IRAN: Early 2007: A new US intelligence estimate released last Friday concluded that Iranian meddling is “not likely” a major cause of violence in Iraq. This has not stanched the rhetoric of administration officials, who contend they have a “mountain of evidence” to prove Iran is providing arms and funding to Shi’ite militias engaged in sectarian clashes, though they have yet to disclose any. The ante was upped when US forces raided a diplomatic compound in northern Iraq last month and detained five alleged Iranian agents they accused of aiding insurgents. President George W Bush has also issued an “order to kill” Iranian operatives who interfere with US objectives in Iraq.
