next »

[AbaddonsFury]

Iran's supreme leader told visiting Iraqi prime minister Nuri al-Maliki the presence of US forces in Iraq was the biggest obstacle to its development as a united country.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hit out at the "occupiers" in Iraq at a time when Baghdad is negotiating with the US on a new agreement aimed at giving a legal basis for US troops to stay in Iraq after December 31, when their UN mandate expires.

Iran and the United States blame each other for violence in Iraq and are also sharply at odds over Tehran's nuclear program, which Washington suspects is aimed at making bombs. Iran says it is a peaceful drive to produce electricity.

"The presence of occupiers in Iraq, particularly the US armed forces ... is the main obstacle to unity in Iraq," state radio quoted Khamenei, Shi'ite Iran's top authority, as saying.

He accused them of using their military and security powers to interfere in Iraq's internal affairs but that the "Americans' dreams" in the Middle East country would not be realised.

The talks on a "status of forces" deal are the subject of heated debate both in the US and Iraq, where thousands have answered the anti-American cleric Moqtada al-Sadr's call for weekly protests after Friday Muslim prayers.

US officials have accused Iran of seeking to derail the negotiations by "inspiring" media reports that the US is trying to force Iraq to accept a deal on permanent bases.

In Washington, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said when asked if he thought Iraq could resist Iranian pressure not to make such a deal with the US: "Iraq is a sovereign state that is going to act in its national interest."

Iran and Iraq fought an eight-year war in the 1980s but ties have improved since US-led forces ousted the Sunni Arab strongman Saddam Hussein five years ago and a Shi'ite Muslim-dominated government came to power in Baghdad.

The Iranian and Iraqi defence ministers signed a memorandum of understanding during Maliki's visit to boost defence cooperation "with the aim of strengthening peace and stability in the region", Iran's official IRNA news agency said.

Mine clearance and search for soldiers missing in action during their 1980-88 war would form part of the cooperation.

The two members of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) also agreed to increase oil sector cooperation, a senior Iranian official said.

Maliki's government treads a fine line in its relations with the Islamic Republic, seeking support while mindful of US accusations that Iran supports Shi'ite militias in Iraq.

Iran denies this and blames the presence of US troops, currently numbering about 150,000, for the bloodshed that has followed the US-led invasion of Iraq.

Iraq's government spokesman said before Maliki's three-day visit started on Saturday that the issue of Iranian interference would be raised, but it was not clear whether it had been discussed in his meetings so far in Teheran.

Analysts say Iran does not want Iraq to descend into chaos but nor does it want US forces to have an easy ride, which might give Washington ideas about military options against Iran.

[corroded]

Honest to fucking god, i'm sick of American Bully Boy tactics now. They really have some fucking collosal morons in charge over there.

[AbaddonsFury]

I honestly believe we are heading towards WW3, I think it will be in my lifetime, and firmly believe it will start as Islam vs the Western world, then I think others will get involved, ie..North Korea..

[Thermalsig]

I think that anyone who wants Iran and the Khamenei to have any role in Iraq must be off their rocker. Iran is one of the largest protagonists to the West, and I'm not just talking about the US. Just look at how he people in Iran and other Arabian states treat their own people. It's just not acceptable. If those fucks would stay in their country and leave the rest of the world alone, everything would be OK. I do believe Adrian is right, WW3 maybe well happen soon, and it will be intolerant fucks like that will push the world into war again.
/Rant off

Corroded, we have made some mistakes. But I wouldn't call the issue about Iran "American Bully Boy tactics". Iran's influence must be stopped. Period.

[Wooster]

I think the biggest fear in the US administration is the possible formation of a Muslim superstate, if that happens then they'll (we'll) have another Russia on their (our) hands (as it is they already have a tiger by the tail).
The problem is that the attempts to prevent it so far have probably increased the likelihood of it actually happening. (Is it too late?)

I also think it's about time the US dispenses with any notions that they are not currently involved in empire building given that they are seeking to keep even more permanent military presences in the region.
Not that I'd dismiss the idea out of hand, but it might as well be admitted by now...

[Thermalsig]

Bush will be gone soon,so we can reverse any BS he attempts as far as military presence. I believe he is just trying to save his legacy. Good luck with that. I think he will go down as the worst president in US history. A unilateral attempt involving the UN must be promoted to watch Iran and their nuclear intentions. Nuri al-Maliki is another Hitler waiting in the wings. The worst part is that he has the Khamenei on his side pushing the religious fanatics. Islam can be a peaceful religion, but not with those dickheads in charge.

