article: there is more to fear from Iran than Nuclear arms...

[cz75bdneos22]

browsing through the sun. articles:\ U.S. troops face a deadly new weapon...

the U.S and Britain have gone ballistic over iran's purchase of 800 high-caliber sniper rifles that can penetrate body armor or a Humvee from a mile away and even shoot down a helicopter. Iran says the rifles made by Steyr mannlicher, an Austrian firm-are for use against drug smugglers. Iraq is already implicated in sending deadly bomb components to the Iraqui insurgency battling our forces. Why are the Austrians selling to Iran? Steyr Mannlicher offered this explanation: " half of Europe is supplying weapons to Iran.

Wow!

 

[Kurush]

Uhh got a link? I can't find anything resembling serious news on their web site and searching for "sniper" turned up a bunch of photos of topless women

 

[Limeyfellow]

This deal has been set up for a long time. There been no complaints at all till recently about the sale that isn't that much a big deal. Every member of Nato had a choice to object to the sale and not one of them complained at the time. It makes little sense for Iran to be helping the insurgents since Iran and Iraq have never had closer ties than they have today. Its no more a threat than when Barrett .50 calibre rifles were bought for Afghanistan and Pakistan and much more likely to fall into the hands of terrorists. I am more concerned about the CIA sending nuclear weapon plans to Iran back in 2002.

The bit about shaped charges is rediclous. Many nations around the world use the exact same method including the British. The British even taught the IRA to do it as a part of a sting operation that went wrong. The general who came out with the story originally was made into a laughing stock when he was asked for proof and had to respond there was none and this was just speculation at best. It seems people have forgetton all the Iraqi bomb makers that are exceptionally skilled, many recieving training when we were sponsoring Iraq to fight the Iranians and others for us.

 

[Preacherman]

This is old news - the sale took place two years ago. It's been discussed in these forums at least twice before. And Austria can sell weapons to anyone it wishes: there's no arms embargo on Iran.

 

[Dumper]

Money is money. When it comes to money no feelings are involved its just business. And isnt France, Russia, and Britian the biggest arms supplier in the world. (Also China and the U.S. but there not in Europe.)