Article

2004-04-11 Syria-Lebanon-Iran

Archived material is restricted to Rantburg regulars and members. If you need access email fred.pruitt=at=gmail.com with your nick to be added to the members list. There is no charge to join Rantburg as a member.

Posted by Fred 2004-04-11 12:31|| || Front Page|| [5 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 The president stressed that Iran supports the moderate policies of the Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI), headed by Abdul Aziz Al-Hakim, and Shiite spiritual leader Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani.

Both Sistani and Al-Hakim are known to be openly supported by Tehran but at the same time regarded as political rivals of Sadr. Iran, said Khatami, was one of the first countries to acknowledge the Governing Council in Baghdad.

My first instinct is, "He lies like a rug." My second instinct is, even if he doesn't, it doesn't matter; I'm beginning to think, as per my comments in the comments to the election post further down, that the US made a mistake in the way the governing council was selected; it should have been done more out of concern for the Iraqis and less for the concern of the various foreign factions who want to control Iraq.

Posted by Phil Fraering 2004-04-11 1:21:17 PM|| [http://newsfromthefridge.typepad.com] 2004-04-11 1:21:17 PM|| Front Page Top

#2 The Black Hats have played him - he's proven to be a dud - you gotta know when to fold.

Posted by .com 2004-04-11 1:59:22 PM|| 2004-04-11 1:59:22 PM|| Front Page Top

#3 It's tough to get a read on this from the article, but this could be a good thing: Iran might signalling that they are stepping back from their covert support of Sadr et al.

Of course, I admit much wishful thinking there.

Say, what do *you* make of these tea leaves ?

Posted by Carl in NH 2004-04-11 2:32:46 PM|| 2004-04-11 2:32:46 PM|| Front Page Top

#4 Their support of Sadr hasn't been all that covert. That they're backing and covering now indicates they think he's going to lose, and some of the captured jihadis will rat them out for their sponsorship and training in Iran.

From their fears to Allah's ears. Soon.

Posted by Barbara Skolaut 2004-04-11 3:20:34 PM|| 2004-04-11 3:20:34 PM|| Front Page Top

#5 Agree with .com. I'd say from that other article today about Sadr's connections with Iran - that Khatami's assurances are too little, too late and too lame.

Ain't no use to sit and wonder why, babe...'
it don't matter anyhow
and it ain't no use to sit and wonder why babe
if you don't know by now...

the cat's out of the bag. Pandora's out of the box - and there isn't a do over here for Iran or Khatami.

They showed their hand when they played the Sadr card. We'll plan our future moves accordingly.

Posted by B 2004-04-11 3:35:31 PM|| 2004-04-11 3:35:31 PM|| Front Page Top

#6 B - Good choice of lyrics, Lol! Here's my lyrical rejoinder!

Keep all the food lines moving
Don't come crying for more
The signs were there
You should've bought connections before.

Black Hats: tick... tock... *BOOM*

Posted by .com 2004-04-11 3:44:23 PM|| 2004-04-11 3:44:23 PM|| Front Page Top

#7 Good, the f#@$*&% are starting to panick, lets try to make that a lot worse.

Posted by Evert Visser in NL 2004-04-11 4:35:17 PM|| [http://chinditz.buzznet.com/user/] 2004-04-11 4:35:17 PM|| Front Page Top

#8 Khatami's a figurehead, anyway -- the real power is held by Khamenei and the Guardian Council.

Posted by snellenr 2004-04-11 5:27:16 PM|| 2004-04-11 5:27:16 PM|| Front Page Top

#9 Carl in NH, your tea leaves are a little fuzzy, so I'd like you to look over these goat entrails. If you can't get a better reading, here's my Magic 8-Ball...

Posted by Seafarious 2004-04-11 7:48:26 PM|| 2004-04-11 7:48:26 PM|| Front Page Top

#10 I suspect they might be having it both ways: supporting him, in case he actually wins, and counseling sweet reason against the likelihood he loses.

Posted by Fred 2004-04-11 8:26:10 PM|| 2004-04-11 8:26:10 PM|| Front Page Top

#11 Seafarious, For something this important you have to use horse entrails....

Posted by CrazyFool 2004-04-11 9:40:37 PM|| 2004-04-11 9:40:37 PM|| Front Page Top

#12 "latest violence and kidnapping in Iraq harms the general image of Islam and Muslims."

Naaaaahhhhh, It fits right in with the blinders off

Posted by Frank G 2004-04-11 9:44:21 PM|| 2004-04-11 9:44:21 PM|| Front Page Top

#13 I just got one question. Why is Sadr still alive or not in jail? How come we do not have him clean shaven and covered in pig grease? Are we just waiting for the pilgrims to get the heck out of the way? Or are we just waiting on things to cool down a little?

Posted by Long Hair Republican 2004-04-11 9:52:57 PM|| 2004-04-11 9:52:57 PM|| Front Page Top

08:48 Gentle
15:45 Old Grouch
06:55 B
06:45 Phil B
06:23 Zenster
06:23 Mike
06:08 B
01:01 Super Hose
00:57 Super Hose
00:38 Aris Katsaris
00:33 Zenster
00:33 Super Hose
00:24 Super Hose
00:19 Super Hose
00:13 .com
00:10 .com
00:09 mojo
00:07 Jen
00:06 B
00:03 Raj
23:59 .com
23:58 Raj
23:57 Zenster
23:53 Aris Katsaris