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Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Khatami secures African backing during 7-nation tour
2005-01-22
Iranian President Mohammad Khatami wrapped up a seven-nation tour of Africa in Uganda on Thursday after sealing a raft of cooperation deals that Teheran hopes will boost its influence on the continent.
"We like dealing with Africa. We can buy influence at about 9 cents a head. European influence costs us almost twice that much, though I'll admit it's better quality..."
Khatami won backing, or at least kind words, from leaders at each stop on his 10-day swing that ended here, where his visit was overshadowed by a new war of words with arch-foe the United States. In Kampala, Khatami was blunt in his criticism of the United States over the war in Iraq and recent hints that Washington may be considering the use of force to compel Teheran to change Middle East and nuclear policies. He warned that Iranians are "strong enough to defend ourselves" and said the American people could not possibly benefit from a war with Iran, especially as it still has its hands full in Iraq. "I think the United States would (be doing) a great job if they tried to put out the fire that has already been lit in Iraq," he said, adding that the US-led invasion had "created fertile ground to breed terrorists."
Posted by:Fred

#2  Khatami can campaign as much as he wants to outside Iran, but the Government of the Islamic Republic pf Iran does not have the support of its own people. Students and educated people in the cities have been demonstrating for years against the government. It is ashame that CNN, Fox, MSNBC, and other Major news networks fail to report this or do in depth coverage on it...

As far as the United States taking military action...the US would win, but at a heavy price. The Iranian military is strong, unlike the Non-existent Afghan military and the degraded Iraqi Armed Forces (after 10+ years or embargos and 2 wars). Iran has reverse engineered components for US military equipment, made new purchases from Russia & China, and manufacture their own weaponry.

For Example:

The Iranian Air Force still operates the F-14A Tomcat and other jets & helicopters. During the 1970s (Shah's reign), the US built 2 Helicopter Factories (by Bell Textron), 1 Aircraft Factory (built by Northrop), 1 Major Aircraft Overhaul facility, and many more arms factories that are being used to overhaul, produce, and reverse engineer spares or whole new equipment.

An attack against Iran will unify everyone behind the government under the banner or Patriotism.

The only way to overthrow the government is to isolate economically and politically...and support the elements from within the country to change the government.

Iran is a major $$$ supporter ot terrorism outside its borders...because it is the only country in the world where religious fanatics control a resource rich economy and an entire nation.

It would serve the Iranian people, the Middle East, and the world to remove the government by means of internal revolution supported by democracies...see Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi's recent interview with the TELEGRAPH.
Posted by: Cromorong Choque7321   2005-01-22 11:58:28 PM  

#1  What's most comforting about this is that neither side will honor any aspect of any agreement or declaration.

I wonder WTF Khatami is doing on the road. He's powerless, toothless, inconsequential - ah, *slaps forehead* so that's why KhaleejTimes felt such affinity. Ok, now I get it.
Posted by: .com   2005-01-22 4:28:34 PM  

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