The Gulf Cooperation Council states are on a transformative journey, tapping into new sectors to diversify their traditionally hydrocarbon-dependent economies. Now, a regional space race is emerging, driven by domestic economic ambitions and commercial interests, but also the desire to enhance global prestige and soft power.
In September, Iran successfully placed an imaging satellite into orbit. But instead of showcasing a true breakthrough for Iran’s space program, the launch highlighted the enduring technological challenges that the program faces as well as Tehran’s continued inability to place militarily useful satellites into orbit.
A congressional hearings last Wednesday suggested the U.S. government possesses extraterrestrial UFOs. Skepticism seems warranted. But if, for the sake of argument, it is eventually confirmed that intelligent, extraterrestrial life forms have visited Earth and continue to do, it would have profound impacts on international politics.
