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| Syria-Lebanon-Iran |
| News flash - Iran is an al-Qaeda haven |
| 2004-08-01 |
| Holmes! How do you do it? Despite its periodic crackdowns on the terrorist network, Iran has served as a refuge for Al Qaeda operatives suspected of plotting attacks in Europe and the Middle East and of playing a central role in the Iraqi insurgency, European investigators say. Investigations in France, Italy, Spain and other countries since the Sept. 11 attacks point to an increasing presence in Iran of Al Qaeda figures, including suspected masterminds of this year's train bombings in Madrid and last year's car bombings of expatriate compounds in Saudi Arabia. But Iran's complex politics and secretive policies have made it difficult to determine the nature of any relationship between Iranian officials and the terror network, investigators say. The potential ties between Iran and Al Qaeda drew attention last month with the release of the final report of the Sept. 11 commission. The U.S. panel found that eight of the hijackers had traveled through Iran but did not produce much evidence of an Al Qaeda-Iran alliance before the 2001 attacks. What concerns Western law enforcement officials, however, is the post-Sept. 11 menace posed by the terrorist group, including its involvement in Iraq and deadly attacks in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. |
| Posted by:Dan Darling |
| #10 "The Iranians play a double game," said a top French law enforcement official who, like others interviewed, asked to remain anonymous. "Everything they can do to trouble the Americans, without going too far, they do it. They have arrested important Al Qaeda people, but they have permitted other important Al Qaeda people to operate. It is a classic Iranian style of ambiguity, deception, manipulation." Said that with a straight face, did he? |
| Posted by: BH 2004-08-02 12:22:34 AM |
| #9 During the Dems little reinvention in Boston, the majority of speakers acted like 9-11 never even happened. No wonder the enemies of America favour Kerry-Edwards. Bush will win..any bets? Good odds..:) |
| Posted by: Mark Espinola 2004-08-01 11:23:44 PM |
| #8 The Dems are happy to hear all about al-Qaeda being in Iran, since they think that this somehow bolsters their case that the invasion of Iraq was wrong (we all know better). Of course, if GWB actually proposed to do something about the turbantops, the Dems would quickly -- nay, instantaneously -- change their tune. |
| Posted by: Steve White 2004-08-01 9:31:50 PM |
| #7 If Kerry wins, he can lead us all in conversion to Islam. That should satisfy the Iranians, Osama, and Jacques ChIraq. It will also scare the hell out of Kimmie. |
| Posted by: Tom 2004-08-01 8:57:30 PM |
| #6 It's interesting to note where this latest information originates:France, Italy, Spain and other (European?) countries. But not to worry, Kerry will repair relations with Iran if he becomes president. But Kerry's e-mail to the Mehr News Agency, and published in the Tehran Times, wasn't clear how he would do this. Through the Revolutionary Guard or the intelligence service or the Grand Council of Mullahs or elected politicans? First Kerry will have to find out who to surrender to. (That's the what he learned growing up in France isn't it?) Enough questions about Iraq already. Someone needs to ask Kerry what he would do about the growing threat from Iran. |
| Posted by: GK 2004-08-01 8:37:18 PM |
| #5 You're right, facts haven't influenced them yet. |
| Posted by: Tom 2004-08-01 8:30:08 PM |
| #4 Too bad the Dims have their fingers in their ears singing "la-la-la," Tom. |
| Posted by: Barbara Skolaut 2004-08-01 8:27:18 PM |
| #3 Let's go easy here -- this is actually helping Bush make the case against Iran. It's a big "well duh" for Rantburgers, but it's an education for Bush-bashing Dimocrats. |
| Posted by: Tom 2004-08-01 8:21:01 PM |
| #2 Yes, this does line up with the 800 other reports on this topic. Iran is a roach motel. |
| Posted by: Capt America 2004-08-01 7:43:54 PM |
| #1 Wow. I'm shocked! Whooda thunk it? |
| Posted by: Barbara Skolaut 2004-08-01 7:23:21 PM |