threat analysis of Iran in 2002 and its relevance today

Research Paper (postgraduate) from the year 2002 in the subject Politics - Region: Near East, Near Orient, grade: A, , course: Political Science 605 Middle Eastern Security, language: English, abstract: Written in 2002, this threat analysis provides insight and prescriptions that remain relevant today in understanding and improving relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) consists of twenty five countries that compose the Area of Responsibility (AOR) and stretches from the Horn of Africa to Central Asia. Activated by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, it is the successor of the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force (RDJTF) developed by President Jimmy Carter in 1980. Its purpose was to project power in the Middle East and East Africa. Headed by Command in Chief General Tommy R. Franks and stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida it is one of nine Unified Combatant Commands assigned operational control of US combat forces. CENTCOM s AOR includes the Islamic Republic of Iran.