Other Columns by Oliver North
Oliver North Bio

Printer-Friendly Version

Page 2 of 2

Though all of these terrorist attacks were perpetrated by Hezbollah operatives, the individuals carrying them out were trained, equipped and controlled by Iran. We have known that with absolute certainty since 1986, when I went secretly to Tehran seeking the release of Americans being held hostage in Beirut. Though the Reagan administration's covert overtures to Iran remain highly controversial, there is no doubt Tehran directed the capture -- and eventually the release -- of Weir, Jenco and Jacobsen.

For those who think this is all ancient history and that Hezbollah is no longer a threat to the United States, consider that just last week, Iranian Hezbollah spokesman Mojtaba Bigdeli issued a threat to dispatch 2,000 operatives "to every corner of the world to jeopardize Israel and America's interests." He continued: "If America wants to ignite World War III ... we welcome it."

Idle threat? Not to the FBI. Two months ago, before Hezbollah attacks on Israel precipitated the most recent round of hostilities, the New York Post reported the group "may be planning to activate sleeper cells in New York and other big cities to stage an attack as the nuclear showdown with Iran heats up." The threat seemed credible enough for the FBI to launch "urgent new probes in New York and other cities," including Detroit, Los Angeles and Boston. The effort, the Post reported, identified "about a dozen hard-core supporters of Hezbollah" in New York City alone.

President Bush has repeatedly warned the global war on terror will not be short, cost-free or without losses. We can reduce our losses by knowing our enemies and acting against them. Hezbollah is surely such an enemy.

----------

COPYRIGHT 2005 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC

--------------------

Note -- The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, and/or philosophy of GOPUSA.

>> Back -- Page 1 2