McCain Gaff Indicative of Deeper Ignorance

**Sphere** · March 26, 2008, 03:21 PM

Mr. McCain said several times during his visit to Jordan – during a news conference and a radio interview — that he was concerned that Iran was training members of Al Qaeda in Iraq. The United States believes that Iran, a Shiite country, has been training and financing Shiite extremists in Iraq, but not Al Qaeda, which is a Sunni insurgent group.

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2...iran-al-qaeda/

I think this episode illustrates a common missconception about the war in Iraq; that the US is facing a single enemy of Al Qaeda and its affiliates. This leads to the "fight 'em over there" mentality, and the war-mongering towards Iran.

The truth, however, is the most powerful groups in Iraq are Shia. They control the government, large militias, and most of the Iraqi army. The main task of the US for the past 5 years has been keeping the Shia from taking over the country by force.

The US is basically bribing the Shia militas and politicians, while promising to fight the Sunni insurgency in the hope that a unity government can form in the meantime. In the end, the US is really protecting the Sunni community from annahilation.

**Heinz Guderian** · March 26, 2008, 03:28 PM

Originally Posted by Sphere

I think this episode illustrates a common missconception about the war in Iraq; that the US is facing a single enemy of Al Qaeda and its affiliates. This leads to the "fight 'em over there" mentality, and the war-mongering towards Iran.

The truth, however, is the most powerful groups in Iraq are Shia. They control the government, large militias, and most of the Iraqi army. The main task of the US for the past 5 years has been keeping the Shia from taking over the country by force.

The US is basically bribing the Shia militas and politicians, while promising to fight the Sunni insurgency in the hope that a unity government can form in the meantime. In the end, the US is really protecting the Sunni community from annahilation.

I dunno...i dont think it would be within Iranian interests to help AQ in Iraq due to AQ's opinions of the Shia. There is no love loss between them. AQ rising in Iraq would be at the expense of pro-Iranian parties. Evidence of Iranian help for AQ is sketchy at best. I think Iraq is cooking just like the Iranians want it.

As for the gaffe. Maybe it was said with intention? To securitise a link between AQ and Iran?

**Sphere** · March 26, 2008, 06:11 PM

As for the gaffe. Maybe it was said with intention? To securitise a link between AQ and Iran?

Thats the thing, Al Qaeda and Iran are on opposite sides in the battle over Iraq. And in an odd way the US is protecting Al Qaeda by holding back the Shia militia's and politicians supported by Iran.

Many US politicians say Iraq would become an Al Qaeda haven if we left. I think the opposite is true. Al Qaeda has havens in Iraq because the US is preventing a Shia takeover of Sunni areas.

**Da Skinna** · March 26, 2008, 10:33 PM

What law says Iran can't fund sides in civil wars in neighbouring countries and who the hell listens to it anyway?

**danzig** · March 27, 2008, 10:47 AM

I dont see it as much of a gaff for several reasons, the old the enemy of my enemy is my friend thing being the most obvious one. Secondly AQ in Iraq is a pretty general term to describe non Iraqi insurgents and even those who do have ties to the "real" AQ have been in disagreement with the group as indicated by the letters/laptop stuff captured back when Zarqawi was running around. Mostly about the violence that didnt care if it killed Shia or Sunni. Bottom line is that if Iran is adding violence in Iraq it isnt going to care WHO it is aiding as long as they get the job done.

**Sphere** · March 27, 2008, 12:50 PM

No, it was a gaff, McCain latter claimed he "mispoke".

He said the equivilent of "The UK is supporting Catholic militias in Ireland" or "Isreal is sending weapons to Hamas".

Al Qaeda has no support outside of the Sunni community in Iraq.

**Heinz Guderian** · March 27, 2008, 01:45 PM

I cant bring myself to criticise Senator McCain because of his war record. Does that make me a narrow minded person? I totally disagree with his stance on Iraq, but the guy is damn war hero. I just dont want to

on a guy whom i admire for his past deeds.

**Sphere** · March 27, 2008, 01:48 PM

Just because he was tortured doesn't mean he is infallible. If he is planning on becoming president he better know Iran does not support Al Qeada in Iraq.

**Heinz Guderian** · March 27, 2008, 02:10 PM

Originally Posted by Sphere

Just because he was tortured doesn't mean he is infallible. If he is planning on becoming president he better know Iran does not support Al Qeada in Iraq.

I know, i know. I see the logic and reason in why i disagree with him on so many issues, but i just cant bring myself to attack the man. I subsitute others who have similar views and criticise them. Military family upbringing i guess even though i am as liberal as a Dutch hippie in an Amsterdam "cafe".