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| Iraq | |
| Iranian arms importers captured in Iraq | |
| 2007-07-28 | |
| Four terrorists linked to an Iranian smuggling operation — responsible for targeting coalition forces with powerful bombs — were captured yesterday in Iraq, according to Defense Department officials. The suspects were captured after U.S. forces conducted a raid in Qasarin, a small village north of Baqouba, in the Diyala province near the border with Iran. Saying publicly what we've long known. Whether the decision to speak out comes from President Bush or General Patreaus is immaterial, especially coupled with the fact that the Surge is working. "I would say that it's clear to us that there are networks that are smuggling weapons, both explosive-formed projectiles, IEDs, as well as mortar and other capabilities from Iran into Iraq," said Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, the day-to-day commander in Iraq. "And in fact, we believe some training is also going on inside of Iran. We have seen in the last three months a significant improvement in the capability of mortarmen and rocketeers to provide accurate fires into the [coalition] Green Zone and other places. We think this is directly related to training that was conducted in Iran." Earlier this week, American and Iranian ambassadors to Iraq met in Baghdad and agreed to set up a security subcommittee to carry forward talks on restoring stability in the war-torn nation. During the groundbreaking talks, U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker accused Iran of spurring the violence in Iraq by arming and training Shi'ite militias. He warned that no progress can be made unless Iranian behavior changes. Iranian Ambassador Hassan Kazemi Qomi countered that Tehran is trying to help Iraq deal with the security situation, but Iraqis are "victimized by terror and the presence of foreign forces" in their country. *sigh* I'm not subtle enough to understand why we are engaging in these talks.
P'rhaps I'm not the only one confused. | |
| Posted by:trailing wife |
| #5 I don't agree that dialog between the State Dept and Iran is useful. I wouldn't mind if Patereus choses to meet with them to describe to them the potential results of their continued policies. |
| Posted by: Super Hose 2007-07-28 20:29 |
| #4 Bush is not going to leave office with the Iranians on the verge or in possession of nukes. When he wants to do something about it, it will be useful to have been discussing it with the Iranians for some time. While it may not be on the public agenda, who knows what they say when the doors close. |
| Posted by: Nimble Spemble 2007-07-28 18:52 |
| #3 I would also posit that these talks will be unproductive, we'll tell them "we know what you're doing, and it will stop", the Iranians won't stop, and war will eventually come home to roost for the mullahs. We will say "we tried!" |
| Posted by: Frank G 2007-07-28 17:42 |
| #2 Iran's current involvement and support for Taliban groups in Afghanistan as an example of Iran's flip-flop foreign policy when it comes to defeating the U.S. "In the past the Iranians would have never given financial support to the Taliban," he said. "The evidence now suggests that Iran is offering them assistance in an effort to push U.S. forces out of the region." Iran and Syria are doing the same in Iraq Just a few items on the huge laundry list of reasons for bombing Iran to hell. |
| Posted by: Zenster 2007-07-28 17:28 |
| #1 I 'm no expert, but I wonder if this: http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/010627.php has anything to do with it. |
| Posted by: charger 2007-07-28 17:28 |