Research Uncovered Iran-Sadr Connections

In “The Hawks and the Doves Are Aflutter Over U.S. Iran Policy” (Commentary, July 23), William Beeman says that I initiated the accusation of links between Iran and Muqtada Sadr. He accuses me of political spin.

I originated nothing.

Such links were discussed widely by both Iraqi officials and ordinary people.

Iranian pilgrims visiting shrines in Karbala and Najaf spoke openly about Iranian support for some insurgents, as did some Iranian journalists. On April 6, the Italian military intelligence agency concluded that Iran funded Sadr and other insurgent leaders to the tune of $70 million monthly.

I have spent 18 months in Iraq and Iran over the last five years. My analysis is based not on polemics, conspiracy theories or wishful thinking but on extensive on-the-ground research. To base policy analysis on anything else is irresponsible and dangerous.

Michael Rubin

Resident Scholar, American Enterprise Institute

Washington