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Iranian-Made IEDs Are the Most Deadly U.S. Forces Have Seen, and Their Use Is on the Rise

February 12, 2007 10:00 AM

Ht_iraq_ross3_060306_nr The most deadly improvised explosive devices being used against U.S. soldiers in Iraq continue to come from Iran, and Iran continues to provide more tactical training, according to explosive experts working with the U.S. military.

The Iranian-made devices are known as EFPs, or Explosively Formed Projectiles. When exploded, the copper disc center becomes a molten liquid bullet that can penetrate the thickest armor the United States has.

Earlier this month, CIA Director General Michael Hayden told the Senate Select Intelligence Committee that the EFPs from Iran cause more casualties on an incident-for-incident basis than any other type of improvised explosive device.

"EFPs are coming from Iran. They are being used against our forces," said Hayden. "They are capable of defeating some of our heaviest armor."

ABC News first reported on the use of EFPs last March when U.S. officials told ABC News that they discovered the link to Iran via tell-tale manufacturing signatures -- certain types of machine-shop welds and material indicating they are built by the same bomb factory.

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"I think the evidence is strong that the Iranian government is making these IEDs, and the Iranian government is sending them across the border and they are killing U.S. troops once they get there," says Richard Clarke, former White House counterterrorism chief and an ABC News consultant.

U.S. intelligence officials say Iran is using the bombs as a way to drive up U.S. casualties in Iraq without provoking a direct confrontation, but a looming question remains. According to CIA Director Hayden and others, most of the EFPs are provided to the Shia militias, while it is the Sunnis who are responsible for many more U.S. deaths. Officials are now asking, could Iran be arming both sides of the sectarian violence?

Either way, Clarke says the evidence is clear that the Iranians know they are causing damage to the U.S.

"I think it's very hard to escape the conclusion that, in all probability, the Iranian government is knowingly killing U.S. troops," said Clarke.

Iran has denied supplying weapons to fighters in Iraq saying the country only has political and religious ties to Iraq's Shiites.

Today U.S. officials said the presentation of evidence against Iran by U.S. military officials in Iraq would be delayed until next week or possible the week after due to concerns over revealing sensitive intelligence.

Some of that evidence, according to U.S. military officials, includes Iranian-made weapons seized in Iraq with manufacturing dates as recent as 2006, suggesting brand-new weapons are going directly from Iranian factories to militias fighting U.S. troops in Iraq. The U.S. has also seized documents that allegedly prove Iranian intelligence is arming and training Shia militias.

The delay comes after a very strong warning to Iran from the U.S. Secretary of Defense late last week.

"We're not simply going to stand by and let people bring sophisticated IEDs into the country that can disable an Abrams tank, and give them a free pass," said Gates.

ABC News' Jonathan Karl contributed to this report.

February 12, 2007 | Permalink | User Comments (139)

User Comments

why not shoot a few missles at the plants making the IEDs in Iran?

Posted by: Tom Vaitys | Jan 30, 2007 3:04:07 PM

ATTACK IRAN.

Posted by: BAD LIBRA | Jan 30, 2007 3:15:30 PM

Time for another Regime Change. This time we hit the correct target (Iran).

Posted by: elfresco | Jan 30, 2007 3:18:46 PM

Isn't it time those that use proxy forces on other nations started paying a heavy price

Posted by: Ray | Jan 30, 2007 3:23:19 PM

Are these the same "military experts" that claimed Saddam had WMD's?

Posted by: ehs | Jan 30, 2007 3:26:31 PM

Ok we're in Iraq for the wrong reasons, however Iran attacking US forces is an act of WAR! ...Where's the presidentialguts to stop Iran? Lets get some economical sanctions going first and move on this issue...oh sorry I forgot getting oil out of Iran is too difficult.

Posted by: Aaron C | Jan 30, 2007 3:29:41 PM

It's no different than us providing Iraq with chemical and other weapons to fight the Iranians, we've made our bed now we have to lie in it. We aren't going to go to war with Iran, and aside from war there is no way to stop it.

How about we bring the troops out of Iraq so Iranian made IED's can't harm them? That's really the only way.

Posted by: Mike D | Jan 30, 2007 3:30:58 PM

"Today U.S. officials said the presentation of evidence against Iran by U.S. military officials in Iraq would be delayed until next week or possible the week after due to concerns over revealing sensitive intelligence."

Either that, or once again they're trying to cook the books.

"We're not simply going to stand by and let people bring sophisticated IEDs into the country that can disable an Abrams tank, and give them a free pass,".

