October 12th, 2011
02:00 PM ET

Questions about the alleged Iranian plot

A number of Iran analysts are expressing doubt over the alleged plot to kill the Saudi Ambassador to the United States. Here are some excerpts:

Former CIA operative Bob Baer expressed his skepticism about the allegation that Iran was behind the plot to kill the Saudi Ambassador to the U.S. Robert Baer is a former Middle East CIA field officer and TIME.com's intelligence columnist.  He is also the author of See No EvilThe Devil We Know and The Company We Keep. Here's what he had to say:

"There are very few groups operationally better than Iran’s Quds Force. They know what they are doing. The only proxies they use are ones they’ve vetted. They don’t let their own citizens get involved. They send other people to do it for them from Hezbollah to Bosnian Muslims. It would be completely uncharacteristic for Iran to be caught red handed."

"So why were they all of a sudden so sloppy? Why would they take this risk now? Who cares about Saudi Ambassador to the U.S. Ali Jaber, anyway? He’s not a royal. He’s probably not the main interlocutor between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Why not go for Saudi Prince Bandar in London? Many other targets would serve Iranian interests better."

"Everybody is looking for evidence that there is going to be a confrontation with Iran. Everybody is jumping on this as a sign of conflict to come. But there are many questions here that need to be answered."

Gary Sick is a senior research scholar at Columbia University’s Middle East Institute and an adjunct professor at the School of International and Public Affairs. Sick served on the National Security Council under Presidents Ford, Carter and Reagan. He was the principal White House aide for Iran during the Iranian Revolution and the hostage crisis. In the following blog post, Gary Sick reiterates some of Baer's questions: 

"I find this alleged Iranian plot very hard to believe. In fact, this plot, if true, departs from all known Iranian policies and procedures. To be sure, Iran has plenty of reasons to be angry at both the United States and Saudi Arabia. They attribute the recent wave of assassinations of physics professors and students, as well as the intrusion of the Stuxnet worm, to the U.S. and Israel. And the king of Saudi Arabia is reliably reported to have called for the U.S. to bomb Iran."

"Iran has reportedly been involved in past assassinations in Europe and bombings in Argentina and elsewhere. But the assassinations were of Iranian counter-revolutionaries in the 1980s, and the bombings were always carried out by trusted proxies — normally a branch of Hezbollah. Iran’s fingerprints were always concealed beneath one or more layers of disguise."

"Iran has never conducted — or apparently even attempted — an assassination or a bombing inside the U.S. And it is difficult to believe that they would rely on a non-Islamic criminal gang to carry out this most sensitive of all possible missions. In this instance, they allegedly relied on at least one amateur and a Mexican criminal drug gang that is known to be riddled with both Mexican and U.S. intelligence agents."

"Whatever else may be Iran’s failings, they are not noted for utter disregard of the most basic intelligence tradecraft, e.g. discussing an ultra-covert operation on an open international line between Iran and the U.S. Yet that is what happened here. Perhaps this operation is just as it appears. But at a minimum both the public and the Congress should demand more detailed evidence before taking any rash or irreversible action. If Iran is really as stupid and as incompetent as this case implies, then perhaps they are their own worst enemy and not the clever and determined adversary that they are made out to be."

Post by:
Topics: Iran • Saudi Arabia • Terrorism

soundoff (200 Responses)
  1. mojacar

    might have something to do with the venezuela -iran , iran -china , iran russia blossoming romances as well as the ongoing need to get real estate for more u.s bases in the neverending israel saga .
    if this turns out to be a sting operation gone wrong lends more credibility to the lunatic fringe theorists about who realy set up the 9 11 stuff

    October 12, 2011 at 8:40 am | Reply
    • j. von hettlingen

      According to Robert Baer, a certain agent provocateur had set this up to stir up bad opinion against Iran? Well the U.S. would look foolish if it bought this story! Nothing surprises us in these days!

      October 12, 2011 at 11:30 am | Reply
      • ohthatchar

        I smell a big, false flag, here. I could tell Holder was lying before the words got out of his mouth.

        October 12, 2011 at 1:54 pm |
    • iShepherd

      Look up: Lavone Affair. and look up: operation Northwoods

      October 12, 2011 at 11:33 am | Reply
    • Fat Jeff

      Sounds like the US is trying to start another fake war under false pretenses like they did in Iraq.

      October 12, 2011 at 12:18 pm | Reply
      • dan

        If that were true, wouldn't a war be more justified if the bombings succeeded rather than by stopping them?

