Iran's Support for Iraqi Insurgency Raises Concerns among US Officials

US Secretary of State Colin L. Powell and Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld have expressed sharp complaints about Iran's alleged support for the insurgency in Iraq, with concerns over Iran's attempt to shape Iraq's future. Intelligence reports suggest that money, weapons, and fighters are flowing from Iran to assist Shiite insurgents led by Moktada al-Sadr. However, the exact scale of Iranian activities is unclear.

Despite the lack of consensus, both Powell and Rumsfeld have emphasized the presence of Iranian support for the insurgency. Powell stated that Iran was "providing support" but that the extent of its influence was not clear, while Rumsfeld cited reports of a shoulder-launched, antiaircraft missile being smuggled into Iraq from Iran. Bush administration officials also described new concerns about Iran financing medical clinics, hospitals, and social welfare centers in Iraq, which they see as a means of extending Iran's influence in the country.

The extent of Iranian support for the Iraqi insurgency has been debated within the administration since last spring, with some officials arguing that blaming outside support can be a convenient explanation for the persistence of the insurgency. However, others stress that foreign influence and foreign terrorists remain significant threats to security.

Administration officials note that financial support from Iran is crucial in allowing Moktada al-Sadr to challenge the new Iraqi leadership and the American military. Sadr still has the ability to attract fighters among the disenfranchised and poor Shiite youths, but his movement has alienated the business class of Shiite moderates in southern Iraq. Therefore, the money from Iran is critical in keeping Sadr's movement alive.

Key Takeaways:

• US Secretary of State Colin L. Powell and Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld have expressed concerns over Iran's alleged support for the insurgency in Iraq.
• Intelligence reports suggest that money, weapons, and fighters from Iran are flowing to assist Shiite insurgents led by Moktada al-Sadr.
• The exact scale of Iranian activities is unclear, but Powell and Rumsfeld emphasize the presence of Iranian support.
• Bush administration officials describe new concerns about Iran financing medical clinics, hospitals, and social welfare centers in Iraq.
• The funding is seen as a means of extending Iran's influence in Iraq, similar to its support for Hezbollah in Lebanon.
• The extent of Iranian support has been debated within the administration since last spring.
• Some officials argue that blaming outside support is a convenient explanation for the persistence of the insurgency, while others stress the significance of foreign influence and foreign terrorists.
• Financial support from Iran is crucial in allowing Moktada al-Sadr to challenge the new Iraqi leadership and the American military.
• Sadr's movement has alienated the business class of Shiite moderates in southern Iraq, making the money from Iran critical in keeping the movement alive.

Statistics:

• Tens of thousands of disenfranchised, poor Shiite youths are attracted to Moktada al-Sadr's movement.
• Iraq remains awash in Baathist-era automatic rifles and domestic military ordnance.
• A small but worrisome alliance between Iraq's Sunni insurgents and the Sadr militia is emerging, with reports of tactical combat training provided to the Sadr militia.
• A shoulder-launched, antiaircraft missile has been reported to be smuggled into Iraq from Iran.

Sources:

• The Washington Times
• ABC News
• Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA)
• Reuters
• The New York Times