You wanna bet? What are we going to do? Our fearless leaders have destroyed any credibility we once enjoyed with the rest of the world when we decided to phoney up the evidence to get us into Iraq.

"A very strong warning from the Secretary of Defense"???

Gee, that must have them shaking. Why don't we threaten to send them the Cabinet from the Bush administration (past and present)? That'll make them think twice.

Posted by: Steve | Jan 30, 2007 3:38:51 PM

why not send in tomahawk missles into these shops

Posted by: russ | Jan 30, 2007 3:53:35 PM

I agree with the logic that if Iran is supplying the Iraqi insurgency with the weaponry that is used to kill US soldiers, then Iran must be confronted directly by the US. Using that same logic, when the conflict with Iran does occure, if Russia is supplying Iran with the weaponry that is used to kill US soldiers, then Russia must be confronted directly by the US. It seems that the End of Days prophecy is unfolding before our eyes.

Posted by: Corey | Jan 30, 2007 3:57:14 PM

IF this is true, then there is no choice but to attack them.

Posted by: J | Jan 30, 2007 4:02:40 PM

1. While it may be true, I don't believe the "intelligence" anymore. We lost that credibility... Sort of like the boy who cried wolf too many times. I'm sure if the Iranians were fighting in Canada we'd be sending bombs over the border, too. It's not cool, but the only thing to do is get out and let everyone over there figure it out themselves. More US soldiers are going to die, and for what? The Iranian people don't all hate us, but they will fight harder than the Iraqis if we go in there, and we'll really see something hit the fan. Most of us want the war over, and there would be no support to invade or attack Iran...giving them more reason to attack us here and abroad. What a mess.

Posted by: Steve | Jan 30, 2007 4:06:43 PM

Unfortunately Iran has us at a disadvantage and they know it. Launching a limited military strike against their border region in retaliation will not slow them down; in fact it will achieve the opposite goal. Invasion is out of the question unless we initiate a general military call-up, and direct this country's entire military and economic might to the defeat of Iran and the destruction of its armed forces (something that SHOULD have been done in Iraq from Day 1, thank you Mr Rumsfeld).

So, what are we prepared to do? Sanctions? Check. Diplomatic and political pressure? Double check. None of these has had any effect thus far. Since we haven't got any other leverage to use against them, what's left?

That's most likely the question that's bouncing around the Pentagon right now. How far are we willing to go? What forms of punishment are we willing to consider, and what forms are "off the table"?

Posted by: Steve Z | Jan 30, 2007 4:08:17 PM

Carpet bomb a bomb making plant...

If it doesn't stop within a week, bomb another one...

...Then take a city.

Terrorists need to be so afraid of retaliation they wouldn't even think of terrorizing us.

Posted by: spunky | Jan 30, 2007 4:11:46 PM

So how much did we spend to develop the armour of the Abrams? Now we find out that simple shaped charges (invented in the 1920s) can cut thru them like butter??

I bet that wasn't in the brochure.

Posted by: mark | Jan 30, 2007 4:13:48 PM

Yes, and these are the same idiots that said Saddam had 'thousand of deep underground bunkers', 'missile-capable' UAVs, 'mobile biological laboratories', and 'uranium from Niger'.

DON'T YOU PEOPLE GET IT? THIS IS FALSE PROPAGANDA AIMED AT GETTING THE UNITED STATES INTO A CONFLICT WITH IRAN!

We need to stand up and DEMAND that this ludicrous cycle STOP. The neo-conservative wackos that have plunged the world into near total chaos must be removed from power. Vote wisely in 2008... your votes in 2006 were only part of what we need for peace.

Posted by: Eric | Jan 30, 2007 4:14:19 PM

In the Middle East an insurgency supplied and supported by a country or countries has never lost. Look at what the U.S. did to the Russians in Afghanistan. For the U.S. to win in Iraq, congress and the President must stop referring to this as the Iraq conflict but understand it is a regional conflict. Iraq will never become an independent stable Government unless the U.S. can stop other nations from supporting the opposition.

Posted by: Tom | Jan 30, 2007 4:15:38 PM

Yes, let's attack Iran.

That way, when we get our hat handed to us like in Iraq perhaps we can start acting like a civilized nation.

Posted by: mark | Jan 30, 2007 4:16:17 PM

""We're not simply going to stand by and let people bring sophisticated IEDs into the country that can disable an Abrams tank, and give them a free pass," said Gates."

Why don't the war mongering idiots build Abrams tanks that can actually withstand shrapnel. I mean, isn't this the purpose of a TANK?

