NCRI – In its latest report to the US Congress on situation in Iraq, the US Department of Defense said that “Tehran has attempted to pressure government officials privately, through media campaigns and through largesse, to adopt pro- Iranian positions on such matters as the U.S.- Iraq SA, provincial elections, and the disposition of the Mujahidin-e Khalq (MeK). ”
For more than two decades, the main Iranian opposition group, the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) has maintained a presence in Iraq. Currently 3.500 members of the PMOI reside in Camp Ashraf, Iraq.
The report of the US Department of Defense to the US Congress, titled “Measuring Stability and Security in Iraq” published on March 25, 2009 writes the following on Iranian regime’s influence and meddling in Iraq:
“Since 2003, Tehran has invested to gain and sustain political and economic influence in Iraq. Iran’s close ties with Iraq’s Shi’a parties have helped facilitate this effort. The strength of ties between Tehran and pro-Iranian elements has also enabled Iran to survive strained relationships with Iraqi officials caused by Iran’s sponsorship of militia groups targeting Iraqi and Coalition forces. Iranian officials have therefore made tactical adjustments to their Iraq strategy, following complaints by Iraqi officials of Iranian interference.
“Although continuing to support JAM leader Muqtada al-Sadr’s religious studies in Qom, Tehran has selectively reduced the number of militants it supports. However, Tehran has also simultaneously improved the training and weapon systems received by the proxy militants. These groups are now returning to Iraq and remain a potential threat to Iraqis, the Coalition, and others. Some of these groups may also be involved in criminal activity.
“Tehran sought to perpetuate its influence over Iraq by identifying and supporting pro-Iranian individuals and parties in their bid to win elections. Tehran has attempted to pressure government officials privately, through media campaigns and through largesse, to adopt pro- Iranian positions on such matters as the U.S.- Iraq SA, provincial elections, and the disposition of the Mujahidin-e Khalq (MeK).”
