Terrorism Suspects Traced to Iran

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iran1aug01.story
THE WORLD
Terrorism Suspects Traced to Iran
Investigators say the nation is a refuge for Al Qaeda. But who is involved is unclear.
By Sebastian Rotella
Times Staff Writer

August 1, 2004

PARIS — Despite its periodic crackdowns on the terrorist network, Iran has served as a refuge for Al Qaeda operatives suspected of plotting attacks in Europe and the Middle East and of playing a central role in the Iraqi insurgency, European investigators say.

Investigations in France, Italy, Spain and other countries since the Sept. 11 attacks point to an increasing presence in Iran of Al Qaeda figures, including suspected masterminds of this year's train bombings in Madrid and last year's car bombings of expatriate compounds in Saudi Arabia.<snip>

What concerns Western law enforcement officials, however, is the post-Sept. 11 menace posed by the terrorist group, including its involvement in Iraq and deadly attacks in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

As Osama bin Laden's movement has reconfigured since 2001, Iran has become an intermittent refuge for kingpins who have gained stature and autonomy while Bin Laden has faded from the limelight, European officials say.

"The Iranians play a double game," said a top French law enforcement official who, like others interviewed, asked to remain anonymous. "Everything they can do to trouble the Americans, without going too far, they do it. They have arrested important Al Qaeda people, but they have permitted other important Al Qaeda people to operate. It is a classic Iranian style of ambiguity, deception, manipulation."<snip>

I think Kerry has veerings, but that he can tackle an issue according to what his supporters want. Do you know what his stance is on Iran?