Posted by: Eric | Jan 30, 2007 4:16:31 PM

Keep in mind that anyone who supports those in conflict with arms is either doing it for the money or self preservation. It's obvious to me that Iran is doing it for both. Unless we mend our ties with that nation we will always be seen as a threat. Also remember like many nations out there looking to make a buck, America has its sordid history here with arms support as well.

Posted by: Larry Spinello III | Jan 30, 2007 4:19:00 PM

I dunno spunky. "Taking" a city would thrill the terrorists.

I doubt you can terrorize the terrorists into submission, Israel has not had good luck doing that.

Posted by: mark | Jan 30, 2007 4:22:38 PM

I am seeing such ridiculous posts I am starting to think I've landed in a nest of trolls.

"A missle to Tehran"?!

Wow.

The Iranians can knock out shipping in the Gulf with a minimal amount of weaponary.

I am astounded by this aggressive talk when we have LOST in Iraq, and Iran is 3x bigger and much more capable.

Don't forget we DID fight Iran thru an Iraq Proxy, and lil' old Iran fought Iraq to a standstill even with all our help.

Wise up people.

Posted by: mark | Jan 30, 2007 4:29:19 PM

Can we all just agree that the USA is not "nuking" or "carpet bombing" Iranian cities O.K. This isn't 8th grade lunch room where you think the USA can simply flex and countries will feign in fright. This is reality where our generals and mighty military are being routed, humiliated, and beaten by pseudo-militias and crazed terrorists and simple improvised explosive devices and car bombs.

Northen Ireland has taken over four decades to stabalize, Iraq will take four centuries. Getting into a war with Iran is not in the cards right now, the US has zero hand.

Posted by: Mike D | Jan 30, 2007 4:30:03 PM

So what exactly from this picture says this device was made in, or originated in Iran?? Anything at all? Or is this more Bush admin Intel?

Posted by: Mike | Jan 30, 2007 4:32:51 PM

Eric, I can tell that Oliver Stone movies appeal to you, but such conspiracy theory nonsense flies in the face of all good sense. Why would our military or our government "want" to get into another war, when we don't have the manpower to finish the ones we're in? Why would we set up conditions just to give ourselves an excuse to start another one? We don't NEED any excuses mister; if we want to go, we just go. Period.

As for those other things, you just don't get it do you. You're saying we knew IN ADVANCE that we would find nothing in Iraq, but went in anyway. Is that correct? Where is your evidence? Because by my recollection, we weren't sure WHAT we would find and we didn't really trust ANY of the info we had. In the American system of justice, if you make an accusation then the burden of proof is on you. So out with it.

Where, besides anti-government conspiracy blogs, is all this evidence that proves we already knew what Saddam did or didn't have? Keep in mind that if we DID know we would find nothing, we would also know that the truth would eventually come out, and people would know they had been duped. If that's the case, why was the inspection process we instituted once we were in there so open and public? If what you say is true, don't you think we would employ the same secrecy and stalling tactics that Saddam had used, to prevent the real facts about the WMD's from ever coming to light?

Posted by: Steve | Jan 30, 2007 4:38:23 PM

Yes, Iran needs to be punished! But Bush and his cronies have screwed us up - we are in the wrong war with our forces stretched too thin.

Couple of other points - these experts we have, didn't they say Iraq has WMD? Why should I believe them now?

We (the US) have provided arms and training to many nations/groups in the past that we were in agreement with. These arms have caused much damage and deaths to our opponents. What makes this different from what is happening now? We can do this these tactics while other countries cannot? Not sure I agree with this double-standard.

Should be - everybody out of other people's business. This includes the US out of Iraq!

Posted by: Rick | Jan 30, 2007 4:46:46 PM

All of you have the flaws that are making the U.S. degrade. You People: "No, I dont want to do this because this political party says or has done this wrong. I follow , whether they're both blind or controlling."

You people are all lemmings. Enjoy walking off that cliff arguing this party's views against the other party's views when you hit the ground.

Posted by: A Common Man | Jan 30, 2007 4:54:38 PM

I have no doubt that IRAN is behind the most recent devastating bombings against our troops. We had better put a stop to IRAN or we will pay a bigger price down the road. Personally I don't want to see the war on Terror fought on US soil. Hit the ones responsible.

Posted by: tab mccollum | Jan 30, 2007 4:57:15 PM

This is nothing more than Iraq done over again, for the ultra stupid.

This technology, for those who are ignorant, is decades old and has proliferated throughout the world. Insurgency groups worldwide have access to this form of simple formed projectiles. It was inadvertantly leaked long time ago by the brits to the IRA as part of a sting gone bad. IRA has shared it with their friends and they shared it with their friends...

