The question is stated as delivery of a "S-300 or S-400 missile system." A "system" requires all the major operational components to be delivered (search radar, targeting radar, missile launcher, command post, etc.). Regarding hiding the system, while I agree that generally you don't want to give away the exact location of your military assets, it is important to credibly signal your enemies if you expect to deter them. Most of the Iranian comments to this point are probably inward directed, to create a sense of strength in the aftermath of the nuclear deal with the West. Outward directed statements (to Israel) will come when the system is actually functioning.
Yes but,...still not scored. Open Question: The score hasn't shown up because
A. GJOpen computer broken or they need to hire a programmer: 18%
B. @cmeinel is right, they may void this question because mishegoss meshuganah: 68%
C. Line at Chicago Starbucks backed up: 14%
Good place to vent! I've been on the "(almost) manuals" side since the other extreme did not make sense to me. Not sure this decision really passes the giggle test, but here is the way I've rationalized it.
Parchin was "inspected" by the IAEA Director carrying away some random handfuls of dirt. Since the IAEA blessed the inspection (regardless of what one may think of its utility), it makes sense in a way. Who better to "judge." Along the same lines, (ignoring all the silly blather battered about as news) if enough key individuals (particularly on the Iranian side) say it is happening/happened, then who better to judge?
Excellent point, Lars. For example, just a few days ago, inspectors determined that despite many denials, Iran did, at one time, have a nuclear weapons program.
Reaffirming my forecast.
The question is stated as delivery of a "S-300 or S-400 missile system." A "system" requires all the major operational components to be delivered (search radar, targeting radar, missile launcher, command post, etc.). Regarding hiding the system, while I agree that generally you don't want to give away the exact location of your military assets, it is important to credibly signal your enemies if you expect to deter them. Most of the Iranian comments to this point are probably inward directed, to create a sense of strength in the aftermath of the nuclear deal with the West. Outward directed statements (to Israel) will come when the system is actually functioning.
THIS QUESTION CLOSED AS I TYPE. NO MORE PREDICTIONS FOR YOU! OR ME!
Yes but,...still not scored. Open Question: The score hasn't shown up because
A. GJOpen computer broken or they need to hire a programmer: 18%
B. @cmeinel is right, they may void this question because mishegoss meshuganah: 68%
C. Line at Chicago Starbucks backed up: 14%
@000 I haven't laughed this hard in a month of Mondays.
Good place to vent! I've been on the "(almost) manuals" side since the other extreme did not make sense to me. Not sure this decision really passes the giggle test, but here is the way I've rationalized it.
Parchin was "inspected" by the IAEA Director carrying away some random handfuls of dirt. Since the IAEA blessed the inspection (regardless of what one may think of its utility), it makes sense in a way. Who better to "judge." Along the same lines, (ignoring all the silly blather battered about as news) if enough key individuals (particularly on the Iranian side) say it is happening/happened, then who better to judge?
Except that people have been known to misrepresent the ground truth if they perceive an advantage in doing so. [1]
[1] https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/76/Kakashi2.jpg
Excellent point, Lars. For example, just a few days ago, inspectors determined that despite many denials, Iran did, at one time, have a nuclear weapons program.
Well that was a well-kept secret. [1]
[1] https://www.aei.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/2.28.13-Ahmadinejad-Iran-Nuclear-Program.jpg
I <3 it when things go a-rye. Although, I'd rather they go a-malted barley and peat ;)
Has anyone seen a reputable (i.e. not Tass, sorry!) source that the system(s) were actually delivered? I can't find a thing online.
These guys said Yes absolutely. [1]
[1] https://eurasiaoverland.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/07-13-bazaaris.jpg