NYT: Hezbollah Aids Iraq Shiite Army, U.S. Official Says

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/28/world/middleeast/28military.html?hp&ex=1164690000&en=54cc93b32d31584c&ei=5094&partner=homepage

A senior American intelligence official said Monday that the Iranian-backed group Hezbollah had been training members of the Mahdi Army, the Iraqi Shiite militia led by Moktada al-Sadr.

The official said that 1,000 to 2,000 fighters from the Mahdi Army and other Shiite militias had been trained by Hezbollah in Lebanon. A small number of Hezbollah operatives have also visited Iraq to help with training, the official said.

Iran has facilitated the link between Hezbollah and the Shiite militias in Iraq, the official said. Syrian officials have also cooperated, though there is debate about whether it has the blessing of the senior leaders in Syria, the official said.

The intelligence official spoke on condition of anonymity under rules set by his agency, and discussed Iran’s role in response to questions from a reporter.

The interview occurred at a time of intense debate over whether the United States should enlist Iran’s help in stabilizing Iraq. The Iraq Study Group, directed by James A. Baker III, a former Republican secretary of state, and Lee H. Hamilton, a former Democratic lawmaker, is expected to call for direct talks with Tehran.

[papau]

1. Hezbollah is Shiite - also sponsored by Iran - so this is a surprise? n/t

n/t

[scarletwoman]

2. Iraq would be better off if the Mahdi army became as disciplined and organized

as Hizbullah.

sw

[IndianaGreen]

3. When the US toppled Saddam, it empowered Iran

When the US opposed a ceasefire in the Lebanon-Israel war, it empowered Hizbollah.

The American neocons and their rightwing allies in Israel are to blame for the FUBAR situation they have created in the Middle East. The blowback from the mess that Bush has created will last for generations.

[LynnTheDem]

4. OH MY GAWD!!! That's a really huge

DUHHHHH.

Yes, gotta stop that "worse than Hitler" "madman" Hussein from oppressing them poor wee Shia sheep.

Iran?

Shia.

Hizbollah?

Shia.

Al Sadr? (whose Daddy was killed by Hussein)

Shia.

Radical extremists?

Shia.

Religious extremist fanatics?

Shia.

And most the entire world, including Poppa Bush and Brent Scowcroft and James A. Baker all said this is exactly what would happen. But noooooo...baby duuuh and his duhhhCabal and their duhhhhbushbots knew better.

Cept of course they didn't.