        October 12, 2011 at 12:30 pm |
      • Rabble Rabble

        It also would have been a better idea to show it as an attack on an American as opposed to a Saudi ambassador that the people know little about. I'm not sure what to make of this yet, but I don't think it's as cut and dried as you say it is.

        October 12, 2011 at 12:33 pm |
      • Josh

        @dan You're right about that. And the commenter after you is right to be skeptical about why they'd go for Saudis instead of Americans. Then again, that could be explained by the geographic position that SA has with respect to Iran, and how that would benefit us by them allowing us to have more bases there. They also hate Iran, so... But my thing is, why is the US reacting so strongly to something Eric Holder himself said "could not be tied to the higher echelons of the Iranian government"? Given that, how is "no options are off the table" a proportionate response? There's definitely something wrong here. No evidence to say it was staged, but at the very least, it seems there was either a misattribution of blame or at the very very least, an excessive quickness to divvy out the blame.
        Also, I find something wrong with the idea that the Quds would use Mexican drug cartels as their hit men. I find something even more wrong with the idea that they just so happened to get an informant instead of the real deal. What are the odds? The story is littered with plot holes.

        October 12, 2011 at 1:04 pm |
      • steven

        So true, we're already on the edge of bankruptcy. Why not destroy another country & rebuilt it with taxpayer money. We can print more. :)

        October 12, 2011 at 1:45 pm |
    • Betty

      This sounds like another, in a long line of arrests that have been made recently, of the intelligence agencies finding a vulnerable person with the propensity but not the means to attack, then providing them with the means, followed by an arrest.

      October 12, 2011 at 12:31 pm | Reply
      • flashinpan

        Are you insinuating that there's something wrong with that? It sounds OK to me...

        October 12, 2011 at 3:41 pm |
    • gerr

      America's "lunatic fringe" conspiracy story tellers are clones of the Iranian president. Proud and persistent in their public stupidity.

      October 12, 2011 at 12:44 pm | Reply
      • Dude

        Actually gerr. Those of us who don't trust the government have more real-world experience. We've run businesses or had enough run ins over the course of our life to see corruption in the government. We are less naive and insolated by a fantasy world where the government does no wrong. Wake up and except that the most educated most experienced people in this world, especially the wealthy, have zero trust of the U.S. government.

        October 12, 2011 at 2:34 pm |
    • steven

      I think its our own secret ops trying to pull a fast one. Remember when Iran had their first elected president it was the CIA who helped get rid of him. U.S. needs something to keep people's minds off the economy what better way than blame someone else for something you did.

      October 12, 2011 at 1:38 pm | Reply
  2. coder

    the CIA is still trying to figure out how the russian's got into afghanistan..... so the doubt casted now, really means – they still have no idea what's going on in the world around them.... its a shame really, so much power and such pathetic goals

    October 12, 2011 at 8:40 am | Reply
    • really?

      Really? Coder, are you that naive? You highly underestimate our intelligence services and what their agenda is, their agenda is to protect your ass....

      October 12, 2011 at 9:55 am | Reply
      • DavidtheDoubter

        I really don't trust our CIA or the Bush administration OR the Obama administration. This sounds very fishy, maybe the Zionists want war between the US and Iran! Maybe our own MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX doesn't want to see the defense budget cut, or maybe THE OIL COMPANIES NEED TO REINFLATE THE PRICE OF GAS.
        I for one do not believe the Iranians are this stupid, but our CIA – yea, I'd believe they are this stupid or this dishonest. They failed to warn us about 9-11, they've under-estimated the resolve of the enemy, heck they couldn't even find Osama, well maybe they LET HIM LIVE to keep the 10 year war going.
        TWO THINGS THE CIA IS GOOD AT, SPENDING TAXPAYER MONEY WITH NO ACCOUNTABILTY AND INFRINGING ON THE RIGHTS OF U.S. CITIZENS.
        An organization like the CIA is only good at feathering their own nest and under-mining the democratic traditions of this country.
        They failed against Cuba, repeatedly, what is to say they have gotten any better?

        October 12, 2011 at 10:34 am |
      • KJ

        I completely agree with you, "Really" Intelligence group are always looking for a way to do things differently! This is a very dumb article from what I thought was an intelligence man.

        October 12, 2011 at 10:37 am |
      • jamesjoaozinho

        If you have any clue about the history of our intelligence agencies. They've done everything except protect. Most of their actions have been about removing leaders who don't match with our economic goals. You must be a pure idiot to comment like you did. Pick up a few books before assuming that U.S. intelligence has anything to do with protection at all. This whole thing with this plot is bogus. It is an obvious created distraction to divert attention away from the Occupy Wallstreet Protests. Duh!

