THE GULF WAR: The Battle Front : Words on the War

IRAN HAS TWO GOALS in this conflict: First, the destruction of Saddam Hussein and his forces; second, damaging . . . and ultimately eliminating the dominant American presence in the gulf. Iran can have its cake and eat it, too. If Saddam weakens, Iran can well betray him by retaining control of the (Iraqi) aircraft. If, however, the U.S. should start running into serious political trouble, Iran can make political capital by releasing the aircraft and helping Saddam and the “Muslim cause” against the infidels. Either way, Iran betrays somebody and emerges the winner, with both its enemies weakened.

--GRAHAM E. FULLER, former vice chairman of the National Intelligence Council