Posted on 05/25/2006 10:40:45 AM PDT by Wiz
In a recent intelligence report, Western analysts suggested that while international attention is focused on Iranian nuclear ambitions, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) is covertly destablising southern Iraq. If so, the primary objective is to undermine British control in Basra.
Western intelligence agencies have long claimed that the IRGC is providing support for the al-Mahdi Army headed by militant cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. Tehran is also actively aiding the Badr Corps of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq. These are the principal militias of the Shia communities in the south of the country and are now among the most powerful private armies in Iraq.
Analysts warn that possible Iranian goals include preventing the formation of a pro-Arab, pro-US secular administration in Baghdad, as well as forcing foreign forces to withdraw from what is in danger of becoming a full-scale civil war in Iraq.
A longer-term aim could include establishing a secure strategic Iranian-controlled land route linking Iran to Syria, a development that would bolster Iran's support of the Palestinian Hamas government, as well as Hizbullah, Tehran's Shia proxy in Lebanon.
(Excerpt) Read more at janes.com ...
This is not news. Sadr and the Badr Corps need to be eliminated from the equation one way or the other. No one is looking for another Fallujah but the problem is that we already have one. We're just trying to pretend we don't.
If we don't deal with this, we leave Iran in control of southern Iraq. They're just waiting for us to leave. They know we have to sooner or later.
"This is not news. Sadr and the Badr Corps need to be eliminated from the equation one way or the other. No one is looking for another Fallujah but the problem is that we already have one. We're just trying to pretend we don't."
Yes and we should have outright KILLED Al-Sadr when we had the chance!
ping
Iran supplied the SA-18 missile that brought down the British helicopter in Basra recently.
Ofcourse they are involved.
No doubt that Iran is funding and fueling anti-American forces in Iraq. None.
Iran wants a Shiite Curtain from Basra through the northeastern coast (oil fields) of Saudi Arabia. After President Bush and President Blair leave, that whole area will soon fall under their control and they'll further prepare themselves to close the Strait.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.