Ritter: Use Iran to get out of Iraq

[seemslikeadream]

http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=55597§ionid=351020101


Former Marine Corps intelligence officer Scott Ritter says the White House should use Iran's influence to get out of Iraq's quagmire.

Speaking at a press conference in Chicago, Ritter said the leaders of the Iraqi government have 'very close' ties with Tehran.

" to say that Iran is trying to undermine the Iraqi government is self-contradictory," added the former chief UN arms inspector.

Ritter said what happened in Basra signals the positive influence of Iran in resolving the Iraqi crisis.

"It was Iran brokering an agreement," continued the dissenting patriot.

Ritter was referring to Iran's involvement in efforts to end fighting between the Mahdi Army fighters and US-Iraqi security forces in the southern city of Basra in late March.

He went on to say that the White House should be using 'Iran's influence' in a bid to establish stability in Iraq.

The veteran's remarks come at a time when US echelons are ratcheting up the pressure on Tehran over allegations that the Islamic Republic supports insurgency in Iraq by aiding and training the militias.

Political analysts consider the recent stream of accusations as a fresh initiative by the Bush administration for grooming the public for a new war in the Mideast.