Iranian Diversion Tactics (Updated)
As the G8 summit draws near, one of the major topics discussed will most likely be Iran's nuclear program. It is no coincidence that Hamas led the first series of recent attacks, including the kidnapping of an IDF soldier, on Israeli defense forces. Now Hezbollah has opened a second front in the assault.
The two operations against Israel may seem isolated. Or at least business as usual in the region. However, if you look at the type of operations undertaken by the two Iranian-born terrorist groups you could surmise that they're designed to cause a diversion from the real issue—the Iranian nuclear program. It's certainly not outside the realm of possibility that these groups are being coordinated directly by the Iranians themselves with support from the Syrian government.
The capture of 3 IDF soldiers puts pressure on the Israeli government to either negotiate with terrorists or use military aggression. Creating the perfect conditions for a game of distraction and deception.
UPDATE: Willard Payne correctly notes on his (slightly left-leaning blog):
Regulars readers of this site know that for more than a year I have been saying Teheran intends to use the next major war with Israel as another unifying crises for the Islamic world. Another crisis Teheran will use to maintain their position of leadership. A position that has been establish since the Khomeini revolution of 1979. The entire foundation of Teheran’s foreign policy ever since then has been crises creation which Teheran’s government and supporters see as a way of not only guaranteeing their security but as the vehicle to pursue their religious calling. Other fronts like Iraq-Afghanistan-Kashmir-Caucasus-Balkans have served the same purpose. But none of them will generate the spritual-emotional response than Israel and Jerusalem with its Al Aqsa mosque.
More at CrossfireWar.com.
ROSTOCK, Germany (Reuters) - The White House on Wednesday demanded the immediate release of two Israeli soldiers captured by Lebanon's Hizbollah guerrillas and blamed Syria and Iran for the attacks.
"We condemn in the strongest terms Hizbollah's unprovoked attack on Israel and the kidnapping of the two Israeli soldiers," said Frederick Jones, spokesman with the White House National Security Council.
"We call for immediate and unconditional release of the two soldiers," Jones told reporters in Germany, hours before President George W. Bush was to arrive for meetings with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
"We also hold Syria and Iran, which directly support Hizbollah, responsible for this attack and for the ensuing violence," Jones said.
The United States called the attack "an unprovoked act of terrorism" aimed at exacerbating Middle East tensions.
The U.S. also needs to acknowledge that the kidnapping strategy employed by Hamas recently is part of the same overall strategy devised by Iran.