Iran 'doubling rewards for suicide attacks'
WASHINGTON - Israeli officials say new intelligence suggests that Iran is offering US$50,000 (S$88,000) to the families of Palestinian suicide bombers - double the amount paid by Saddam Hussein when he was Iraqi president.
Painting a bigger picture, the officials said that there was also growing evidence that Iran was stepping up support for Palestinian militants following the US-led war in Iraq.
In addition, Teheran was accelerating efforts to develop nuclear weapons that could strike Israel and other US allies in the region, they told Washington.
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon raised the issues during his White House meeting with US President George W. Bush.
The US leader had warned a week earlier that Iran and Syria would be 'held accountable' if they supported terrorism.
Said one official: 'There are concerns both in Jerusalem and in Washington.'
Israeli officials say new intelligence points to Iran filling the void left by Iraq in supporting militant groups including Hamas and Hizbollah, adding that it was actively trying to undercut a month-old ceasefire.
'It must be made clear to these countries that their evil deeds cannot continue,' Mr Sharon said at a joint news conference with Mr Bush.
Mr Bush did not mention Iran or Syria, but National Security Council spokesman Sean McCormack said: 'Both Iran and Syria need to make a fundamental choice about the war on terrorism and to stop harbouring and supporting terrorists and terrorist networks.'
In building support for the war in Iraq, Mr Bush cited Saddam's support for Palestinian militants.
Said one Israeli official involved in the talks: 'We also know specifically of Iranian involvement, through Hizbollah and other groups, to undermine Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas and to encourage terrorism... and undermine the ceasefire.' -- Reuters
http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/world/story/0,4386,202427,00.html