        October 12, 2011 at 10:44 am |
      • @really

        You should really learn to read...

        @KJ "I thought this guy was an intelligence man" um.... he was... A guy that actually worked in the CIA comes out and tells you what is going on in the CIA and you respond with "This is a very dumb article from what I thought was an intelligence man." I swear to god you'll be happier in life if you at least try to educate yourself.

        October 12, 2011 at 10:58 am |
      • Jean Sartre, Milwaukee, WI

        I'll protect my own ass, thank you... don't need any silly CIA creep to do that!

        October 12, 2011 at 12:37 pm |
    • Elaine Connelly

      coder: You must be an Obama supporter, after all he is a muslim. They are allowed to lie, obfuscate, pull in foolish idiots like you. Liberal Troll, that's what you are.
      I would much rather have a next door neighbor that is a CIA agent than some foolish little boy/girl like you.

      October 12, 2011 at 12:29 pm | Reply
      • RAybee

        Elaine Connelly, you are an idiot! Obama is NOT a muslim, if he was he would have been killed for attending a Christian Church, you must be a birther also.

        October 12, 2011 at 12:43 pm |
      • Kristi

        RAybee, u r sooooo we tah did!

        October 12, 2011 at 12:54 pm |
      • RJ888

        Elaine, you are a great example of the severely flawed education system in this nation. Educate yourself before posting!

        October 12, 2011 at 1:30 pm |
      • steven harnack

        You are either a howl-at-the-moon crazy person or you do a fantastic immpression of one. I'll bet that you talk to your television too, right?

        October 12, 2011 at 1:42 pm |
  3. T

    Most people don't believe the government anymore and feel like stories like these are no more than propoganda to justify our police towards Iran.

    The government has lost all credibility during the past 10 years with all the Yellow alerts, WMD, Al Qeda in Iraq, etc etc. No one believes anything our our government says. If CNN is not careful, no one is going to take what they say serious in the future either if they keep reporting this kind of garbage....

    October 12, 2011 at 8:51 am | Reply
    • James

      Agree with you completly. It seems americans like you are waking up to the nonesense. Right down from when Roosevelt provoked Germany's declaration of war right up to the Iraq war. Americans have been living a LIE.

      October 12, 2011 at 10:01 am | Reply
      • Boy Genius

        James, where did you learn about history? Germany attacked Poland in 1939. United States entered WWII in December 7,1941. How did Roosevelt provoke Germany ?

        October 12, 2011 at 11:45 am |
    • Cynic

      I agree with you completely, but I do have a question. Someone takes CNN seriously now?

      October 12, 2011 at 10:15 am | Reply
    • DavidtheDoubter

      I agree with you, the oil companies see the middle east as a great place to stir up trouble (keep that price of crude high because of the uncertianity), either that or the Zionists want an excuse to bomb Iran.
      Either way, this is just too fishy.
      The Irans might be nasty but I don't think they are this stupid.

      October 12, 2011 at 10:38 am | Reply
    • TrueBeliever

      Agreed. How stupid do they really think EVERYONE in the US really is? Yes, there sure are a lot of sheep that just don't want to know what is going on around them, but not all are. I don't believe the propaganda. I knew a gentleman that worked for the Army releasing "altered" information and if the public really knew...

      October 12, 2011 at 10:59 am | Reply
    • iShepherd

      Look up: Lavone Affair and look up: operation Northwoods

      October 12, 2011 at 11:35 am | Reply
    • Anon

      I know from first hand experience that there are many liars and corrupt prosecutors in the upper echelon of the U.S. government. Honest people can't survive in this environment. You have to bring so many cases, and uncover so many plots each year, that unless you fabricate most of your cases, you don't make your bonuses. There isn't enough crime to go around and there's high quotas in the CIA, DOJ, SEC, FDA, IRS etc... Be VERY VERY careful what you do in this world because there is a bad government official waiting to spin the truth.

      October 12, 2011 at 2:07 pm | Reply
  4. Girt

    Really.....
    Who cares about Saudi Ambassador to the U.S., anyway?
    Have you ever asked yourself???
    This scenario is like a Hollywood movie! Remembers me the movie 'Unknown' :) )

    October 12, 2011 at 9:04 am | Reply
  5. F

    I think the US is trying to prepare another "Weapons of Mass Destruction" type drama to attack Iran. Or it could be Israel trying to assassinate Saudi Ambassador to create an atmosphere that forces US to attack Iran.

