Iran Terrorist Group Finds Support on (Capitol) Hill

The Hill ^ | April 2, 2003 | Sam Dealey

[mountaineer]

Some members of Congress are refusing to drop their support of a Middle Eastern group, even though the State Department says its terrorist fighters are attacking U.S. and coalition troops in southern Iraq.

The group, known as the National Council of Resistance (NCR), is the political arm of the Mujahedin-e Kalq (MEK), an organization of Iranian dissidents backed by Saddam Hussein.

“They’re a combatant,” said Greg Sullivan, a spokesman for the State Department’s Near East Affairs bureau. “They’re being targeted. Targeting data is being provided to the Pentagon. We believe they are undertaking some of the action in the south [of Iraq] where enemy combatants have disguised themselves as civilians.”

A spokesman for Central Command in Doha, Qatar, was unable to confirm that MEK forces had been engaged.

Representatives of the MEK did not return calls seeking comment.

Despite its terrorist designation, the group has amassed powerful allies on Capitol Hill, including Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.), chairwoman of the International Relations Subcommittee on the Middle East and Central Asia.

[mountaineer]

Congressional representatives from both parties have supported this Saddam-backed terrorist group, according to the article.

[freedom44]

The group has absolutely no support within Iran among the pro-Democracy movements.

Their bases are already being destroyed with our bombs and Europe isn't allowing them in anymore.

Good!

[mountaineer]

That is good to know.

[mountaineer]

bttt