"British Defense Sec'y-- Terror Attacks in Iraq May Have Iranian Links"

[TexasLawyer]

British Defense Secretary Says Terror Attacks in Iraq May Have Iranian Links
By Lisa Ferdinando
Washington
08 November 2005



British Defense Secretary John Reid, left,
speaks at a press briefing with Defense
Secretary Donald Rumsfeld at the Pentagon,
Monday, Nov. 7, 2005 in Arlington, Va.


British Defense Secretary John Reid says recent terrorists attacks in Iraq may have links to elements in Iran. Defense Secretary Reid, who made the comment Monday at the Pentagon with his U.S. counterpart, Donald Rumsfeld, said recent strikes against coalition troops in Iraq also have similarities with methods used by the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

"It is our belief that the nature of the devices being used against British troops and possibly elsewhere in Iraq in recent months bear the hallmark of groups like Hezbollah and may well be connected with elements within Iran," he said.

He did not elaborate, but said officials do not have evidence that the Iranian government is involved. He said the situation is nevertheless "worrying."

<snip>

http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-11-08-voa5.cfm

[NanceGreggs]

1. Late Breaking News ...

... Terror Attacks in Iraq may have US links ...

[Jacobin]

2. How the F*&^ Did the Neo-Cons Take Over Britain?

I mean, its obvious in the states. The Likud sympathizers, Think Tanks, Fundamentalist Whackos looking for Armageddon and Sock Puppet George wiling to go along for the ride as cheerleader for doom, but good grief!!

How in the Ever Lovin' F$%& did the Brits get roped into this crazed group?

[Marie26]

9. I don't know

but it seems like Britian is beating the war-drums on Iran even more than the US. Why hasn't Bush mentioned this Iranian connection?

[RogueTrooper]

11. I could be because

the British are still Imperialist war mongering bastards and riding shotgun with the Americans is just a way of reliving the "good old times". After all this is the second time in a hundered years the British have managed to liberate Iraq.

British Empire. Hellooo. :hi:

Or it could be true. Strengthening the hand of Iran was something experts cited as a good reason not to invade Iraq. As Britain "manages" the predominatly Shia southern Iraq it would stand to reason that they would be more likely to but heads with the Iranians.

[ovidsen]

3. Horsefeathers

Iran is Shiite. Most of the Iraq rebels are Sunni, quite a few were Saddam loving Baathists. Saddam waged war against Iran. Iran has no love for Iraqi Sunni rebels. There may be elements in Iran helping Iraqi freedom fighters, but I doubt if the government's behind it. Tehran would rather sit back and watch the mayhem in Iraq unfold by itself. And smile.

[daleo]

4. They may have British links too

Like, SAS men dressed as Arabs, driving around with bombs.

[IndianaGreen]

5. They can't make their minds up whether to attack Syria or Iran next

This is why the war drums sound confused.

Attack Syria, and Hizbollah will retaliate in Lebanon.

Attack Iran, and the Shias of Iraq will launch a jihad.

Lose-lose.

Perhaps they know they cannot go to war, but they have calculated that if they keep the American on edge, they might regain some of the support they have lost in the polls.

[Fenris]

6. One gets the feeling these reports are actually just Mad Libs.

Let's try, shall we?

"(friendly government name) has obtained credible information which suggests that (Mid-East sovereignty) may me behind the current wave of terrorist attacks in (any country). The (defense ministry of said friendly country) cautions that the link is to elements operating inside (said Mid-East country), and as of now there is no credible link between the attacks and the (said Mid-East country, adjective form) government."

[Nihil]

10. Excellent! You found the official template using a FOI request?!

It would be quite funny if it were not so accurate. :-(
:toast:

[AlamoDemoc]

7. In other news: Iraq decided to

file terror charges against two British SIS solders with torrorism...


On edit: Breaking news...no charges were filed

[thebigidea]

8. and you may be a lying little shit. Or git, if that's more appropriate.

or both. God, how chilling to be side by side with Rumsfeld. I hope Reid is happy with the company he's keeping.