1957 All Over Again

In October 1957, the Soviet Union launched the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1. The realization that the USSR had beaten the Americans in getting a satellite into orbit triggered the "space race," and fear that the Soviets were technologically ahead the Americans led to John F. Kennedy's 1960 campaign pledge to close the "missile gap."

Fast-forward over a half a century: Iran has just launched a rocket that could serve as its first satellite carrier. There was no actual satellite aboard the rocket, and the Americans are claiming that the launch actually failed. But no matter: the test has inspired concern among Western security officials, and the Iranian government has magnanimously offered to launch the satellites of other Muslim nations.

While Sputnik inspired near-panic in the West, the Iranian test should serve to put the current international balance of power in the proper perspective. Compared to America's 20th century enemies, the Iranian-led coalition is almost laughably weak. At best, Iran can stunt American plans until the US becomes disinterested or fundamentally weakened by other factors. But in terms of establishing a rival order, Iran isn't a threat -- it's a joke.