Obama Claims Secret ‘Proof’ of Iran Assassination Plot

Analysts See Needlessly Convoluted Plot as Doubtful

by Jason Ditz, October 13, 2011

In the two days since the Obama Administration announced the convoluted Iranian assassination plot against a Saudi Ambassador, the head-scratching has turned into open scoffing among many top experts in the region, who say the plot is just too ridiculous to be real.

At its core, the whole plot, from the used-car dealer to the Mexican drug cartel, just rings hollow. Iran stood to gain little from a DC attack but had much to lose, whether the plot succeeded or failed, as it would only drive the US and Saudi Arabia closer together and give the US yet more excuses to move against Iran.

Predictably, that’s exactly what has happened, with the Obama Administration hawkish in their threats against Iran. But is the allegation even true? Officials were admitting yesterday that they didn’t have any direct evidence to that effect, but that didn’t seem to stop the rhetoric.

And its not like the administration is ever consistent in their claims, as President Obama is now insisting he has “proof” that the plot is real. This proof, as with their “proof” against Iran’s nuclear program and their “proof” against Pakistan’s government, exists only as a talking point, and will doubtlessly never be shown to the public.

Which seems to be good enough for most US allies, as in the past. Instead of questioning why Iran would do something seemingly designed only to give President Obama an excuse to invade, foreign officials are rallying behind the US calls to “punish” Iran in some vague non-specific manner.

Obama’s secret (and likely mythical) proof will likely do little to placate foreign policy analysts, but for officials the policy is already set, and it is to further escalate hostilities with Iran. The only question that remains is how much escalation the voters will tolerate.

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