Saudi March '06 Report: Iranian 'Shi'ite State' inside Iraq

Iran has effectively created a Shi'ite "state within a state" in neighboring Iraq, defying both Iraqi Sunnis and neighboring Sunni nations, according to a Saudi security report.

Iranian military forces are providing Shi'ite militias with weapons and training, Iranian charities are pouring funds into schools and hospitals, and Tehran is actively supporting pro-Iranian Iraqi politicians, the report said.

"Where the Americans have failed, the Iranians have stepped in," said the report by the Saudi National Security Assessment Project, a Riyadh-based consultancy commissioned by the Saudi government to provide security and intelligence assessments.

The report, submitted to the Saudi government in March, has not been publicly distributed.

Citing interviews with intelligence and military officials in Iraq and surrounding region, the report states that the Sunni insurgency numbers about 77,000, while the Shi'ite militia forces total about 35,000.

Read the rest at the Washington Times

Related Link:
Analysis: Saudi Royal Family, Gov't Split on Iraq

Related Link:
Saudis Say They Might Back Sunnis if U.S. Leaves Iraq

Related Link:
Leading Saudi clerics issue world-wide call for force against Iraqi Shi'ites

Related Link:
Private Saudis reportedly funding Sunni insurgents

Related Link:
Saudi denies it may back Sunnis in Iraq

Related Link:
Aide: Saudi Arabia will intervene in Iraq if U.S. withdraws

Related Link:
Analysis: Saudis Work to Curb Iran's Influence

Related Link:
Analysis: Saudis may use oil to fight Iran in Iraq