The British government is quoting 'intelligence' on shaped charges as evidence of Iranian involvement in the Iraq insurgency. How much credibility does it deserve?
The British government has decided to release new claims about the role of Tehran in the attacks on British troops in Southern Iraq. These latest assertions, emanating from defense sources, claim that Iran's Revolutionary Guard trains bomb-makers in Iran and Lebanon who then go to Basra to attack British forces and train others in the use of hi tech roadside bombs.
This is clearly an attempt to directly implicate the Iranian government and indicates a further deterioration in relationships between the two administrations. The crucial question remains about the longer term military aims of the British and US. The more the uncertainty the greater the incentive for Iran to support resistance to the US/UK forces in Iraq. If the allegations about Iranian involvement are true then the greater the justification for an attack against Iran appears to become. A downward spiral that no doubt suits the long term ambitions of PNAC and others.
On a side issue it is interesting that British are citing the use of a particular type of weapon called a 'shaped charge' as evidence of Iranian involvement. A cursory Google search reveals these widely available and sold for civilian as well as military applications. Examples of UK, Australian and US suppliers can be found here, here and here. The question therefore arises why should the use of these weapons should be taken as in any way implying Iranian involvement? The British government is going to face a continuous struggle for credibility in any issues relating to intelligence so long as this man remains in power.
This is clearly an attempt to directly implicate the Iranian government and indicates a further deterioration in relationships between the two administrations. The crucial question remains about the longer term military aims of the British and US. The more the uncertainty the greater the incentive for Iran to support resistance to the US/UK forces in Iraq. If the allegations about Iranian involvement are true then the greater the justification for an attack against Iran appears to become. A downward spiral that no doubt suits the long term ambitions of PNAC and others.
On a side issue it is interesting that British are citing the use of a particular type of weapon called a 'shaped charge' as evidence of Iranian involvement. A cursory Google search reveals these widely available and sold for civilian as well as military applications. Examples of UK, Australian and US suppliers can be found here, here and here. The question therefore arises why should the use of these weapons should be taken as in any way implying Iranian involvement? The British government is going to face a continuous struggle for credibility in any issues relating to intelligence so long as this man remains in power.
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