possession of nuclear NDU Journal 2011 119 Possibility and Implications of an Israeli Strike on Iranian Nuclear Installations weapons by Iran is considered as a threat to global peace and security.
    [Show full text]
  • Iran: Limited Retaliation for Assassination of Nuclear Scientist Likely
    The Cambridge Security Initiative IRAN: LIMITED RETALIATION FOR ASSASSINATION OF NUCLEAR SCIENTIST LIKELY DECEMBER 2020 Richard C. Baffa Iran almost certainly will retaliate for the assassination of its top nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh; however, Tehran’s response probably will be limited, proportional, and in kind, calculated to avoid a broader regional conflict and keep the door open for negotiations and sanctions relief with the incoming Biden administration. Iranian leaders rapidly condemned the assassination and blamed Israel; some also implicated the US in the attack. Iran’s top nuclear scientist was assassinated near Tehran on 27 November, prompting the Supreme National Security Council to convene an emergency meeting. Fakhrizadeh was considered the father of Iran’s clandestine nuclear weapons program known as the “Amad project”, according to US and Israeli intelligence. A 2011 International Atomic Energy Agency report indicated he was a central figure in suspected Iranian work to develop technology and skills needed for nuclear weapons, including designing a warhead small enough to fit atop a missile and survive re-entry into the atmosphere. Iran repeatedly refused to allow IAEA inspectors access to Fakhrizadeh and has consistently denied it has or has had a nuclear weapons program. Fakhrizadeh would have played a vital role in the event Tehran decided to jump start its weapons program. Senior Iranian officials began making statements within a few hours of his death, condemning the assassination, blaming Israel and the U.S. and vowing to retaliate. Their response, however, tempered expectations for a rapid, military response. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Iran’s first priority was “definitive punishment of the perpetrators and those who ordered it,” but he added, “The Iranian nation is smarter than falling into the trap of the Zionist.
    [Show full text]
  • The Assassination of Fakhrizadeh—A Major Iranian Counterintelligence Failure?
    Global Security and Intelligence Studies • Volume 6, Number 1 • Spring / Summer 2021 The Assassination of Fakhrizadeh—A Major Iranian Counterintelligence Failure? Ardavan Khoshnood Summary: The assassination of Iranian top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh is one of numerous assassinations in Iran conducted by foreign powers ever since 2007. In the past six months, assas- sins have in addition to Fakhrizadeh also been able to kill Al-Qaida’s no. 2 on Iranian soil. The three most important organizations in the Iranian intelligence community are the Ministry of Intelligence, as well as the Intelligence Organization and Intelligence Protection Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. There is no doubt that the assassination of Fakhrizadeh is a counterintelligence failure; however, there are indications that the Iranian intelligence community have been compromised. The assassins of Fakhrizadeh had accurate information about Fakhrizadeh and his security details. Because of this breach, Iran will conduct serious reforms in its intel- ligence community and may also eliminate individuals it suspects work on behalf of foreign powers and may have leaked information. he recent assassination of Iranian the Tehran province. Have the Iranian nuclear scientist and high-pro- intelligence community been compro- filed member of the Islamic Rev- mised? Tolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Brig- adier General Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, A Review of Targeted Attacks is yet a sign of the Islamic republic of Iran’s poor counterintelligence. Since Ardeshir Hosseinpour the beginning of 2007, Iran has wit- (January 15, 2007) nessed seven targeted killings and one Born in 1962, Hosseinpour was a nu- attempted assassination in the country. clear physicist.
    [Show full text]
  • Mideast Security and Policy Studies No. 185 the BEGIN-SADAT CENTER for STRATEGIC STUDIES BAR-ILAN UNIVERSITY Mideast Security and Policy Studies No
    Iran’s Killing Machine: Political Assassinations by the Islamic Regime Khoshnood, Ardavan Published in: Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, Mideast Security and Policy Studies 2020 Document Version: Publisher's PDF, also known as Version of record Link to publication Citation for published version (APA): Khoshnood, A. (2020). Iran’s Killing Machine: Political Assassinations by the Islamic Regime. Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, Mideast Security and Policy Studies, (185). https://besacenter.org/mideast-security- and-policy-studies/iran-political-assassinations/ Total number of authors: 1 General rights Unless other specific re-use rights are stated the following general rights apply: Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. • Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. • You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain • You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal Read more about Creative commons licenses: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ Take down policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim. LUND UNIVERSITY PO Box 117 221 00 Lund +46 46-222 00 00 Iran’s Killing Machine: Political Assassinations by the Islamic Regime Ardavan Khoshnood Mideast Security and Policy Studies No.
    [Show full text]
  • S Nuclear Physicists Are Top Targets for Assassins
    Five Scientists in 10 Years: Iran’s Nuclear Physicists Are Top Targets for Assassins Recent assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, one of Iran's most celebrated physicists, highlights bloody line of Iranian scientists who have been taken out By Sheren Khalel Region: Middle East & North Africa Global Research, November 30, 2020 Theme: History, Law and Justice Middle East Eye 27 November 2020 To be a nuclear scientist in Iran is to be in danger. During the past decade, up to this week, at least four had been killed in vehicle bombings and shootouts, and several others have been targeted but survived. On Friday, the alleged architect of Iran’s military nuclear programme joined the ranks of the slain. Armed assassins gunned down Mohsen Fakhrizadeh in his car in an ambush in Absard city, outside the capital Tehran. Fakhrizadeh, an officer in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), has been known as one of Iran’s most celebrated physicists because of his work on the country’s nuclear programme, Project 111. When his colleague, Majid Shahriari, was assassinated in 2010, the UNdescribed Fakhrizadeh as a leader in Tehran’s effort to acquire a nuclear warhead. Details of Friday’s attack remain unclear, but Hossein Salami, head of the country’s Republican Guards, has accused those who targeted Fakhrizadeh of working to block Iran “from gaining access to modern science”. There is a long history of world powers killing scientists as a form of warfare; from World War II to the Cold War, physicists and engineers have been known to turn the tide of military capabilities, making them prime targets.
    [Show full text]