Hezbollah Fueling Iraqi Civil War

As published today in the NY Times evidence has surfaced detailing the extent of cooperation between the Mahdi Army in Iraq, Hezbollah and Iran.

Moktada al-Sadr's forces have deployed to Lebanon in large numbers (1000-2000) for training with Hezbollah and Hezbollah has sent advisors to Iraq as well.

The Times report is based on an account from a senior American intelligence official.

The new American account is consistent with a claim made in Iraq this summer by a mid-level Mahdi commander, who said his militia had sent 300 fighters to Lebanon, ostensibly to fight alongside Hezbollah. “They are the best-trained fighters in the Mahdi Army,” he said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“They have been a link to Lebanese Hezbollah and have helped facilitate Hezbollah training inside of Iraq, but more importantly Jaish al-Mahdi members going to Lebanon,” the official said, describing Iran’s role and using the Arabic name for the Mahdi Army.

The official said the Hezbollah training had been conducted with the knowledge of Mr. Sadr, the most influential Shiite cleric.

Our illegal invasion into Iraq has not only strengthened Iran and Hezbollah's agenda they are now using their new found political strength to help foment a civil war in which our forces are stuck in the middle.

Providing community services in Lebanon may be helping those in need in that country but it is no justification for terrorizing people of other nations. Our troops are paying a heavy price for an ill conceived war that has provided new strength and new opportunities to terrorize innocents by groups that can train and equip new recruits for future attacks.

Shame on our President and shame on our Congress for enabling the needless death and mayhem they have so amply sown.