U.S. Questions Iranians Caught in Raids in Iraq

Yes, there is a God and it seems there is proof now there are Iranians fighting in Iraq. The United States military is holding at least four Iranians in Iraq, including senior military officials, for conducting attacks on Iraqi security forces. The Bush Administration does the worst job I have ever seen of public relations. This news could be a problem for those Americans who want us to negotiate with Iran and Syria in efforts to calm violence in Iraq. Seems Bush would want to be shouting this news from the rooftops.

The Bush administration made no public announcement of the politically delicate seizure of the Iranians, though in response to specific questions the White House confirmed Sunday that the Iranians were in custody. ...

Gordon D. Johndroe, the spokesman for the National Security Council, said two Iranian diplomats were among those initially detained in the raids. ... He confirmed that a group of other Iranians, including the military officials, remained in custody while an investigation continued,source

Officials say “a lot of material” was seized in the raids. In what can only be called a big 'oops':

... the two raids, in central Baghdad, have deeply upset Iraqi government officials, who have been making strenuous efforts to engage Iran on matters of security. At least two of the Iranians were in this country on an invitation extended by Iraq’s president, Jalal Talabani, during a visit to Tehran earlier this month.

It was particularly awkward for the Iraqis that one of the raids took place in the Baghdad compound of Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, one of Iraq’s most powerful Shiite leaders, who traveled to Washington three weeks ago to meet President Bush.

Abdul Aziz al-Hakim is sworn enemy of Muqtada al-Sadr. Bush was hoping that making nice with al-Hakim might help push al-Sader down a notch. Another 'oops' situation? This proves to me that we cannot even consider talking to Iran. Seems they are practicing a bit of the old 'lie and deceive' that is common in the Middle East.

Read the entire article here.

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Comments

[Night Rider]

I agree Debbie but to a certain extent and that is the fact that President George W. Bush was bucking a large amount of leftist who hated him no matter what he did and all the political correctness that was against him from the very start. He was demonized all the way along. I think with all he had put up with over that time has taken it's toll on President George W. Bush.
It would be very stress full for anyone.

[Butch]

I agree Debbie, most of the time the Bush Admin have done a lousy job when it comes to PR.