If the administration can explain and demonstrate that these simple devices that can be made in any machine shop are made in Iran and are deliverd into Iraq with the knowledge of the Iranian government, then lets see it. The "trust me" bit has worn thin as of late.

My guess is they don't have any evidence and it is highly unlikely that Iran is arming Sunnis who are killing the Iranian backed Iraqi shia.

But don't worry. There is enough fools out there who will foam at the mouth and demand an immediate attack on Iran anyway. And reporters who can't really distinguish anything they are writing about will be part of that proccess.

Posted by: Dimitry | Jan 30, 2007 5:20:58 PM

Let's Leave NOW

Posted by: Bob McKinlay | Jan 30, 2007 5:26:46 PM

____________________
So how much did we spend to develop the armour of the Abrams? Now we find out that simple shaped charges (invented in the 1920s) can cut thru them like butter??
____________________

Umm, the M-1 Abrams tank design is 30 years old folks. They started to entered service in 1980 and were designed in the late 1970's.

The first weapons ever designed that were able to defeat the armor on the 30 year old beasts did not come into service until the late 1990's. The US suffered 0 losses in Gulf War I, but we saw the loss of several in Iraq.

These aren't 'simple shaped charges' that are being employed. These are sophisticated weapons utilizing the latest in explosive technologies to create a metal plasma that can burn through the top-secret Chobham amour system of an M-1. They can only be built by nation-states with sophisticated industrial capacity - such as Iran, the US, Russia, France, etc.

Posted by: Todd | Jan 30, 2007 5:30:46 PM

Iran has always been the target, Iraq was just a means to get there and a potential supply dump and staging site.
With Iran being the second largest oil producer in the middle east who but the largest, Saudi Arabia, has the most to gain by having that country invaded, occupied and dismantled a la Iraq in yet another war by proxy??
And c'mon, a little following the Bush money over the years will show you that the Saudis have gone to great lengths to buy not one, but two US presidents over the last few decades.
Is securing all the oil rights in the middle east and eliminating their one possible threat too much for them to ask for their hard spent investment?

Posted by: Zach | Jan 30, 2007 5:32:31 PM

It is surprising to see so many comments showing that the American people have learned nothing - nothing at all after four years in Iraq. The only sensible comment I saw was:

"How about we bring the troops out of Iraq so Iranian made IED's can't harm them? That's really the only way."
Posted by: Mike D

What are you blood thirsty people thinking?!

Posted by: RS | Jan 30, 2007 5:39:05 PM

As long as the World needs OIL the Middle East will be a mess.

Let's be serious about investing in new energy sources.

Posted by: Georges Pelpel | Jan 30, 2007 5:49:29 PM

You guys that want to drag Iran into this.... well... be forewarned...

1. You will inspire every extremist muslim to do more damage than in 9/11

2. You will turn a MODERATE Iranian people AGAINST US.. 65% of Iranians are unders 30 and are pro-west and are turning against their president,

3. Be prepared to unleash economic chaos into the world

4. Get ready to bring back the draft

U.S. Out of IRAQ NOW... This is abominable...
Nothing good can come out of an invasion built on a falsehood.

Posted by: hector | Jan 30, 2007 5:52:50 PM

From an American who does think his country is the best place to live, and in fact lives in the northeast, is college educated, and working on a masters...

We're talking about the underside of an Abrams tank, people. Considering that it was considered unstoppable for its entire service life up until now, and eviscerated the Iraqi armored forces twice in less than 15 years, I'd say it's been worth its weight in gold. We will adapt. Look at the Humvees now, some of them look like battleships on wheels.

Please...before you make simple and snide comments like:

"Why don't the war mongering idiots build Abrams tanks that can actually withstand shrapnel"

and

"So how much did we spend to develop the armour of the Abrams? Now we find out that simple shaped charges (invented in the 1920s) can cut thru them like butter??"

Do some research first, and think before talking (or typing, in this case).

Posted by: sfgavin | Jan 30, 2007 5:53:37 PM

Wow! Essentially we are talking about being a terrorist nation to stop another terrorist nation. Don't you think people in the middle-east think of us as terrorists? Does anyone wanna stop and think about what terrorism means?
Gandhi said: Violence begets violence
A gun in your hand doesn't mean you have to shoot it at everyone.

