Iran and Syria Crises Are Closely Connected

(Washington Examiner) Laura Kam - Iran is the Syrian government's best friend and ally in the Middle East. Last week, a UN Security Council committee published a report that Syria remains the top destination for Iranian arms shipments, which are illegal. Iran has given the Syrian regime more than $1 billion to help it overcome international sanctions. The U.S. State Department said that Iran's hand was clearly discernible in the killing of hundreds of people, including children, by a Syrian militia group, the Shabiha, which closely resembles an Iranian militia (the Basij) notorious for brutally suppressing peaceful demonstrations by the Iranian people. There have also been numerous reports out of Syria of Farsi-speaking commandos helping to crush anti-government demonstrations. The writer is executive director for global affairs at the Israel Project.


2012-07-11 00:00:00

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