[AbaddonsFury]

I think a lot of people need to step back and have a long hard think about the alternatives if the US and other allied countries were'nt doing all the dirty work, sometimes its 'better the devil you know'. Imagine how all of us around the world would be living if the world was dominated by Islamic governments, the planet would implode with hipocracy, everyone would be in danger, our daughters would become second class citizens, your every move would be monitored by the religious police, and so much more.
Yes Bush is a fcuken moron, just like most politicians, but the people are just like you and me, they just want to live and let live, so I WILL NEVER blame the people for what their government does. I honestly believe Bush is just a puppet, his advisors tell him what to do, who to go to war with, and what to wear...

[corroded]

Theres a difference AF, the day Islam encroaches on my beliefs and way of life, thats the day i start having a problem with it. Who says we need to meddle?

Put another way, i wouldn't fight if we invaded Iran, for example, specially Iraq style. I would however defend my principles, my way of life and my beliefs with no qualm what-so-ever... if that ever involved attacking Iran, fair game.

[AbaddonsFury]

I understand and respect your view, however, it is starting to encroach on everyones life already, they have made it clear it will be an Islamic world, submit, or die as an infidel, now all that a side, something my dad once said comes to mind, when I asked him about why fight in another country......"What do you think we should wait till it's on our doorstep son ? ".... The was more he said, but I got his drift just in that one sentence.
I think war sucks, any war, but I would rather fight it on their soil, and know my family is safe back home, and at l can concentrate on the job at hand.

[Thermalsig]

Theres a difference AF, the day Islam encroaches on my beliefs and way of life, thats the day i start having a problem with it. Who says we need to meddle?

Put another way, i wouldn't fight if we invaded Iran, for example, specially Iraq style. I would however defend my principles, my way of life and my beliefs with no qualm what-so-ever... if that ever involved attacking Iran, fair game.

I remember not too long ago, there were some people of the Islamic faith in your country already asking or demanding special consideration. That to me is already too close. I want my kids to grow up in a world where they can be what they want without worrying about offending the next door neighbor because of their religious belief.

[Vasco]

Hmm lets see.....

US pulls out of Iraq.  Iran invades and conquers Iraq (easier for them as they have a huge support base and underground army in Iraq right now). This creates a Persian State. The Persian State then invades and conquers Kuwait and becomes the Persian Empire.  Now as the dominant member of OPAC and the most powerful country in the Middle East they force Oil prices through the roof.  Oil could go as high as a $1000 a barrel or more.

I think that would impact on the global economy pretty well and it could happen within a year or so of the US withdrawing.  I think that type of economic terrorism would start World War 3 alright. 

I don't like what is going on at the moment but I don't see an alternative.

[Hallcat]

Very scary picture you are painting Vasco...

[AbaddonsFury]

Hmm lets see.....

US pulls out of Iraq.  Iran invades and conquers Iraq (easier for them as they have a huge support base and underground army in Iraq right now). This creates a Persian State. The Persian State then invades and conquers Kuwait and becomes the Persian Empire.  Now as the dominant member of OPAC and the most powerful country in the Middle East they force Oil prices through the roof.  Oil could go as high as a $1000 a barrel or more.

I think that would impact on the global economy pretty well and it could happen within a year or so of the US withdrawing.  I think that type of economic terrorism would start World War 3 alright. 

I don't like what is going on at the moment but I don't see an alternative.

+ 1 mate... I agree 110%

[Wooster]

I thought I'd already said that.. 

[corroded]

Theres a difference AF, the day Islam encroaches on my beliefs and way of life, thats the day i start having a problem with it. Who says we need to meddle?

Put another way, i wouldn't fight if we invaded Iran, for example, specially Iraq style. I would however defend my principles, my way of life and my beliefs with no qualm what-so-ever... if that ever involved attacking Iran, fair game.

I remember not too long ago, there were some people of the Islamic faith in your country already asking or demanding special consideration. That to me is already too close. I want my kids to grow up in a world where they can be what they want without worrying about offending the next door neighbor because of their religious belief.

Wasn't the arch bishop asking for a special muslim court system?

We get alot of stuff like that throw around, but common sense is still prevailing.