Posted by: anotherbrickinthewall | Jan 30, 2007 6:06:22 PM

Hey folks its about the money! So far 500 billion dollars. Do you think they (washington crowd) are going to let this war stop when they are making that kind of money. No way! If they can, they will expand the conflict into Iran so that they can make billions of dollars more! Only one thing will stop these leaches and that is to impeach Bush and then prosecute the rest of the gang of money vampires.

Posted by: Mike T | Jan 30, 2007 6:11:13 PM

copper will not go thru armor plate, that is BS, again, the media, trying to be experts on everything

Posted by: Tom | Jan 30, 2007 6:22:37 PM

Build a wall/land mine the Iraq/Iran border similar to how Israel built a wall accross Lebanon. INSTANTLY stopping the Terrorists from Homicide Bombing School Buses. Oh by the way last I recall didn't EVERY country beleive that IRAQ had WMD's not just the US yet the US is the ONLY country given a hard time for doing something about it? Iraq was a Secular country. Iran is not there is a difference. Last I heard Afghanistan's mullah's are living in caves in Pakistan not blowing up Hindu Ancient Antiquities so I think we are doing something. As for leaving Iraq why we have not reached the level of ONE battle in WW2 of casualties we ARE AT WAR not just fooling around. I would still rather have Marines in Iraq armed and ready for battle versus National Guard troops in LA and San Diego hoping they dont get killed by terrorists here.

Posted by: kalenakc | Jan 30, 2007 6:36:57 PM

Considering the artfully and thoroughly constructed lies that were crafted to get the US into the war, and also considering the war drums the Administration has been beating, re. Iran, I would personally not believe anything the government or new media said about the source of those EFDs unless Ahmadinejad personally claimed responsibility.

This country's leaders surely must pass required courses on bold-faced lying in order to qualify for office.

Posted by: Gabriel | Jan 30, 2007 6:38:43 PM

If we bomb Iran this will just give Cheney an opportunity to award another fat NO BID contract to rebuild Iran with tax payers dollars !

Posted by: Mike | Jan 30, 2007 6:46:41 PM

I am Iraniam and I think most of these comments are great. But are you anytime think that more than 70 million people live in Iran and most of them don't like war? Killing them is not matter? I say we can not judge simply for others life. I think this is core of democracy.

Posted by: siavash | Jan 30, 2007 7:09:21 PM

Time to pack my bags and leave Iraq. Only to replace it with Bush & clowns. Especially since he is so "irrelevant" now days. Maybe he'll have companions with all the brainless Republican congressmen in Iraq!

Posted by: irrevelent | Jan 30, 2007 7:26:00 PM

I have an idea for all you anti-war/ anti-American people that doesnt have a clue what you are talking about. YOU go out from behind the protected borders of your country and go over there and try to talk to the people that want to kill you. Let me know how it turns out...

This is the best country. I have seen what the rest of the world has to offer and this is the by far the best, and if you don't think so LEAVE.

About the shaped charged IEDs, well take one to an Iowa Class Battleship with all its armor, and when it goes through it, design something that it will not.

So in the mean time what you can do, because I know that you are not going to go over there your self, or design the next generation of armor, go out find a Solider, Sailor, Marine, Airman, or Coastguardman give your gratitude (because they are the ones that are keeping the war over there and not here) and support them and their mission.

Posted by: Al | Jan 30, 2007 7:26:59 PM

First of all the U.S.'s weapons of mass destruction are in GERMANY. Why doesn't the American public know anything about that? Go ask someone in Germany. If you want to go ahead with your hypocritical and ill-logical point of view that Iran needs to be targeted next. Then 1)you need to be more educated on how countries affect each other 2) Seek other sources outside of the U.S. media and 3) and intellectually challenge the government instead of always complying.

Posted by: Corine D | Jan 30, 2007 7:32:18 PM

Most of you folks commenting on this website are feeble-minded lemmings. The decisions have already been made. The war is on and it is spreading. Do you really think that your comments on this website have any effect on anything? 9/11 changed everything and whether you lefties like it or not the problems we face now WILL NOT be resolved in 2008, let alone 2028. Wake up America, the war is on and it is now.

Posted by: jim jones | Jan 30, 2007 7:44:36 PM

Come on guys. We're all Americans here. I may be a patriot, but for me patriotism is more a matter of necessity than pride. America is my home. There are some things about the people and the system that annoy me, my government does/has done things of which I am not very proud, and we should all remember that our ancestors also did unsavory things that gave us the nation we have today. In spite of those shortcomings, I don't want to see the whole place burnt to the ground. Hopefully none of you do either.

