IRANIAN INTRIGUE – AT 9:08 A.M. ET:  Intelligence and defense types are still debating whether the administration's report of an Iranian plot to murder the Saudi ambassador to Washington on our soil holds water. 

One area of skepticism has been the conclusion that the Iranians were using Mexican drug cartels to further the plot.  Some observers ridicule this idea, conjuring up the image of sophisticated Iranian operatives of the Quds Force using crude drug dealers.  And yet Ken Allard, former dean of the National War College, says it makes all kinds of sense:

Iran’s actions here are consistent not only with its sorry record of contravening human rights and international law, but also with its well-documented use of covert forces. The regime has constantly used such methods to extend its influence and to strike directly at lesser rivals as well as the greater Satans.

The Mexican drug cartels are the only group that may be more professional and lethal than the Quds Force. The cartels preside over a logistical empire extending from just south of my San Antonio home to nationwide outlets as close as your neighborhood 7-11. If you seek to do serious harm to the United States, they’re an excellent choice thanks to the scope and reach of their networks, just as Hertz and Avis make a good choice for car rentals.

COMMENT:  We'll be hearing more about this plot in the weeks ahead.  As we've reported, Washington is taking it very seriously.  Whether our reaction to Iran is effective, however, is another story entirely.  Thus far nothing we've done in terms of sanctions has stopped that country, which is moving swiftly toward deadly nuclear technology.

October 17, 2011