On Tuesday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo claimed without evidence that Iran is al-Qaeda’s “new home base,” recycling an old talking point of an al-Qaeda-Iran alliance that has been repeatedly debunked.
Sources first told Reuters about the planned speech on Monday night and said Pompeo was poised to make the accusation despite skepticism in Congress and US intelligence agencies. A former US intelligence official told Reuters that Iran was never friendly with al-Qaeda before or after 9/11, and that “any claims of current cooperation should be viewed warily.”
Despite the doubt, Pompeo still made the claim. Hurling accusations at Iran without evidence is nothing new for the secretary of state. Tuesday’s speech was part of his effort to ramp up the pressure on Iran as much as possible before Joe Biden is inaugurated on January 20th.
In November, The New York Times reported that Abu Muhammad al-Masri, who the Times said was al-Qaeda’s second in command, was killed in Iran by Israel back in August 2020 at the behest of the US. Pompeo mentioned the alleged assassination and said he was announcing it for the first time.
But questions remain about the report, including how a roadside assassination in Iran could go unnoticed, and how President Trump could have a top al-Qaeda leader killed without fanfare. Iran immediately denied the report, and questions arose about whether or not al-Masri could have been in Iran at the time.
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif dismissed Pompeo’s claims as “warmongering lies” in a tweet on Tuesday.
Does the Secretary of State know about the Shia v. Sunni thing? Even W eventually figured that one out.
What do you expect from a dumb politician…?!
Mike Pompeo isn’t dumb, just ignorant.
I don’t even think he’s ignorant, just an evil bastard.
Intentionally ignorant due to religious indoctrination at an impressionable age. The system that created him is certainly evil.
Pompeo is a demagogue.
He lacks even the minimal amount of charisma needed to whip the great unwashed into a frenzy. More of a tool. The Congressman from Koch.
Him and Trump they’re both dumb because they’re consciously self destructing themselves…! They’re both proud to be crooks…!
Fat Mike is just mad he’s going to have to pay for his own dinners.
And how many times New York Times reported that the al-Qaeda’s Second in command was killed by US forces…? Eight Times…!!!???
Yup, I think there’s only ever 2 of em…#1 likely works at Langley.
I think we killed more second in commands then there were original members.
the Washington Redskins should change their name to the Washington Second in Commands
They hate the guts out of each other, but the only thing they have in common is their hatred of Israel although Trump probably believes Al Qaeda likes Israel now because he made it so. American politicians are the dumbest without doubt.
Iran supported Santa Anna at the Alamo, but the evidence is secret so he cannot talk about it.
Can’t wait till this fat turd is flushed down the toilet of history…
Vic, they are going to need a heavy duty plunger to get that load down.
And a lot of Draino!
My have to call in Roto-Rueter.
How many so called journolists asked pompous for evidence? , remember this is the CIA man who said , WE LIE , WE CHEAT , WE STEAL,
Given that 100’s of millions of dollars in equipment and training ended up in the hands of al Qaeda affiliates in Syria?….. Perhaps it should be Iran accusing the USA of ties to al Qaeda.
https://sputniknews.com/us/202101131081751985-biden-nominates-ex-us-envoy-to-the-un-samantha-power-as-usaid-administrator/
With this nomination of Samantha Power as USAID administrator, she’ll achieve a working partnership with Victoria Nuland’s new job as political affairs undersecretary.
So we’ll have both Ukraine AND Libya instigators. Oh boy.