From Seattle writer and consultant Matt Rosenberg...

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Regime Change in Iran Crucial to Iraq's Fate

April 16, 2004

Michael Leeden of the American Enterprise Institute says despite denials from our State Dept., it's very clear that ruling religious fundamentalists in Iran are closely allied with Iraqi Shi'ite rebel leader Muqtada al-Sadr, whose followers have provoked some of the worst fighting in Iraq since the U.S. intervention there last year. Iraq can't become secure until fundamentalists are neutralized and liberty prevails in Iran, Syria and Saudi Arabia, argues Leeden.

...it is an open secret throughout the Middle East that Sadr has been receiving support--if not precise orders--from the mullahs in Iran for some time now....the war being waged by Shiite militants throughout Iraq is not just a domestic "insurgency."

...Iraq cannot be peaceful and secure so long as Tehran sends its terrorist cadres across the border....The only way to end Tehran's continual sponsorship of terror is to bring about the demise of the present Iranian regime. And as it happens, we have an excellent opportunity to achieve this objective, without the direct use of military power against Iran. There is a critical mass of pro-democracy citizens there, who would like nothing more than to rid themselves of their oppressors. They need help, but they neither need nor desire to be liberated by force of arms.

Above all, they want to hear our leaders state clearly and repeatedly--as Ronald Reagan did with the "Evil Empire"--that regime change in Iran is the goal of American policy....we can reach the Iranian people by providing support to the several Farsi-language radio and TV stations in this country, all currently scrambling for funds to broadcast a couple of hours a day. We can encourage private foundations and individuals to support the Iranian democracy movement.

...This sort of political campaign aimed at toppling the Iranian regime--allied to firm punitive action within Iraq against terrorists of all stripes--will make our task in Iraq manifestly less dangerous. Ultimately, security in Iraq will come in large measure from freedom and reform in Iran (as well as in Syria and Saudi Arabia). This is a truth that we should not hide from, nor be fearful to take on.

Via Opinion Journal.

Posted by Matt Rosenberg at April 16, 2004 01:50 PM

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Comments:

Your blog is as interesting as ever.
I need to shorten my time between visits.

Keep up the good work.

Posted by: David St Lawrence at April 16, 2004 06:30 PM

It's so frustrating that the Bush Administration isn't giving full support for the pro-democracy forces in Iran, but instead they're giving credibility to a member of the Axis for Evil. Iran needs to be toppled but Bush isn't even hinting that we have Iran in our sights.

Posted by: Steve Barnett at April 17, 2004 08:36 AM

Bush will never telegraph his intentions to an enemy like Iran. However, I'm certain an aggressive move on Iran to wrest control of the country from the clerics will certainly happen. It's likely high on the list for the next term. Even public moves to support the reformist will not likely happen since it's unwise to have a public debate over our Iran policies (military, covert and otherwise) during the election season. We cannot telegraph our punches. The silly dance with the UN before the Iraq war only allowed Saddam to prepare and stall.

Iran will be dealt with at a time of Bush's chosing.

Posted by: Gary B at April 18, 2004 03:29 PM
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