# Possible Iran involvement in Iraq: Now what? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [January 31, 2007, 8:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-iran-involvement-in-iraq-now-what/390249 "2007-01-31T08:23:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![pool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pool/32/4152_2.png) [@pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pool)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 8:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-iran-involvement-in-iraq-now-what/390249/1 "2007-01-31T08:23:31Z")
[http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/01/30/iraq.main/index.html](http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/01/30/iraq.main/index.html) If Iran is found to have been involved in Iraq, what will the outcome be? I think we could possibly see Bush wanting to invade Iran, but that would also be probable political suicide. Then again, this is Bush we’re dealing with here. The thing is to me if Iran is indeed doing this something has to be done. I don’t necessarily believe what has to be done is a massive assault or anything, better to try and expend all other options first. If only Colonel Clusterfuck had not gotten us into this mess in the first place. Another article said the U.S. has stopped selling parts to F-14’s. Any Predictions of what will happen? ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 8:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-iran-involvement-in-iraq-now-what/390249/2 "2007-01-31T08:50:34Z")
The first story the military told us about the Karbala attack was untrue. When AP called them on it, they told us another story, which at least matched up with the reports of independent observers on the ground. Now they’re spinning another story involving a shadowy Iranian conspiracy. Is there any reason, other than the third time being a charm, that we should believe them? The administration has been pushing for a confrontation with Iran for years, and we know that they’ve a penchant for building up castles of pretext with very little substance. This unsourced story certainly contains little substance. ---
**Author:** ![tagos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@tagos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tagos)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 9:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-iran-involvement-in-iraq-now-what/390249/3 "2007-01-31T09:08:51Z")
[QUOTE=Squink] The first story the military told us about the Karbala attack was untrue. When AP called them on it, they told us another story, which at least matched up with the reports of independent observers on the ground. Now they’re spinning another story involving a shadowy Iranian conspiracy. Is there any reason, other than the third time being a charm, that we should believe them? The administration has been pushing for a confrontation with Iran for years, and we know that they’ve a penchant for building up castles of pretext with very little substance. This unsourced story certainly contains little substance. [/QUOTE] Absolutely. No one should believe a word of this or anything else the Gump regime tries to sell us. If the ‘sovereign’ government of Iraq has a problem with Iran they can solve it. This is just part of a plainly obvious attempt to start another war. And does anyone believe for one second that the USA is not interfering like shit in Iranian affairs themselves? Starting with [The Iranian Freedom Support Act](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_Freedom_and_Support_Act) and proceeding to Special Forces identifying possible targets. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 9:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-iran-involvement-in-iraq-now-what/390249/4 "2007-01-31T09:49:08Z")
[QUOTE=pool] I think we could possibly see Bush wanting to invade Iran, but that would also be probable political suicide. [/QUOTE] For who? Bush? He’s gone by 2009 no matter what he does. It would be politically worse for Republican members of Congress who may be up for re-election in '08, who have to decide to side with Bush or disavow him, neither of which is particularly desirable. ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-iran-involvement-in-iraq-now-what/390249/5 "2007-01-31T15:28:50Z")
All I see in the article linked in the OP is rank speculation that Iran _might_ be involved. Sounds like someone trying to cook up conflict with Iran. Here’s what I don’t get: [Saudis are supporting Sunni insurgents](http://www3.whdh.com/news/articles/world/MI34684/). Iranians are supporting Shiite insurgents (presumably). So why are we only rattling sabers at Iran? This smells funny. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-iran-involvement-in-iraq-now-what/390249/6 "2007-01-31T15:35:58Z")
