According to a new report released by The Oxford Research Group, an Israeli attack on Iran would likely be the start to a “long war” with both regional and global consequences.
The new report, by Paul Rogers, professor of peace studies at the University of Bradford, suggested that the possibility of an Israeli strike against the Iranian nation had increased:
“Long-range strike aircraft acquired from the United States, combined with an improved fleet of tanker aircraft, the deployment of long-range drones and the probable availability of support facilities in northeast Iraq and Azerbaijan, all increase Israel’s potential for action against Iran,” it said.
The report concludes that the consequences of such military action would be a nightmare. According to Professor Rogers:
“An Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear facilities would almost certainly be the beginning of a long-term process of regular Israeli air strikes to further prevent the development of nuclear weapons and medium-range missiles. Iranian responses would also be long-term, ushering in a lengthy war with global as well as regional implications.”
The Oxford Research Group, is a think tank that provides non-violent solutions to conflict. The Group issued a similar report in 2003, titled: “Iraq: Consequences of a War”, also by Professor Paul Rogers. The report also warned of high civilian casualties, the development of an insurgency, increased support for al-Qaida and widespread anti-Americanism, if the war went ahead.
The report, also presented the possible scenario that Israel “would hit factories and research centers, and even University laboraties, in order to do as much damage as possible to the Iranian expertise,” including “attempts to kill those technocrats who manage Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.”
“Iranian responses would also be long-term, ushering in a lengthy war with global as well as regional implications,” Rogers said.
The US signed into law a new round of US sanctions against Iran, earlier this month following a fourth round of sanctions by the United Nations. The controversy over Iran’s alleged nuclear program has been of controversy for years, with Iran clearly saying its nuclear program is pureful fo peaceful purposes.
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The correct link to the report is: http://www.oxfordresearchgroup.org.uk/sites/default/files/Iran%20Report%202010_0.pdf