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KITTY PILGRIM: As we
reported, it remains unclear whether any change in
U.S. policy will stop Iran's meddling in Iraq. Now,
we have solved the audio problems with Michael Ware's
report.
And Michael told me what impact, if any, a shift in
U.S. policy would have on Iran's behavior.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MICHAEL WARE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Oh, this is such a
futile gesture, it's beyond the pale.
It will have absolutely no impact whatsoever on the
steady stream of weapons, roadside bombs, all of
which are killing American solders from the hands of
Iranian-backed Shia militia, nor will it stop the
training camps in Iran, which are preparing these
Iraqis to reenter Iraq and to attack coalition
forces. This is going to be nothing. It's less than a
slap on the wrist.
PILGRIM: How prevalent are these explosive devices
that are supplied by the Iranians? We hear from
General Odierno that there's a surge in supplying
arms and training and equipment to insurgents in
Iraq. How prevalent is it? How apparent is it to you
as a reporter in Iraq that this is going on?
WARE: Oh, look, it's palpable. In fact there's an
Iranian surge which is matching, if not outstripping,
the American surge. Last month was a record high for
the number of EFP explosive devices. That's
explosively formed projectiles. This is the most
deadliest roadside bomb being used here in the war in
Iraq.
And where is it coming from? It's coming from Iran.
Let's have a look at one quick thing. A couple of
months ago there was a historic first meeting between
American and Iranian diplomats. Foremost on the
agenda was America complaining about the supply of
these bombs. Take a wild guess what happened after
that meeting? There was a spike in the number of
attacks from these bombs.
Essentially, the Iranians are seeing that the
Americans, by meeting with them, by threatening to
put them on the foreign terrorist organization list,
must be hurting. So, let's press our advantage and
keep it going.
And the irony, Kitty, of the foreign terrorist
listing is extraordinary. If this happens, we will
have the official military unit of the Iranian regime
listed as a terrorist organization by the U.S. at the
same time the Iranian armed opposition group, an ally
of the U.S., will also will be on the same list as a
terrorist organization. It's really quite an
extraordinary policy.
PILGRIM: Where, Michael, are we seeing sort of the
upsurge in activity that is believed to be supported
by Iran? Is that in areas where U.S. troops are
based, or is it outside of those areas?
WARE: Well, it's in both, Kitty. Clearly, we are
seeing it here in the capital Baghdad itself. There
are EFPs killing American solders in the streets of
this city.
And let's be aware, when one of these devices hits
your Humvee, chances are, no one in that Humvee will
survive. That's just a grim reality. And, of course,
we are seeing these devices used with great effects
against the Brits down in the south, so much so, in a
combination with these bombs and relentless mortar
and rocket fire, the Brits have all but surrendered
the southern capital of Basra.
And let's not forget, Iran's proxies, friends and
allies own southern Iraq, not America, not the
coalition and not the so-called government of Iraq
here in Baghdad.
PILGRIM: Michael Ware, you paint a sobering picture.
Thanks very much for your analysis this evening,
Michael Ware.
WARE: Thank you, Kitty.