Puppet cuts own strings ...
 

... and starts the dance with axis of evil.

Iraq makes a new friend of an old foe

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The two (Irani and Iraqi defense) ministers said that a military co-operation agreement, now in the preparation, would include Iranian help with training and upgrading Iraq's reconstituted armed forces, a process so far overseen by US and coalition advisers.

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[ QUOTE ]
Mr Jaafari(Iraq's PM) is scheduled to lead a large delegation to Tehran next week.

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Talk about unintended consequences, though of course some of us predicted this a long time ago. The large swath of Shia power in the middle east is going to be a big concern to many countries that we consider close middle eastern friends.

Re: Puppet cuts own strings ...
 

Gosh, I seem to remember people saying three years ago that turning Iraq into a democracy (and then inevitably a Shia government) would essentially give us two Irans, and not be good for America. I guess those people don't sound so America-hating now eh?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...x-Shiyemap.jpg

Re: Puppet cuts own strings ...
 

[ QUOTE ]
The large swath of Shia power in the middle east is going to be a big concern to many countries that we consider close middle eastern friends.

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh man, if this happens the Saudis will be so in our pocket...

Re: Puppet cuts own strings ...
 

Lets see, wasnot it the rulers of Saudi that were at the Bush Ranch recently. The rulers of Saud already are and it was their subjects that were flying aircraft into the WTC.

Seriously, though, you can see why sunni's from Saudi may well be actively supporting the Sunni insurgency.

Re: Puppet cuts own strings ...
 

[ QUOTE ]
... and starts the dance with axis of evil.

Iraq makes a new friend of an old foe

[ QUOTE ]
The two (Irani and Iraqi defense) ministers said that a military co-operation agreement, now in the preparation, would include Iranian help with training and upgrading Iraq's reconstituted armed forces, a process so far overseen by US and coalition advisers.

[/ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]
Mr Jaafari(Iraq's PM) is scheduled to lead a large delegation to Tehran next week.

[/ QUOTE ]

Talk about unintended consequences, though of course some of us predicted this a long time ago. The large swath of Shia power in the middle east is going to be a big concern to many countries that we consider close middle eastern friends.

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually I think you miss the point on this one. Currently much of the Irani influence in Iraq benefits US' goals (stabilizing and taking the side of Shias which are on average more US friendly). It is to such extent that this action could have been cleared or even initiated by the US. Common enemy makes good friends.

Re: Puppet cuts own strings ...
 

Hard to imagine the US govt thrilled at Iran helping to train the Iraq military and police. The offer for help was rejected by the coalition govt (which was firmly in our control).

The SCIRI clearly views Iran as brethren.

Re: Puppet cuts own strings ...
 

too early to judge dude. this could very well turn out to be great if the influences of democracy take hold.

Re: Puppet cuts own strings ...
 

Hey, if we dont try to judge now, we would have little interesting things to talk about. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

I suggest a three way conference between USA, Iran and Iraq on rebuilding Iraq. It could make for a truly breakthrough moment or the Sunnis and Kurds would just go ape s**t. Better yet make it four way by inviting Saddam to be the Sunni representative. Either way good for the ratings and talking heads.

Re: Puppet cuts own strings ...
 

[ QUOTE ]
Hard to imagine the US govt thrilled at Iran helping to train the Iraq military and police. The offer for help was rejected by the coalition govt (which was firmly in our control).

The SCIRI clearly views Iran as brethren.

[/ QUOTE ]

I realize that US and Iran have different agendas for Iraq and it might get bloody, just pointing out that now it could help US. Even in the long run, making Iraq into a stable Iran-dominated stable semi-democracy could be a face-saving exit for Bush (he has to keep critizising Iran though to not be hit by a boomerang).

I see your point. n/t
 

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