AP: UK General Says Talk Of Iranian Influence In Iraq Mostly Speculation

[Hissyspit]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBSQMLN0CE.html

British General Says Talk of Iranian Influence in Iraq Is Based Mostly on Speculation
By Robert Burns
The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) - The commander of British-led forces in southeastern Iraq said Friday that concerns about Iranian efforts to influence events in Iraq are based more on speculation than on facts.

The remark by Maj. Gen. Jim B. Dutton of the British Royal Marines contrasted with criticisms of Iran by U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, who have said repeatedly that Iran is interfering in Iraq's internal affairs.

Rumsfeld said Thursday that Iran is opposing Iraq's efforts to build a democracy.

- snip -

"The question of Iranian involvement is always a difficult one because there's a lot of speculation about it and not many facts," Dutton said. He said, for example, that it is unclear whether Iran is moving weapons into Iraq.

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[The Doctor.]

1. Sure... They just became friends overnight because?

... seriously... I haven't read the article, but how dumb would we be to think that now that Iran has sympathizers in the Iraqi government they won't try to 'influence' Iraqi policy?

[tocqueville]

2. it's because of the alleged explosive smuggling

"Dutton said Iraqi authorities 10 days ago made a large seizure of illegal weapons on Route 6, which runs north from Basra to Amarah in Maysan province."

"We don't know exactly where that came from," he said. "We are keen to find out and investigations are ongoing. There have been suggestions that they could have come from Iran, but I certainly can't prove that."


it was reported on MSNBC yesterday as if confirmed coming from Iran

[Career Prole]

3. Exactly so...the game is on!

Intelligence is being fixed around the bullshit...

[bemildred]

4. Yeah, those diplomatic visits and defense pacts don't mean shit. nt

[geek tragedy]

5. Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain! eom

[Frederik]

6. They are getting awfully chummy

and they make no attempt to hide it. Ibrahim al-Jaafari was groomed by the mullahs.