if alqaeda had contacts with iran, it would have to be pre taliban and post taliban. it would not seem possible during the taliban rule, considering the hostility between taliban and iran.
But if the NSA had communication intercepts, then i wouldn't doubt it. Anything is possible in the islamic world ofmirror, lies and deception.
we can still get iran for its WMD program and for providing zarqawi with passage into iraq
I would believe NSA intercepts without a doubt.
But i woudn't believe GITMO detainees. The saudis and the pakis might be trying to deflect the blame away from themselves there.
we should never lose focus in this war on terror.
All three pakistan, iran and saudi arabia should remain in focus till we get them to dismantle their WMD's and address the terror threat long term with the closure of religious schools, banning of parties like jamiati islami and weeding terrorists out from their govts.
So far they haven't done anything to address the terror potential, which remains at the same level.
Iran has been neck deep in the al Qaida movement since its' inception. Granted, the ISI in Pakistan was responsible for creating the Taliban, but that is a separate organization from aQ. Even today, Iran is sheltering, training, and giving intelligence to aQ.
Pre-911, Iran could have given lots of intel to aQ - such as the FAA schedule for the emergency training that took place on the morning of 9-11, slowing down the actual response to the hijackings. The chances of aQ having a mole inside the FAA is far less than a state sponsor such as Iran - especially when the State Department is doing all it can to kiss the mullah's butts instead of kicking them as they should.