http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1065939/posts "Iran and Castro: October surprises"
The Washington Times ^ | January 27, 2004 | Constantine C. Menges
Posted on 01/26/2004 10:44:41 PM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
ARTICLE SNIPPET: "The clerical dictatorship in Iran wants the defeat of President Bush because his commitment to political democracy in Afghanistan, Iraq and his endorsement of freedom for the people of Iran threatens a regime that knows it is deeply unpopular. Mr. Castro also wants to see Bush defeated because his determination to help democratic allies could threaten the emerging pro-Castro axis in Latin America. Both dictatorships have plans that could result in visible and sharp foreign policy setbacks that might cost President Bush the 2004 election.
Although vulnerable at home the Iranian clerical regime has since 1979 been, in the words of the U.S. government, the "most active state sponsor of terrorism." Since the removal of the Taliban in November 2001, Iran has used its covert and propaganda assets to destabilize Afghanistan. Iran is also is highly active in helping pro-Iranian-Shi'ite extremist group take power in Iraq using elements of the Shi'ite clergy, an Iranian-funded political movement with an armed wing, a radical pro-Iranian cleric and a massive propaganda operation (39 radio and television stations)."