Is Iran Responsible for the Escalation of the Afghan War?
I recently came across an interesting article in the Army Times which denotes a disturbing caveat to the escalation of the war in Afghanistan. While the media continues to dwell on the economy and the boo-hoo stories of those who can’t afford a digital cable conversion box, the violence in Afghanistan has gone through the roof and US casualties are multiplying at a staggering geometric rate. Far be it for me to draw attention away from important matters like the new American Idol, but here is what I see in the latest trends.
The Army Times article details the recent revelation that certain Farsi speaking insurgent groups have suddenly become equipped with body armor and kevlar helmets as well as vastly improved battlefield tactics and, shockingly, improved marksmanship. Coupled with the huge increase in IED attacks since the fighting season began in the spring, particularly the sharply growing presence of the state-of-the-art EFPs, leads me to believe that the war is about to take an ugly turn for the worse. I think we have a new villain entering the fray in the form of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRG) who, with or without the consent of the Iranian leadership, have taken it upon themselves to institute a major policy shift with regard to Afghanistan.
Jon Kyl Invites Geert Wilders to Washington to present Fitna
This is an interesting story that might get buried in everything else that is happening in Washington this week.
It looks like Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ) has invited Geert Wilders, the Dutch film maker and politician, to present the film Fitna to the United States Senate later this week.
For those of you unaware with this film, it has stirred up international controversy, as it explores Qur’anic motivations for terrorism in the Netherlands and beyond.
If you have yet to see Fitna, here is some of it:
It should be expected that this will draw some protest in Washington and beyond.
Update: Glad to see this story has recieved a good deal of attention!
McCain addresses AIPAC Policy Conference
Is McCain going to dominate the pro-Israel community? Here is the latest from the AIPAC Policy Conference, and I’ll have more on this later this evening:
McCain Emphasizes Importance of U.S.-Israel Alliance
Senator John McCain (R-AZ), the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, opened AIPAC Policy Conference 2008 in Washington, D.C. in front of more than 6,500 pro-Israel activists from all 50 states.
Sen. McCain said that Iran must be stopped from acquiring nuclear weapons and reaffirmed his support of a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.
“My friends, as the people of Israel know better than most, the safety of free people can never be taken for granted,” McCain said. “And in a world full of dangers, Israel and the United States must always stand together.”
The Democratic candidates for president, Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) will address Policy Conference attendees on the morning of June 4.
Iran Announces Massive Increase In Nuclear Capabilities
On Tuesday, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced that Iran has increased its capacity to enrich uranium dramatically. Without a doubt, this will bring them one step closer to having the ability to produce nuclear weapons.
From the Islamic Republic News Agency:
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Tuesday that Iran’s nuclear program belongs to all humanity.
Speaking in the special ceremony marking Iran’s National Nuclear Day, he said the country’s nuclear program is regarded as the most significant event in the contemporary era.
Iran has successfully tested new cheaper nuclear devices in smaller dimensions that are five fold faster than the present models, he said.
The news on installations of several thousands of centrifuges is minor than the technological breakthrough Iran has made, said the president.
“We have attained remarkable achievements and success in production of magnetic alloy with new devices,” he said.
“Our new technological achievements will make a breakthrough in the country’s industrial sector in the near future,” said the president.
All are well aware of the fact that Iran’s nuclear program has turned to the most significant event in the contemporary era which goes beyond geographical borders to which the world calculations have tied up, he said.
Big powers believe that they have monopolized the nuclear energy and they can trample upon the rights of other nations, he said.
Iranian nation did not pay attention to their hue and cry and overcame all sanctions and with reliance upon almighty God and the youth fully mastered the nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, said the president.
Iran’s nuclear technology is totally indigenous and no one can deprive us from such blessing because it is in the mind and heart of our scientists, he said.
The global arrogance have resorted to hue and cry to force us to give up our legitimate rights, underlined president Ahmadinejad.
After the world war II, the triumphant countries draw up a new relations to govern and dominate the whole world in order to plunder the wealth and natural resources of the world nations, said the Iranian president.
He said the reason why they create obstacles on our path of success and developments.
“The enemies for many times threaten to take military action against Iran to urge us suspend our nuclear program but to no avail”, said the president.
At a later event, Ahmadinejad also stated:
“In addition to installation of 6,000 new centrifuges, there are also reports about other new achievements which would be announced tonight at TV news program,” Ahmadinejad said.
With these advancements, I don’t think that there is anyone that can argue Iran’s threat to the West, but more importantly one of our closest allies, Israel.