Hope and Security with Iran's System
Ukraine’s area is 306,000 square kilometers, with a population of approximately 40 million. Russia, with an area of 17 million square kilometers and a population of 143 million, is attempting to swallow it, despite being 28 times larger than Ukraine and having roughly 3.6 times its population. Iran, on the other hand, covers 1.65 million square kilometers and has a population of 93.2 million. The United States, with an area of 9.9 million square kilometers and a population of 349 million, is trying to impose its conditions on Iran, despite being about six times larger than Iran. Taiwan’s area is approximately 36,000 square kilometers, with a population of 23 million, compared to China, which seeks to annex it. China’s area is nearly 10 million square kilometers, and its population exceeds 1.413 billion, making it about 265 times larger than Taiwan in area and 61 times more populous.
All three countries face significant challenges with their rivals. Focusing on Taiwan, the most vulnerable and smallest in terms of both size and population, we find that it has managed to transform itself into a formidable force, placing it in a nearly balanced position with its large and powerful neighbor in all aspects. This has been achieved through logistical, human, and military preparations built over decades. Perhaps its most lethal weapon lies in its vast stockpiles of drones, unmanned attack boats, and missiles capable of repelling any attack from any direction. It also possesses valuable intelligence on enemy troop positions and any movements against the island. Moreover, it maintains a formidable army capable of rapid mobilization before any adversary can reach and occupy the island.
All military analysts agree that its army can repel any invading force with waves of drones, missiles, and artillery, making any amphibious assault highly risky and fraught with danger. Drawing lessons from Taiwan’s situation and the war in Ukraine, and recognizing the need to understand Iran’s strength, capabilities, and weaknesses—especially given its willingness since the revolution to attack us and harm our security—and considering how it has managed to withstand two of the world’s most formidable military powers for over five months, it is imperative to urgently acquire, manufacture, and train in the use of drones, making this weapon the backbone of our national army due to its proven deterrent effect.
We can learn from the experiences of Ukraine and Taiwan in manufacturing, storing, and training with this lethal weapon to make any future attack on us difficult and costly. Some may view this proposal as fanciful, but nothing is impossible in today’s world, and decisive decisions begin with the first step. We must rely on our own people, capabilities, and self-reliance. Overreliance on others has become akin to an unpredictable gamble. We must also anticipate, in advance, the possibility of Iran exiting its war with the United States as a near-victor, albeit severely wounded psychologically, humanely, and materially. This will likely increase its appetite for aggression against its neighbors and attempts at extortion. Therefore, we must prepare for this scenario and for anyone seeking to harm us.
Ahmed Al-Sarraf
