Iraq says closes borders with Syria, Iran

[Dracos]

Iraq's government said on Tuesday it had closed its borders with Syria and Iran and extended the hours of a night curfew in Baghdad under a U.S.- backed security plan to rein in violence in the capital.




The measures ordered by Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al- Maliki were announced on Iraqiya state television by Lieutenant General Abboud Qanbar, the Iraqi commander who is leading the U.S.-backed security offensive in Baghdad.

Qanbar said the border with Iran would be closed for 72 hours. He did not say how long the border with Syria will be closed.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070213/ts_nm/iraq_security_measures_dc_1

[Blackhatjack]

1. OK, here we go.... border clash would qualify for US retaliatory strike on Iran, right?

You set the stage with your military in position to strike. He ratchet up the pressure on Iran, then publicly pronounce you have no intention of attacking Iran.

Then you have Iraq close their border with Iran and Syria.

Hmmmm.... seems like a brightline test is being set up to show that Iran is attacking Iraqi/US interests by violating that border.

I guess you would have to take out Iran's nuclear sites and Republican Guard Headquarters if some "iranian personnel" violate that border, wouldn't you?

[RaleighNCDUer]

2. Timeline is not quite right yet --

First, a major border incident so we can present some unreasonable demands to the UN. With some arm twising we will get a watered down general condemnation of Iran from the UN. Using THAT as our excuse, we will be set for the real show.

Is the 2nd carrier group on station yet?
I read elsewhere that there is a 3rd carrier group on its way. Any idea where it is?

We won't start the game until we have all our pieces set.