http://news.independent.co.uk/world/politics/article2145136.ece

American forces stormed Iranian government offices in northern Iraq, hours after President George Bush issued a warning to Tehran that was described as a "declaration of war".

The soldiers detained six people, including diplomats, according to the Iranians, and seized documents and computers in the pre-dawn raid which was condemned by Iran. A leading UK-based Iran specialist, Ali Ansari, said the incident was an "extreme provocation". Dr Ansari said that Mr Bush's speech on future Iraq strategy amounted to "a declaration of war" on Iran.

"The risk is a wider war. Because of the underlying tensions, we are transferring from a 'cold war' into a 'hot war'," he said.

In his speech, the President accused Iran and Syria of providing material support for attacks on US troops, and vowed to stop the "flow of support" from across the border. "We will seek out and destroy the networks providing advanced weaponry and training to our enemies in Iraq," he said.

Dr Ansari argued that the Bush administration had decided to confront Iran at a time when public opinion has been focused on the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia. "There's been a shift of emphasis without anyone noticing," he said.

"Moderate" Sunni Arab states who feel threatened by the rise of Shia Iran, thanks to its influence in Iraq and its refusal to curb its nuclear programme, could be expected to back the Bush approach, he said. The US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, is due to visit Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia this week.

Until now, the Bush administration had been content to deal with the perceived Iranian threat diplomatically. The United Nations adopted sanctions against Tehran on 23 December. However, the economic measures adopted by the UN have failed to convince Iran to halt its uranium-enrichment programme which could lead to production of a nuclear weapon. The US is calling on allied states to adopt tougher unilateral sanctions.

President Bush appointed Admiral William Fallon to replace General John Abizaid as head of Central Command for Iraq and Afghanistan last week in a sign that change could be afoot. This week, Mr Bush ordered a second aircraft carrier to the Gulf, along with its support ships, which could be used to contain Iran.

Hey, guys time for fallout shelters

1/11/2007 11:11:10 PM

desperate dumbass times call for desperate measures.

[Edited on January 11, 2007 at 11:40 PM. Reason : jlk]

1/11/2007 11:39:49 PM

If my memory serves me correctly, this isnt the first time that we have taken Iranian diplomats into custody in Iraq (although in the last case, i dont think we raided a consulate to begin with). In addition to essentially invading the sovereign nation of Iran, this sets a dangerous precedent for others to follow. Having worked in a 'hazardous' american embassy in the past, I would not be too happy about this situation if I were a current american diplomat overseas.

BTW interestingly enough, Embassy Athens was attacked by an anti tank round slamming into the main chancery building. probably not related because its, well, greece, but interesting nonetheless

1/12/2007 5:25:47 AM

Quote :

"Hey, guys time for fallout shelters"

good thing they're years away from developing an ICBM, let alone a nuclear bomb...

1/12/2007 1:43:27 PM