Iran hints at deal for al-Qaeda chief (they have mastermind of Riyadh bombings)

Sydney Morning Herald ^ | May 28 2003 | Mark Forbes in Tehran

[dead]

Al-Qaeda's third-ranked leader and alleged mastermind of the Riyadh bombings has been seized in Iran, intelligence sources say.

The United States has identified Saif al-Adel as the most senior al-Qaeda member linked to the attacks that killed 34 people, including one Australian, earlier this month.

Intelligence sources said al-Adel, formerly Osama bin Laden's personal bodyguard, approved the bombing plans before his capture by Iranian security forces nine days before the attack.

Iran is thought to want to handover al-Adel to Washington, in return for senior leaders in the anti-Iranian terrorist group, the Mujahedin-e-Khalq (MEK). He would probably be deported to Egypt initially.

Washington has demanded that Iran should act against al-Qaeda leaders in the country and has conveyed a message via the United Nations of its "deep, deep concern that individuals associated with al-Qaeda have planned and directed the attack in Saudi Arabia from inside Iran". Al-Adel's presence in Iran was of particular concern, the US said.

If al-Adel is transferred into US hands it will be a serious blow to al-Qaeda and a significant move by Iran in the war on terrorism. It effectively removes what is thought to be one of the few remaining havens for the terrorist group.

Al-Adel is understood to be one of several al-Qaeda figures being held in the state, although Iran, which publicly has denied holding any senior operatives, has not yet officially informed the US of the arrest.

It is understood that in talks with the Australian Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, this week, Iran proposed a deal to take significant action on al-Qaeda if the US cracked down on the militant MEK. Formerly funded by Saddam Hussein, the MEK is based in northern Iraq but did not come under heavy attack during the US-led invasion.

Iran is concerned that the US military is looking to sign a ceasefire with the MEK - even though it is listed by the US State Department as a terrorist organisation - and will allow it to retain its extensive armoury. But US sources said the group was being disbanded and disarmed.

Mr Downer delivered a strong message to the Iranians on behalf of Canberra and Washington, warning them to clamp down on al-Qaeda.

The Iranians are understood to have used the meeting to convey messages back to the US.

Iranian officials confirmed they were still holding a number of al-Qaeda operatives, and suggested exchanging those prisoners for senior MEK figures.

Iran wants the MEK leadership deported to Tehran for trial over numerous assassinations and bombings.

The US is understood to be prepared to remove the leaders from the region, but is reluctant to hand them over to the Iranians.

As al-Adel is an Egyptian national, he would probably be deported to Egypt, where US intelligence could begin his interrogation. He would then be transferred either to the US prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, or Saudi Arabia for trial over the Riyadh bombings.

Rohan Gunaratna, the author of Inside al-Qaeda, last week said al-Adel, the former head of al-Qaeda's security, had recently been appointed chief of the group's military committee, making him operational commander.

[Daus]

Iran is thought to want to handover al-Adel to Washington, in return for senior leaders in the anti-Iranian terrorist group, the Mujahedin-e-Khalq (MEK).

No deals. Hand him over, or the 4th ID comes and gets him. Period.

[Grampa Dave]

Very interesting! We have heard what the Administration has said in the open about Iran and al Qaeda and the problems with Iran.

One can only imagine the hard reality being said behind closed doors.

[McGruff]

Iran is thought to want to handover al-Adel to Washington, in return for senior leaders in the anti-Iranian terrorist group

I don't think so, Tim.

[MEG33]

Perhaps a bit of pragmatic thinking by Iran.

[Libertarianize the GOP]

http://www.freerepublic.com/perl/bump-list

[HatSteel]

I don't think they can give a muslim brother to the infidels for trial. But they can give him as a "hostage" in some kind of exhange.

[Dog Gone]

I don't know anything about the MEK, but I can hardly believe they are helpful to our efforts to create a democratic Iraq. If we have them classified as a terrorist organization, there's a reason.

[dead]

They'll execute any anti-Iranian terrorists we ship to them.

It'll save us some bullets, and strengthen the moderating forces in Iran.

I say make the trade.

[ewing]

This is starting to get good..

[CaptRon]

I don't think they can give a muslim brother to the infidels for trial. But they can give him as a "hostage" in some kind of exhange

I'm past the point of worrying about their cultural sensitivities. Hand him over or we'll come and get him and we won't give two camels for any Muslim brothers who get in the way.

[Daus]

I don't know anything about the MEK, but I can hardly believe they are helpful to our efforts to create a democratic Iraq.

Two points:

1. I just find it inconsistent with our desire to de-stablilize Iran.

2. What the hell? Iran has been harboring these guys all along, and now they want a deal? The time for the deal was before the buildings got blown up. The Mullahs have blood on their hands on this one.

[Squantos]

Hmmmmm....current events getting more interesting every day.

Stay Safe Ya'll !

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

I don't think they can give a muslim brother to the infidels for trial. But they can give him as a "hostage" in some kind of exhange.

Would Iran hand him over to 250,000 US armed forces if they ask politley?

[HatSteel]

At that point it doesn't matter what they WOULD do. LOL!

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

Iran hints at deal for al-Qaeda chief

I've got your deal right here:

F-15E Strike Eagle, Loaded

[Redbob]

Why wouldn't we hand over the anti-Iranian terrorists?

Aren't all terrorists evil?
Or is it only terrorists who are opposed to US?

[weegee]

We've already got this guy in custody. They want a swap, it's not like they want permission to catch him here.

A terrorist in the hand is worth two in the sand.

What do we gain from releasing him? Cost savings in keeping him prisoner? Assurances that the Iranians will continue to turn over terrorists we want?

[truth_seeker]

"I don't know anything about the MEK, but I can hardly believe they are helpful to our efforts to create a democratic Iraq. If we have them classified as a terrorist organization, there's a reason."

If in the short run, it served our interests, we left them (MEK) alone.

Maybe making trouble for Iran is in our interests.

Iran is getting dealt with, one way or the other. The majority of its people want an END to mullah rule. So we probably will try peaceful, diplomatic methods for regime change there, first.

Plus we gotta restock our bombs and missiles and bullets.
And rest the troops. And get a plan or two.

But each hostile nation in the ME ought to be very careful of us, for quite awhile into the future.

9/11/2001 (indirectly) drew the US to occupy Iraq, ready to launch on anybody we want, and destroy the regime in a few weeks.

[SubMareener]

I am not sure if rounding them all up in designated locations. Making them give up their heavy weapons. And "visiting" with them, as Rummy is wont to say, constitutes leaving the MEK alone. ;-)

The story of the Mujahedin-e-Khalq in the Iraq war is not over, but when it is, and when it can be revealed, it will be every bit as interesting as the other parts of this fantastic operation.