Iran Demands British Troops Quit Basra

Apparently the Iranians believe that they are already in a position to assert their power in Iraq. From AP, with thanks to Mackie:

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) -- Iran's foreign minister demanded the immediate withdrawal of British forces from Basra on Friday, saying their presence had destabilized Iraq's second-largest city.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair rejected the demand and accused Iran of trying to divert attention from other issues, presumably its nuclear program. A Basra city spokesman said the departure of foreign troops "is not in Iraq's interest now" because of the security situation.

"We believe that the presence of British forces in Basra has destabilized security in this city and has had some negative effects in the form of threats against southern Iran recently," Foreign Minister Manushehr Mottaki said during a visit to Beirut, Lebanon.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran demands an immediate withdrawal of British forces from Basra," he added. Basra, where most of Britain's more than 8,000 troops in Iraq are based, is located about 20 miles west of the Iranian border.

Posted by Robert on February 18, 2006 12:42 AM | 7 Comments
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7 Comments

SAtarzan | February 18, 2006 12:58 AM

I suppose Iranian troops would move in the fill the the British armies role after a withdrawl.
some balls there

Shinoliite | February 18, 2006 1:03 AM

More not-so-subtle angling for a Shia superstate.

I'm sure Iran didn't cook this up themselves out of nowhere, without co-conspirators like Sistani (who's already funneling money to Iran) and his counterparts farther south in Iraq.

Kafir Nonbeliever | February 18, 2006 1:11 AM

CHINESE ASSISTANCE OF IRAN:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/17/AR2006021701117.html

China is making sanctions impossible.

Dumbo | February 18, 2006 4:35 AM

Yeah, the Iraniophuks cause all this crap, then have the balls to ask the Limeys to quit. It is law of the club and fang here. This scum has ubelievable chutzpah!

profitsbeard | February 18, 2006 2:03 PM

Bags of Manure Thrown Over the Iranian Border would be the only answer needed.

disciple | February 18, 2006 10:35 PM

Sometimes all I want to s is F*** O**.

disciple | February 18, 2006 10:40 PM

I meant All I want to say to those Iranians is F*** O**
I wonder if that would be to blunt, or would offend them somehow. Oh well. Probably less than some silly cartoon would offend them.
The new Iraqi govt. needs to tell the Iranians to butt out.