Iraq's laws Covering the Financing of Political Parties are Vague……..
"The Americans have accused Iran of trying to influence the outcome of the poll - masterminding a controversial blacklist of candidates seen as targeting Sunni politicians unsympathetic to Tehran. Maj Gen Steve Lanza, the chief spokesman for US forces in Iraq, says that Iran is now moving from what he calls "direct influence" in Iraq to using "indirect" means. "What we've seen in some cases is what we call a malign influence. And that influence in some cases has come from Iran, by money and by resources that are being applied within the state, money that is coming in to influence and shape the elections." In the past few weeks, accusations of foreign funding have flown back and forth between the various political parties. In the absence of a legal paper-trail, the allegations are hard to prove. In any case, such financial contributions would not be illegal. Iraq's laws covering the financing of political parties are vague. But Western diplomats in Baghdad believe that millions of dollars of Iranian money have been flowing into the country to fund Shiite parties. ………..”
The good general is not looking to the southwest. It is likely that as much, perhaps more, money is also flowing into Iraq from that direction.
Cheers
mhg
Mon Email
Comments