The headline reads: Al-Qaeda linked to operations from Iran
Yesterday's Financial Times reported, using such loose, vague sourcing,
Evidence that Iranian territory is being used as a base by al-Qaeda to help in terrorist operations in Iraq and elsewhere is growing, say western officials.
Of course, this is the message that the Cheney branch of the Whitehouse, and the Joe Lieberman and AIPAC interests in the United States want to get amplified in the media. Not surprisingly, the article was and still is being highlighted by the Drudge report, frequently used to spearhead new right wing echo chamber talking points.
The question this kind of sloppy reporting which serves the far right and White house aims raises is, "who benefits."
The easiest answer is big oil and the major weapons suppliers.
The more talk about an Iran connection to terrorism, the hotter and louder the war energy and war drums go. This leads to higher prices for oil and pushes up the risk of actual conflict further.
The truth is that unsourced reports of terrorist connections are not much less than efforts to stoke the fires of war.
The same article also reported:
Analysts say several Sunni extremist groups, some presumed linked to al-Qaeda and from various ethnic groups including Kurds, are in Iran. US-led military action in Iraq has led some to seek refuge over the border.
Analysts?
So, we have "western officials," a "Senior official," and "analysts."
Nary a confirmable, real source among them. To say I have my doubts about this claim is an understatement.
Also, with three sources, it's surprising that no other media outlets are reporting this.
Well, at least here, there's another voice.