What I want to see happen is for our government to do things that advance our national interest and preserve the Republic. That's all I'm about. If we can work out a backroom deal to make things right with the world I'm all for it. If, on the other hand, we have to destroy a couple of not-so-nice countries in order to make world and ourselves better off, so be it.

Posted by: Steve Z | Jan 30, 2007 7:46:44 PM

This is exactly the sort of thing any non-idiot president would have forseen going on in the years after invading Iraq. We have known all along Iran was Iraq's neighbor and would do whatever they could to cause us trouble. Is there any person with half a brain that did not think Iran would funnel weapons and combatants into Iraq if we invaded? DUH!

Posted by: Rod M | Jan 30, 2007 7:50:39 PM

Support the troops by bringing them home.

Go see what retired General Odom had to say abbout Iraq about one and one-half years ago. It hasn't gotten better since then, and won't.

Posted by: David B. Benson | Jan 30, 2007 7:50:59 PM

You people keep talking about bring the troops home from Iraq, well news flash, it's too late. you bring them home now and the next thing you'll be saying why are we being attacked again, and dont' think it's not going to happen, you people think you have an answer for every thing, blame this party, that party, grow up and take a look around you, the world has changed.

Posted by: Phil B. | Jan 30, 2007 7:52:12 PM

Pls you Americans isnt one or two wars enough for Bush?

Posted by: Dosky | Jan 30, 2007 7:55:44 PM

Please excuse me, but what are we doing meddling in the Middle East anyway? Iraq and Iran did NOT do 9/11. If we invade their countries and upset their economies, could not we expect them to defend THEIR interests. Could we in the west just mind our own business, rather than minding theirs? We lied our way into Iraq, and now we are in the mess we made.

Posted by: Shillum | Jan 30, 2007 8:06:53 PM

This is an act of war towards the United States. That is if we can prove for sure the government of Iran is involved. I agree with most people on this we have no choice but to attack . Lets not hurry and jump into conclusions. PROOF is what we need first!

Posted by: JS | Jan 30, 2007 8:17:49 PM

The only way to stop the war is for us to get out of Iraq. We have no business there. Too many innocent people are being killed as a result of our presence. It may not take much longer before Russia starts to provide arms to the insurgents to even the Afganhistan score.

Posted by: bill bernhardt | Jan 30, 2007 8:25:24 PM

Well to you the truth, this is a probably this is another excuse from bush to go into ware again and take out the strongest Middle Eastern country. Or simply for the Oil...also this is a good sign for the United States to pull out, not get involved in another war!!!

Posted by: Rayan C. Miller | Jan 30, 2007 8:40:46 PM

keep it up Iran, keep it up. Don't think for a second that we will forget what you are doing to our boys and girls. Keep it up, the lesson will be harsh, be it today or tomorrow.

Posted by: Jason | Jan 30, 2007 8:43:23 PM

War is war. There is no such thing as a limited war.We either go all the way and conquer our enemies, or suffer defeat. Eventually, as with all previous civilizations, we will realize this.

Posted by: Mike | Jan 30, 2007 8:46:11 PM

It's a copper bowl.

Posted by: sean | Jan 30, 2007 9:07:07 PM

Iraq is not lost, nor is a take-over of Iran only wishful thinking, however, such a take-over would not serve our interests. Iran is just trying to get noticed, to have the respect of being a regional power. We could use this to our advantage, but the Bush administration has failed to use diplomacy to advance our strategic goals.

The war in Iraq has created a significant division in Islam that leaves many opportunities for playing one side against the other. While this situation has created support for local terrorism in Iraq, it has also reminded many Muslims how much they hate each other sects of Islam (maybe as much as they hate Christians and Jews). This, of course, leaves pax americana with the option of dividing and conquer yet again...

Posted by: Paul | Jan 30, 2007 9:16:56 PM

There will always be an unending supply of ignorant citizens who believe Bush's claims. ABC takes what Bush says and repeats it as if it's fact - You would think that the last six years of the Bush administration's lies had never happened.

Bush and Cheney and neocons have hijacked American foreign policy, taking us into deeper into total assured destruction with any number of nations around the world. Mainstream media (and ABC is very close to the Bush administration) fails to educate and inform Americans on every front - from the history of how we created this nightmare in the first place, to the facts about what corporate-rule (fascism) is doing to people around the world to cause hopelessness and hate.

There is nothing that could come out of the Bush administration or corporate media that could convince me that they are telling the truth. Their intention these past six years has been to create chaos and hysteria, paralyzing fear, so that Americans relinquish all freedoms and rights. Where has ABC been these last years, holding Bush to account for his complete and total failure to secure the nation?