Now, let me get this straight: we’ve lost over 3,000 troops in Iraq. A story is being peddled that Iran might have some sort of role in the deaths of 5 of those 3000+. Even if it’s true, and even if it would, in peacetime, be a _casus belli_ for war, right now it would be just plain _stupid_ for us to essentially quadruple the size of the war by attacking Iran with its 75 million people, on account of their having had a minuscule effect on our Iraq casualty rates. We’ve got our hands full with the wars we’ve got, let alone if we add the war the Bushies would like to have. ---
**Author:** ![tagos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@tagos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tagos)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-iran-involvement-in-iraq-now-what/390249/7 "2007-01-31T15:46:30Z")
[QUOTE=RTFirefly] Now, let me get this straight: we’ve lost over 3,000 troops in Iraq. A story is being peddled that Iran might have some sort of role in the deaths of 5 of those 3000+. Even if it’s true, and even if it would, in peacetime, be a _casus belli_ for war, right now it would be just plain _stupid_ for us to essentially quadruple the size of the war by attacking Iran with its 75 million people, on account of their having had a minuscule effect on our Iraq casualty rates. We’ve got our hands full with the wars we’ve got, let alone if we add the war the Bushies would like to have. [/QUOTE] IMO Bush is planning an air and sea war, not a ground war. ‘Suspected’ nuclear sites etc etc. With the evidence conveniently bombed out of existence he can’t be proven wrong. ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-iran-involvement-in-iraq-now-what/390249/8 "2007-01-31T15:47:18Z")
[QUOTE=RTFirefly] right now it would be just plain _stupid_ for us to essentially quadruple the size of the war… [/quote] > [@](#): > > “I would suggest moving back,” Bush said as he climbed into the cab of a massive D-10 tractor. “I’m about to crank this sucker up.” As the engine roared to life, White House staffers tried to steer the press corps to safety, but when the tractor lurched forward, they too were forced to scramble for safety. > … > Watching the chaos below, Bush looked out the tractor’s window and laughed, steering the massive machine into the spot where most of the press corps had been positioned. > … > “If you’ve never driven a D-10, it’s the coolest experience,” Bush said afterward. Yeah, almost as much fun as seeing your life flash before your eyes. [“I would suggest moving back”](http://www.talk.newsweek.com/default.asp?item=464251) ---
**Author:** ![vibrotronica](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/a9a28c/32.png) [@vibrotronica](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vibrotronica)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-iran-involvement-in-iraq-now-what/390249/9 "2007-01-31T17:52:02Z")
All I have to add is, please, everyone, do your best to debunk these lies to everyone you know whenever it comes up. That means people in the real world as well as online. I know, I know, you’ve heard rumours of this “real world”, but trust me, it exists and its important. We can’t afford another war right now. Bascially, until I see a column of Iranian tanks headed for Baghdad, I’m going to assume the administration is lying about Iranian involvement in Iraq. ---
**Author:** ![Sapo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@Sapo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sapo)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-iran-involvement-in-iraq-now-what/390249/10 "2007-01-31T18:35:08Z")
[QUOTE=tagos] IMO Bush is planning an air and sea war, not a ground war. ‘Suspected’ nuclear sites etc etc. With the evidence conveniently bombed out of existence he can’t be proven wrong. [/QUOTE] Yup, basically “let us spend some really expensive ammo so we can justify military spending in the future”. It is good a time to be in the weapons manufacturing business. ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-iran-involvement-in-iraq-now-what/390249/11 "2007-01-31T18:46:02Z")
[QUOTE=tagos] IMO Bush is planning an air and sea war, not a ground war. [/QUOTE] Agreed. I saw Bush interviewed within the past day or two and he said words to the effect of: A lot of people are saying that we’re planning to invade Iran, and that’s just not going to happen. And then he went on to say that “we’re not taking any options off the table.” His careful denial of plans for “invasion” while refusing to take other military options “off the table” makes me think the administration is laying the groundwork for an air assault of some sort. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-iran-involvement-in-iraq-now-what/390249/12 "2007-01-31T18:46:04Z")
[QUOTE=tagos] IMO Bush is planning an air and sea war, not a ground war. ‘Suspected’ nuclear sites etc etc. With the evidence conveniently bombed out of existence he can’t be proven wrong. [/QUOTE] Maybe that’s the war _Bush_ is planning. But Iran has an army, and is of course adjacent to Iraq. They can bring us a ground war there, even if Bush isn’t planning for one. ---
