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October 12, 2008 3:42:39 PM CDT

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US Steps Up Covert Plots in Iran

Posted Jun 30, 08 2:15 AM CDT in Glossies,  World 

(Newser) – Congress agreed to boost covert operations against Iran last year despite reservations by key officials, Seymour Hersh writes in the New Yorker. President Bush sought up to $400 million for the program, which supports dissidents intent on undermining Tehran and gathers data on its nuke plans. Some analysts believe the moves foreshadow a military strike against the country.

If the US does attack, “we’ll create generations of jihadists, and our grandchildren will be battling our enemies here in America,” said Pentagon chief Robert Gates. Gauging the success of US operations is difficult—and blowback is always a risk. One Washington-backed Iranian group may have ties to al-Qaeda and the nation's drug culture, Hersh writes.

Source New Yorker

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Navy Adm. William Fallon, former head of US Central Command, was forced to resign after publicly voicing doubts about the efficacy of an American attack on Iran.   (AP Photo)
Last year, President Bush requested and received funds from Congress to escalate covert operations against Iran.   (AP Photo)
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said that President Bush has failed in his goals to attack Iran and stop its nuclear program.   (AP Photo)
Congress agreed to a request from President Bush to fund a major escalation of covert operations against Iran, according to current and former military, intelligence, and congressional sources.   (Index Stock)
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Iraq  • George W. Bush  • Iran  • Congress  • CIA  • William Fallon


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