Turn off corporate media and go find alternative media. Alternative media will inform you of what is factually known, and wake up your ability to think and reason - don't just take the mediocre-talented communications' majors who call themselves "journalists" word on a story that has been fed to them by "authorities."

Posted by: Mark Claremont | Jan 30, 2007 9:33:26 PM

Foreign Policy 101 is simple, nations act in their self interest (well, they usually do). What did we expect? Another example of the Bush administration not having the foresight to see that Iran would have a vested interest in what happens in Iraq. If Venezuala invaded Mexico, I am sure we would intervene. I am not justifying Iran's action, but seeing it for what it is.

This administration created the conditions that led to this situation. To brush this off with, "Its time to move on" is to ignore the fact that the very same incompetent ideologes are still holding the reigns of power refusing to admit their previous mistakes. A war with Iran while perhaps justified though the lens of their intervention in Iraqi gives me chills that are not of this earth. An Iranian War has implications that would make Iraqi look like a picnic.

God help us all.

Posted by: Keith | Jan 30, 2007 9:41:42 PM

Unacceptable - the weapons need to A)Stop being made, or B)We need to stop them from being sold.

Posted by: Anon | Jan 30, 2007 10:09:07 PM

God Bless President Bush & U.S.
I pray that God gives the president wisdom to manage the current situation & if military action is required against Iran then he should go for it.

Posted by: solomon | Jan 30, 2007 10:17:06 PM

I find it interesting to read all the postings that refer to this country as bad, repressive, un-intelligent, etc; but I wonder how many of these individuals have ever left this country, or for that matter their state. I can tell you after 23 years in the Naval service of this nation I have been to these "other" places and I can confidently state that this is still the best country in the world. We have our problems, but for me I will gladly stay here and let the rest of you go to these "better nations". And if you're wondering, Yes - I have spent time in the middle east and the best part of being there, was leaving.....

Posted by: Kevin | Jan 30, 2007 10:17:14 PM

NBC NEWS confirms a secret U.S. military report that says 'Iranian Agents' may be behind a deadly ambush in Karbala, Iraq that left five American soldiers dead. The report also claims the Iranian revolutionary guard is providing intelligence on U.S. and Iraqi military to Shiite extremists, in addition to sophisticated weaponry. Developing...

Posted by: JelloB | Jan 30, 2007 10:19:19 PM

What a load of propaganda!
Who supplied Iran with these weapons?

This is sounding more and more like the drumming of war for Iraq.

Not buying it.

Posted by: Oldwoman | Jan 30, 2007 10:26:13 PM

We are in this position which could have easily been forseen due to the negligence of Bush-Cheney and their perpetual war foreign policy. We lose limbs of soldiers; their friends make money-jim cramer mad money almost. So easy to figure this out. Yes, hit Iran munitions plants first. I am not a wus just cause I see this could have been prevented. We have to hit them with the USS Stennis and the Eisenhower unless they agree to back off. We are in a good position to negotiate with those ACarriers of Iran's coast. Use Russia as the go between. They do communicate at least.

Posted by: Franklin | Jan 30, 2007 11:01:53 PM

With all the smart people we have in this country we should be able to figure out a way to beat these IEDs. Also, Rick was absolutely right about the fanatical religious extremists. We must make it clear to any governments that harbor terrorists that we will take whatever measures are necessary to defend the US. Bush has said that many times, but I don't think some governments really believe that we will do what we say. Even Saddam didn't think we'd attack him.
We especially need to reach out to all moderates and try much harder to resolve the Israel and Palestinian conflict through negotiation. We need a massive effort to get off our oil addiction.
In Iraq, if we're going to fix the mess that Bush created we've got to do it right. If we don't fix the mess it will most certainly come back and bite us later. Twenty thousand troops might not be enough. Sen. Joe Biden said we may need over one hundred thousand to really finish the job correctly and quickly. I did not vote for Bush and I think he's made many mistakes. But he is certainly correct about the consequences of a lawless Iraq torn by civil war. We the people in the US have got to use our common sense and both parties have to work together. Common sense tells us if you put a lot of police on the street, crime goes down. It worked in my hometown of NYC (no I didn't vote for Rudy either!), it should work in Iraq. It worked for Saddam. As the Iraqi police and military get stronger, we can start bringing our soldiers home.
As for Iran, they need to be told by us in no uncertain terms - stop developing the nukes now or you will be attacked. Stop supporting insurgents in Iraq or you will be attacked - end of story. If they are willing to stop, and, recognize Israel's right to exist, we can offer money, free trade, economic development etc. If they want to fight, then we will fight. Unfortunately, the moderate Iranians seem to have little say in the policy at present. I don't understand why Bush would say we're not going to attack Iran. If they are close to developing a nuke, we have no choice but to take out their nuclear bomb manufacturing sites. The Iranian government, through it's statements and actions, has shown itself to be incapable of handling nuclear technology in a responsible and peaceful manner. Does anybody think that "I'm a dinner jacket" (Ahmadinejad) wouldn't use a nuke on Israel or give a couple to some terrorists to use on New York if he had them. Anybody who could make such horrible statements about an entire race of people is a monster. The man is clearly a fanatical nutcase. We simply can't allow him to have nuclear weapons. We made a mistake with Hitler. Let's not repeat it. No, I'm not Jewish!
If the Iranian government doesn't come to its senses, the result will be terrible and tragic. Lets make our government come to its senses and try to solve these problems in a bi-partisan way. After all, the government is us.

