Posted on 08/03/2004 12:54:35 PM PDT by freedom44
Iran played a pivotal role in supporting the terrorists who carried out the deadly Madrid attacks in March, according to European investigators.
European experts say Iran has served as a refuge for Al-Qaida operatives suspected of planning attacks on Europe and the Middle East as well playing a central part in the Iraqi insurgency, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Experts say there are increasing indications that Iran harbors important members of the terror network, including the masterminds of the attack in Madrid that left some 200 people dead, and the bombings in Saudi Arabia in 2003 that targeted Westerners in the kingdom.
It is difficult to determine the nature of the relationship between Iran and Al-Qaida due to the lack of transparency in the Iranian establishment, investigators said.
In July, the final report on the September 11 attacks revealed an Iranian link to the events, since eight of the assailants traveled through the country prior to the attacks.
A French law enforcement official told the Los Angeles Times that Iran has arrested important Al-Qaida members while allowing other members to operate.
The dominant sect of Islam in Iran is Shiism, which is a traditional and historic rival of the Sunni sect that characterizes the radical Al-Qaida network. European experts said they believe Iran tolerates the group because it serves their interests in Iraq and against the U.S., Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Iran denies any ties to Al-Qaida.
According to the Los Angeles Times, European investigators and court documents point at Abu Musab A-Zarqawi as one terrorist who is allegedly linked to Al-Qaida and is thought to have operated in Iran. Mustafa Setmariam Nasar, who the Spanish police believe might have planned the Madrid attacks, may also have links to Iran.
Iran is also suspected of links to the bombings in Casablanca, Morocco, last year, the French official told the paper.
Uh oh.
And the Spainiels' response is, "please don't hit me again."
If any terrorist acts happen in the U.S. during the election period, Iran will be the first country we will go after.
Maybe the new phrase should be changed from Spanish fly
....to Spanish flea!
Hey, it's none of OUR business. I'm sure Spain will be be able to take this enemy on by themselves, with no help from us.
Good luck, Spain. These ain't your great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandfather's Muslims....
Time for a little industrial "accident" in Tehran.
May as well just drop the bomb. Lowers losses on our side.
I agree--Time for an "Accident" to happen in there nuclear Plant. Accidents do happen when people try to rush things. Maybe the Shan's Son can go to Iraq and stire things up in Iran--You know, send in some Freedom Fighters, and keep the Mullahs busy.
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