**Author:** ![According\_to\_Pliny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e7dd6/32.png) [@According\_to\_Pliny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/According_to_Pliny)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-iran-involvement-in-iraq-now-what/390249/13 "2007-01-31T18:50:00Z")
If we would step aside, so that we are not caught between them, the Iranis and Arab nations would fight among themselves. And they would both come begging us for arms. Which of course we would not sell them, but instead sell to Turkey and Pakistan to resell to them. ---
**Author:** ![rjung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-iran-involvement-in-iraq-now-what/390249/14 "2007-01-31T19:01:54Z")
_Related:_ [Bush ‘spoiling for a fight’ with Iran](http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldbriefing/story/0,,2002232,00.html) > [@](#): > > State department spokesman Sean McCormack claimed this week the administration has a body of evidence implicating Iran in sectarian attacks against Iraq’s Sunni minority. “There is a high degree of confidence in the information that we already have and we are constantly accumulating more,” he told the New York Times. Downing Street Memo v.2, anyone? ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-iran-involvement-in-iraq-now-what/390249/15 "2007-01-31T19:08:10Z")
[QUOTE=According to Pliny] If we would step aside, so that we are not caught between them, the Iranis and Arab nations would fight among themselves. [/QUOTE] I’m beginning to agree with you. At this point, I’m not seeing much of a downside for the US in pulling out of the Middle East altogether and letting the various factions and nations there sort things out for themselves. ---
**Author:** ![pool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pool/32/4152_2.png) [@pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pool)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-iran-involvement-in-iraq-now-what/390249/16 "2007-01-31T19:29:29Z")
> [@](#): > > Originally posted by **spoke-** > At this point, I’m not seeing much of a downside for the US in pulling out of the Middle East altogether and letting the various factions and nations there sort things out for themselves. I agree with this in a lot of ways. I never got the whole spreading democracy thing. Nations have to solve their own problems, outsiders can’t do it for them. The only reason to meddle would be if we were asked. ---
**Author:** ![Sapo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@Sapo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sapo)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-iran-involvement-in-iraq-now-what/390249/17 "2007-01-31T19:45:57Z")
[QUOTE=RTFirefly] Maybe that’s the war Bush is planning. But Iran has an army, and is of course adjacent to Iraq. They can bring us a ground war there, even if Bush isn’t planning for one. [/QUOTE] Yeah, well but for that the Bush administration would have to think about what happens after they do what they want to do. We have seen how that is not their strong suit. They will just bomb and hope their bombs are received as liberators. ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-iran-involvement-in-iraq-now-what/390249/18 "2007-01-31T19:53:06Z")
[QUOTE=rjung] _Related:_ [Bush ‘spoiling for a fight’ with Iran](http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldbriefing/story/0,,2002232,00.html) [/QUOTE] Not just Bush. It looks like Israel is spoiling for a fight, too. …well, in a “Let’s you and him fight” sort of way: > [@](#): > > Israel is also pushing the intelligence case while upping the ante, claiming to have knowledge that Tehran is within a year or two of acquiring basic nuclear weapons-making capability. In a BBC interview last week former prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu compared President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s regime to Hitler’s Nazis. Speaking in Davos the deputy prime minister, Shimon Peres, demanded immediate regime change or failing that, military intervention. I hope we’re not fighting Israel’s battles for her. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-iran-involvement-in-iraq-now-what/390249/19 "2007-01-31T20:07:24Z")
In related news, John Negroponte says, [“the United States is reluctant to hold direct talks with Iran until there is progress in the dispute over Tehran’s nuclear program.”](http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2007/01/CACBF124-C09A-468E-807D-ADF1CE1B1930.html) Which probably won’t happen until we hold direct talks . . . so it goes . . . ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2007, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-iran-involvement-in-iraq-now-what/390249/20 "2007-01-31T20:56:31Z")
[QUOTE=Sapo] It is good a time to be in the weapons manufacturing business. [/QUOTE] [If you haven’t already read this, you must](http://www.amazon.com/American-Dynasty-Aristocracy-Fortune-Politics/dp/0670032646). [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-iran-involvement-in-iraq-now-what/390249.md?page=2)