Posted by: Mick in NYC | Jan 30, 2007 11:25:58 PM

i'll leave all the political retoric to the experts. i can say for certianty that iran is exporting the equipment and supplies for efp's. when i can read "iranian military" on the det cord, or the color of the cord is the same as the iranian military uses i would have to say it's comming from there. the efp's are by far the worst type ied in theater.

Posted by: mike | Jan 30, 2007 11:47:32 PM

Last comment said it all. Smart bombs. Identify the buildings and take it out. Since they use the denial to cover what they are doing we should zap their facilities and deny we did it. Two way street and we need to protect our troops anyway we can. Had the same problem in Nam the North used Cambodia and Laos to launch attacks then run back over the border. Cost us a lot until we started to bomb their 'sanctuaries'.

Posted by: Sonny | Jan 31, 2007 12:27:43 AM

I think that we've done a good job in Iraq and the free and fair elections reflect well upon us as a nation. That there are those opposed to the result is not even remotely surprising. The public expects too much, too quickly. It's a good thing that the United States is not governed by such irresponsible people as the voices on this forum.

Posted by: Crawford Rose | Jan 31, 2007 1:38:35 AM

How do we know this is not another false flag operation by our dear,loyal,trusted ally (who would never engage in espionage against the USA) Israel?

Posted by: Sam Wainwright | Jan 31, 2007 2:36:48 AM

Stop thinking small and start thinking big, strategic planning puts us in an advantage over Iran, if you look at it, we have air bases in Iraq, Afghanistan and we can deploy them from carriers in the gulf. And then they got Russia to their north. That's why Iran doesn't want us to succeed, because they are surrounded. Dick Cheney wrote about this back when he was the SECDEF, just go back a little.

Posted by: ANTONIO | Jan 31, 2007 3:01:28 AM

It would be interesting to see how the United States conducts a war against Iran. Persians are a bit more adept at fighting than the average Arab. Trouble is we simply don't have the manpower to fight these folks. Sure we can launch missiles, but Iran is a whole lot bigger than Iraq and they have had a lot of time to prepare for us. In addition, I think you would find the Russians and Chinese covertly, but actively supporting Iran with arms and intelligence. The Iranians aren't stupid, they know what to expect from us.

Posted by: Troy | Jan 31, 2007 5:00:55 AM

Lets look at this differently people why not jus tuse some of are stellites and track shipments from these factories. Lets just cut the supply line once it enters Iraq. Isn't that what we should have been doing for some time. If Iran is crossing into Iraq to deliver then they do so at there own risk. if not then Iran should have nothing to say about it. If we make visiting those factories and entering Iraq a death sentence via the airforce then that should slow or stop it.

Posted by: Chuck | Jan 31, 2007 5:42:23 AM

oh, God, so many rubbish want to support their great、wise President to
take another Iraq war,

Posted by: hill | Jan 31, 2007 5:59:32 AM

War with iran is growing inevitable...I fear that iran's armed forces will soon try to invade iraq. We need to get our troops out of iraq ASAP. If we go to war with them nothing good could come of it. I know that we would win of course and regime change would be set up but i believe that we would just have another iraq to tend too for years down the road and i seriously doubt that the iranian ppl would change. The longer we linger around in iraq means the more of our troops that have too die and the longer we are giving the muslims exactly what they want....too kill american soldiers.

Posted by: michael | Jan 31, 2007 6:29:56 AM

Does B52's ring a bell, and I do not mean the music group.

It worked for Germany, it worked for Japan, why not stick with success and let the street fighting remain in West Side Story!

Boom,U gone!