Posted on 01/13/2007 4:51:40 PM PST by TexKat
President George W Bush has ordered US forces to launch a military offensive against Iranian officials and Revolutionary Guards officers behind a support and funding network for anti-American fighters in Iraq.
US troops have been authorised to use force to tackle Teheran's agents, who are believed to support both Shia and Sunni fighters
Mr Bush signed the clandestine directive after he was given new intelligence on the scale of Iranian operations to foment violence in Iraq.
US troops were operating under the new instructions when they raided an Iranian "liaison office" in northern Iraq last week, detaining five men, in the latest showdown with Teheran's agents.
The swoop, which was condemned by Iran and its political allies in Iraq, came less than two weeks after a senior Revolutionary Guards commander was seized in another raid near Baghdad with documents linked to the bloodshed. It has fuelled fears of direct armed clashes between US forces and Iranian operatives.
In a further development, US intelligence has learnt that the Shia-led Islamic regime is backing Sunni insurgents in Iraq, as well as the murderous militia operated by its fellow Shia clerics.
If this is true it is about time, but probably too late.
How is your soldier doing?
Thugs with a prayer mat.
Some speculate that Osama himself is in Western Iran.
Maybe to gauge the public reaction? Who knows, but I doubt that there are any real secrets in the ME..
A sustained attack against Iran may be a way to rally morale amongst the troops. I think we should have dealt with Iran two years ago. Saddam is dead, the Baathists are out of power, we need to focus on the real source of violence. If the admin. needs a legacy, this presents a real opportunity for them.
"Clandestine"? Methinks not so much.
"Military secrets are the most fleeting". - Mr. Spock of Star Trek
Sounds like the Iranians have been playing both sides up the middle.
He says that like we were the best of friends 'til now.
I hope that you still have the candles burning!
I like that. Good one!
NYT, European desk. I'm saying, It's about time!
It's a good thing.
The only people that would "fear" that are the Iranians and the NYT.
If the Iranian operatives are in Iraq why havent they been taken on before. They need killing.
I would say things are about to get bad for Iranians in Iraq, i fthey are smart they might start looking for a better vacation location.
Stick that in you ear Ahmapantsload.
This is true. But in addition to being a morale booster, a sustained air campaign against Iran would A) Stop and or prevent the flow of support for the insurgency from Iran and B) Destroy the infrastructure of the Iranian military and industry to eliminate their war-fighting capabilities for further conflicts that will likely occur otherwise. I was disappointed about sending a mere 20,000 troops at first but then again this was the MSM line and I had to dig to see that there were additional changes to our strategy. My hopes are up since the Iranian factor is now being seriously looked at. Unfortunately, this angle won't be discussed by the dinosaurs.
There's nothing worse than a bunch of turned-on Iranians.
What a bunch of homos.
It is time we stop playing the "Patsy" with them. It is no great secret that Iran is behind much of the "insurgents" thru supplies, manpower, etc.
We shouldn't have to pretend to be dumb and blind! Who are we anyhow?
We may have the World's Most Powerful Army, and yet so politically inept in handling the result of use!
Could we just drop some really big bombs ?
Here's another dee-bag.
Who else in DC is for the War on Terror besides Bush?
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.