About that Iranian Diplomat
Stratfor speculates that the U.S. might have been behind the kidnapping of Iranian diplomat Jalal Sharafi in Iraq:
It is important to note that Sharafi’s position at the embassy is the kind of diplomatic posting that frequently would be a cover for intelligence operatives … kidnapping him would disrupt Iranian operations as the U.S. security offensive in Baghdad gets under way.Whatever the facts of this particular case might be, the United States has been transmitting numerous signals — official and otherwise — that Iran is vulnerable and is placing itself at risk by opposing U.S. interests in Iraq. The Sharafi abduction seems designed to enhance Tehran’s sense of vulnerability, and hence to fuel disagreements among those in Iran who feel the United States is at a weak point and those who warn that the United States is most dangerous at its weakest … The Americans want the Iranians to view the United States as a dangerous foe, and to moderate their appetite for power in the region … even if the United States didn’t order the Sharafi operation, it still fits into a pattern of warnings that the Americans have been issuing.
Would that it were true. I very much doubt that we would do anything this bold. And my guess is that in trying to assess America's intentions over the coming months, Iran is paying a lot more attention to Washington than Baghdad. I'd guess further that it likes what it sees.
Via Blog of the Week Jules Crittenden.