    It is definitely not in Iran's interest to do this. Everything has a purpose and this 'claimed' act doesn't fulfill any purpose at all. So most likely, US government is lying like it did in the past in case of Iraq.

    Election around the corner, Obama needs election issues and this can be the one!!!

    October 12, 2011 at 9:10 am | Reply
    • JasonP

      LOL, he NEEDS election issues? Yeah right. Obama would gladly admit he's got enough election issues.

      October 12, 2011 at 9:55 am | Reply
    • Andreas Martinsen

      Yeah right, and starting another war is just what the american public wants.

      Get real.

      October 12, 2011 at 11:23 am | Reply
    • sfoch

      Agree. This plot wouldn't benefit Iran at all. Killing an ambassador is akin to desecrating a temple. Iran's policy has been consistently to build regional solidarity and to further isolate Israel (something that has been happening in recent years). This "foiled plot" appears to be anti-Iran propaganda in an attempt to reverse that trend. I am in no way in favor of the Islamic Republic or a theocracy for a government, but you can't just believe this. Iranian secret service could easily kill an ambassador and wouldn't involved thug mexican cartel to do it. Furthermore the ambassador does not make the policies and Iran would not want to create open war with their neighbor for such a small gain. The strong words from Biden and Clinton for the "entire world" to "unite against iran" and "isolate Iran" furthers the propaganda's strategy. The USA/UK did the same thing to Iran in the 1950's with operation ajax. I would like to see a different government in Iran but this approach will lead to military conflict and the deaths of americans, israelis, and iranians. To date, NO terrorists or suicide bombers have been Iranians (though the USA says they are "state sponsors of terror" something that the region also labels Israel).

      October 12, 2011 at 3:41 pm | Reply
  6. FeyKname

    Heh, it's going to be hard to sell this to the skeptical part of the public as anything but a false flag operation. If that's what it is it was likely done with the Saudis consent and assistance making it easier to sell to their people that they're going to spearhead the bombing of Iran side by side with Israel and the US, both playing a more silent role in attempt to make the Sunni Muslim world think it's the Saudi's idea to do so. KSA vs Iran has been brewing (or cooked up) for some time now, it looks like the US is gearing up the pretense for it, either as a bluff for some behind the scenes horse trading or actual war.

    October 12, 2011 at 9:15 am | Reply
  7. AGA

    iraq, libya and now iran have one in common. they all have oil which value will answer for the west's financial problems and will satisfy their greed. after iran, the final invasion will be in saudi arabia

    October 12, 2011 at 9:17 am | Reply
    • Mac Qurashi

      More oil will not answer the economic problems of the West. It will only make oil companies and their exectives rich. The profits never trickle down to the 99%.

      October 12, 2011 at 11:20 am | Reply
  8. Thomas

    This NEWS is a J O K E ..... Bunch of liers these Americans. they r still looking WNDs in Iraq lol

    October 12, 2011 at 9:26 am | Reply
    • JasonP

      It's the Republicans that have been itching for war with Iran. Look it up.

      October 12, 2011 at 9:56 am | Reply
      • Lisa

        Yaaa, it's just an excuse to put sanctions on them and paving the path to trigger a war on Iran.

        October 12, 2011 at 10:29 am |
      • Craig

        look it up where? The Huffington Post! Fact: Since 1900, the only wars that have been initiated by Republican (Progressive Replublicans that is) are the Gulf War, Iraq and Afgan. Dems got us into WWI, WWII, Vietnam, Balkans.

        October 12, 2011 at 12:04 pm |
      • rod

        jason- I agree with you. Most likely Dick Cheney was intrumental. Haliburton revenues are down and he was the one that profited the most out of the Irag was.

        October 12, 2011 at 12:11 pm |
      • DaveinCincy

        You are in desperate need of a history lesson....grab a book occassionally and read. It'll do you wonders.

        October 12, 2011 at 1:52 pm |
    • Rabble Rabble

      WNDs? I'm guessing a typo, but I like to go with the idea of Weapons of No Destruction. Take this however you want.

      October 12, 2011 at 12:40 pm | Reply
  9. greencook

    I agree, this looks like a Gulf of Tonken fabrication.

    October 12, 2011 at 9:27 am | Reply
  10. Ali

    Here is some answers for Mr Baer :

    "The only proxies they use are ones they’ve vetted." Correct that is why they used a khodi or insider such as a relative which appears to be case here (cousin of a high ranking officer of the IRRGC)

    "They don’t get their own citizens get involved. They send other people to do it for them from Hezbollah to Bosnian Muslims." This was true in the early 80' but not true anymore. For instance, they used iranian agents who were caught in the Mikonos attack in Berlin or in the assassination of former premier Shapur Bakhtiar in Paris.

