Directed Study of Iran - February 2010

230 Pages. The Islamic Republic of Iran poses serious challenges to US. interests. The country's relentless pursuit of nuclear capabilities, uninhibited violation of human rights, troubling political alliances, and overt antagonism to the US. and her allies are increasing. Within these myriad challenges lie Iran's vulnerabilities, which represent significant opportunities for the US. to think creatively and act decisively in order to counter the threat. The purpose of this directed study of Iran is to layout the direct and indirect efforts Iran is making to alter the global balance of power, efforts in direct opposition to US. strategic interests, and to offer solutions to offset these Iranian efforts. The study accomplishes this by first presenting an overview of Iran today, which analyzes Iran as both a traditional nation-state and a theocracy driven by the strong impetus of Islam; by providing an analysis of Iran's primary national objectives and its dynamic and calculated international efforts to achieve these objectives; by predicting the ramifications of Iran's actions if the current trajectory continues; and by offering definable and attainable recommendations to respond to the mounting threat to the United States that Iran presents. The comprehensive nature of this study is unique. Many studies pertaining to the Islamic Republic of Iran provide an isolated analysis of its government, of Iran's troubled regional relationships, its nuclear program, or of potential ountermeasures to the looming Iranian threat. This study considers all of the above, while also providing an in depth examination of Iran's ongoing global activities aimed at achieving its objectives. This examination includes Iran's involvement in drug, weapons, and human trade; its ongoing support to terrorist organizations operating throughout the world; Iran's burgeoning relationships in Latin America and increasing power and influence in Africa; and its use of international organizations and propaganda. The highest academic standards have been maintained throughout this extensive work, which contains the most complete and current open source information available. The information presented in this study was compiled between October 2009 and January 2010.…