Iran

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0807/06/fzgps.01.html

That is the transcript of Fareed Zakaria's GPS show on 7/6/08 and is absolutely a MUST read if one wishes to see where we may or may not be headed in regards to Iran. This week he interviews Manhouchehr Mottaki, Foreign Minister of Iran and then has three people (Michael Ware, Christiane Amanpour, & Vali Nasr) on to discuss Iran. This should also be read if you're one that doesn't believe we've been at war with Iran since we went to Iraq. Some have argued that we've been at war with Iran for 40 years, they may be right, but that's another story. Two key snippets for me-the entire dialogue with Mottaki is important-that took place during the analysis/discussion of Iran:

ZAKARIA: Michael Ware, I was struck by the fact that he repeated his public opposition to the Status of Forces Agreement. That seems as though it was a very clear, public Iranian position. They could be saying this privately. They have been saying it.What's going on here? Why is this so important to them?

MICHAEL WARE, CNN BAGHDAD CORRESPONDENT: Well, in many ways, this agreement, should it be struck, is going to be a very useful barometer to guide us as to the success or failure of the U.S. mission. I mean, look, let's face it. From the moment the first American tank crossed the Kuwait border and the Saudi border to march on Saddam's Baghdad, America was, by default, at war with Iran. Now, the only problem is, Iran knew that, but America did not. America didn't start waking up to this until 2006, when it started to create its amendment to the campaign plan, countering Iranian influence. So, Iran's gains had already been secured. It's in a position of strength.

ZAKARIA: The visit with -- Ahmadinejad's visit to Iraq did not go well.So, clearly, they're also searching for some degree of control, which is maybe why they're publicly saying, "Guys, don't sign this."If they sign the Status of Forces Agreement, will that be a defeat for Iran?

WARE: No, it won't be. It'll depend on two things. One is the terms themselves.And there's a couple of key issues to look at there, to gauge the level of Iranian influence. And I would point primarily to the fate of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service.Right now, technically, it's not even on the table. This is Iraq's CIA. But it's owned, funded, operated by America's CIA. It doesn't answer to Maliki. In the meantime, Iran has helped the Iraqis set up their own competing intelligence agency. And the SOFA, whatever happens to the INIS is going to be a key indicator of who has the real influence.