Despite a long period of American speculation and Iranian denial, it appears that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Quds Force and Lebanese Hezbollah operatives have been training Iraqi Shiite militants to attack U.S. troops in Iraq, according to U.S. interrogations of captured Iraqi prisoners. The prisoners’ statements have yet to be independently verified, but an 80-page intelligence document has been declassified, stating in detail the way in which Iraqis have been entering Iran and on to the military base in Tehran under Iranian supervision. This has demonstrated an Iranian desire to use Iraqis as “surrogates” to attack the U.S. troops in Iraq without engaging in a “direct war” with America, due to Iran being concerned with U.S. military ability to destroy that nation. These Iraqi prisoners have stated, however, that the Iranian and Iraqi Shia union is not without its tensions, commenting on Iraqi moral superiority over Iran. The Shiite connection does not seem to be as strong as that of being able to communicate through the common language of Arabic, saying they tended to “forge a closer bond” with the Lebanese Hezbollah for this reason. The complex nature of identities of people in the Middle East has an extremely long history, and seems to continue strong today.

Kayla Cahoon

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The Sons of Iraq, who up until this point had operated under US authority, apparently felt betrayed by the United States. They had helped American forces in Iraq curb support for Al Qaeda and quell insurgencies but were fearful that they would face discrimination in the Shiite-dominated government. The Iraqi government has its own concerns though, as leaders question whether these Sunni Muslims will be loyal to the ideals and purposes set forth and whether they will be patient enough during the incorporation process.

Only 20% of the expected 100,000 will remain in the military or police force, and the plan is for others to either work as government bureaucrats or to be trained for skilled work in mechanics or carpentry. How well the Sunni militia men take this news will be something to look out for in the near future.

Haley Hackendale

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The party in power in the province, the Supreme Iraqi Islamic Council (ISCI), which was formed in exile in Iran, says that although their ties to Iran remain strong that the Iranian government does not control their policies. This viewpoint is clearly articulated by Deputy Governor, Abdul Hussain Abtan, “We allow for good relations with Iran, but built on mutual respect, and not interfering in each other’s affairs.”

The relationship between the southern Shia-dominated provinces of Iraq and Iran causes concern not only to the U.S. but also to Iraq’s Sunni-dominated neighbors. The citizens of Najaf, however, see Iranian charity as congenial and much needed.

Bridget Russell

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