U.S. Airstrikes Against Iran Could Trigger Backlash in Iraq

Interview with Wayne Madsen, investigative journalist and former security specialist with the National Security Agency, conducted by Scott Harris

Since taking the oath of office for his second term, President Bush has made a series of blunt declarations warning that the U.S. will not tolerate Iran's development of nuclear weapons or support for terrorism. While the White House has given tepid support to negotiations conducted by European nations to reach an agreement with Iran, the administration is not ruling out military action. There's been speculation that either the U.S. or Israel might launch air strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities if an agreement with Tehran cannot be reached. Former Marine intelligence officer and U.N. weapons inspector Scott Ritter recently asserted that according to well-informed sources, plans had already been made for such a U.S. attack this June.

Bush has also taken a hard line against the government of Syria, which has been charged with aiding insurgents fighting U.S. troops in neighboring Iraq. After the Feb. 14th assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri the White House stepped up its campaign to isolate Damascus, and to demand a withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon. Iran recently announced that it would support Syria against challenges and threats as the two nations deal with increased U.S. pressure.

Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with Wayne Madsen, a former communications security specialist with the National Security Agency, who is now an investigative reporter. Madsen discusses the possibility of U.S. military action against Iran and the likely effect on the ongoing American war in Iraq.

Read Madsen's articles online at www.onlinejournal.com and www.counterpunch.org

Related links:


"Scott Ritter Says U.S. Plans June Attack on Iran, 'Cooked' Jan. 30 Iraqi Election Results," by Mark Jensen, United for Peace of Pierce County (WA), Feb. 19, 2005

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