TEHRAN An American military expert suggested on Tuesday that defensive missile systems should be installed to confront what he called Iran's threats.

Richard Carvin, in a press conference in the American Foreign Affairs' Council said that in order to improve American security against Iran, a defensive missile system should become operational based in Turkey.

This comes after the recent expansion of military ties between the United States and Turkey and Israel. Turkish politicians have welcomed this expansion of ties as they consider it to be instrumental toward their acceptance into the European Union (EU).

Tensu Ciller the Turkish ex-premier said in a New York conference that she was proud to be the first Turkish prime -- minister to visit Israel. She made the remarks after the signing of a military agreement between Tel Aviv and Ankara.

In a reciprocal move, Turkish "democracy" is being repeatedly praised by Israeli press, ignoring completely the atrocious record of the country regarding human rights and the political and economic corruption in the country, all of which have made it difficult for Turkey to become an EU member.

On the other hand, Turkish economic crisis has made the country appeal to international organizations such as International Monetary Fund (IMF) or The World Bank. U.S. influence in the above-mentioned organizations helped Turkey to get the loans. This, in fact, indicated the "strategic" approach of the United States toward Turkey.

All these lead to the conclusion that the Unites States and Israel need Turkey for their purpose of containment of Islamic movements in the area. This is while the nine-month Intifada still goes on in the occupied territories and the Middle East.

The defensive missile system is only a part of the new phase of cooperation within the unholy triangle of the U.S., Israel and Turkey.