Rafsanjani says US should let Iraqis decide
Tehran, July 12, IRNA -- Expediency Council Chairman Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani here Friday advised the US to shift its policy in favor of serving masses in Iraq so as to get rid of a `quagmire' that is times bigger and worse than that which trapped it once in Vietnam.
Rafsanjani said in his weekly Friday prayers sermons that if the US is willing to get rid of the quagmire, it should start serving the public so that they would realize they have a say in their country and that security has been restored there.
"They (Americans) know pretty well that if they cede affairs to (Iraqi) people, their (Iraqis') first demand would be their (the US forces') pullout from Iraq," said Rafsanjani, adding that such a significant move in in contrast with Washington's objective for military build up in Iraq.
He questioned, "How can one, that is unable to protect borders and is not present anywhere on the borders, run a country (Iraq) and maintain security?"
He said a "quagmire management" is required to solve Iraqi problems because the country lies deep inside the quagmire. He added, "The world's wise individuals should think on a way to remove the quagmire, that "arrogant" Americans have created in our region."
Iran's former president recalled the eight-year Iraqi imposed war (1980-88) when Washington used to support ex-ruler of Iraq, Saddam Hussein, and said today Iraq and the US are facing each other.
He pointed to growing number of the US forces' fatality in Iraq, saying, "Today, the souvenirs of 250,000 US forces in Iraq for Americans are coffins, ambulances, weeping and crying."
He mocked Americans' claim that massive attacks on US forces are by Baathists, saying such measures are done by Iraqi nation for the sake of self-defense.
Rafsanjani said the US created Taliban and al-Qaeda in Afghanistan to oppose Iran but they suddenly turned into trouble for Americans themselves both in and outside the US.
He blasted the US for interfering in Iran's affairs, including its claim that Tehran has no right to possess nuclear technology and build missiles. He also ruled out the US claim that Iran provokes Iraqi people and has advanced its borderlines.
Elsewhere, Rafsanjani recalled incidents in Iran over recent months, criticizing certain individuals for taking unwise moves in line with enemy wishes.
He said mistakes on the part of the people or provocations by improper domestic elements for certain political and factional ends had given rise to the unrest.
He also ridiculed certain publicity by Americans, Britons, and domestic media that people have given up support for the establishment.
The official advised students to be vigilant and pursue studies and not to make troubles for majority of people. BG/BG End
http://www.irna.ir/en/hphoto/0307110000-0.ehp.shtml
It is time to put more pressure on this clown. Investigate his foreign investments.