    "It would be completely uncharacteristic for Iran to be caught red handed". See above

    So why were they all of a sudden so sloppy? They always have been sloppy, they are just less sloppy than the western intelligence agencies

    "Why would they take this risk now? " Who knows the IRI has a history of irrational behavior

    "Who cares about Saudi Ambassador to the U.S. Ali Jaber, anyway?" See above

    Keep up with the good job in Holliwood and please do not go back working for the CIA !

    October 12, 2011 at 9:52 am | Reply
    • dlmacintosh

      Ali – Logical responses to conspiracy theorists? You must be one of "them", Ha ha :-)

      October 12, 2011 at 10:17 am | Reply
    • Gene

      You forgot the detail that one of the assassins in Paris was related to an Iranian official (like the accusation here) – Surhadi. What is truly odd is the idea that they would choose Mexicans to target a Saudi. Mexican assassins in DC working for Iran - that is something unprecedented (even for Iran). They've used a lot of nationalities, but nothing like that.

      October 12, 2011 at 12:49 pm | Reply
    • Kristi

      Learn to spell A Hole!

      October 12, 2011 at 12:57 pm | Reply
      • Gene

        Ali did not misspell hole.

        October 12, 2011 at 1:07 pm |
  11. Thinker

    Not buying it...lets come up with a better story to attack Iran..
    By the way why are we still in Afghanistan? and Iraq?.....hmmm
    ofcourse our security and interests. repeat after me.

    October 12, 2011 at 9:52 am | Reply
  12. Danladi Buhari

    US is just looking for ground to go after Tehran. But be careful what you have sore will definetly be harbested. This is just Hillary Clinton said before Congress when Bush administration was seeking their nod to go after Iraq and Afghanistan.

    October 12, 2011 at 9:57 am | Reply
  13. robert saint amour

    Now comes the search for WMD..I'll give two to one odds that Iran is targeted within a month...Way to go USA..

    October 12, 2011 at 10:05 am | Reply
  14. Chris Fleming

    Credit to Bob Baer and CNN for posting an alternate view of the most recent "revelation" of a "terrrorist plot". America's credibility abroad has already been stretched very thin by exaggerated and biased reports of threats to national security and prosecutorial zeal in matters such as the Strauss-Kahn affair. Even if there is evidence of Iran-based terrorist operations in the USA, the early publicisizing of investigations seriously raises doubts about the judgement of the nation's national security leadership.

    October 12, 2011 at 10:06 am | Reply
  15. candy

    If they really hate this Iran president (or anyone else – the guy who needs to pay) so much, why don't they just give him citizenship and then send a drone to get him next time. It's totally legal, you know. No need to drum up this stupid WMD plot.

    October 12, 2011 at 10:10 am | Reply
    • rmosele

      Perfect!

      October 12, 2011 at 11:43 am | Reply
  16. NYCitizen

    Gee, for the past two weeks, I thought we were going to have a conflict/war with Pakistan....I guess we changed our minds and decided on Iran!

    October 12, 2011 at 10:12 am | Reply
    • Cynic

      Just give them time. Iran this week. Pakistan next week.

      Anything to stir the pot and make us believe in government lies again.

      October 12, 2011 at 10:17 am | Reply
  17. Jardin T

    We've seen this before. Now, we are going to have someone shouting at the UN to condemn this act. Then accuse someone of planning to explode a dirty bomb in NY. Then Get ready for war. I heard GOP is coming back next year.

    October 12, 2011 at 10:15 am | Reply
  18. Jaydo

    I have been thinking what a perfect excuse this would be to start something with Iran.

    Some in government have been chomping at the bit to get involved militarily with Iran, this may be the excuse.

    I am very, very skeptical of the authenticity of this "plot".

    October 12, 2011 at 10:16 am | Reply
    • Cynic

      Yeah, like we didn't see this coming.

      October 12, 2011 at 10:18 am | Reply
  19. T

    It is a bit far-fetched to accept everything about this on face value. Is it the stuff of Hollywood? Yes, a really BAD film that is released to DVD one week after it is in the cinema. Not buying this- too convenient. Not that I am a fan of the IR gov't, not by a long shot, but this is really outta left field.

    I just saw the Frontline episode on Dr. Ivins, who the FBI had concluded was the guy behind the Anthrax letters. Turns out the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) concluded in their independent review of the scientific evidence that the FBI's case was inconclusive and that Dr. Ivins could not have been 'the guy' with 100% certainty. Now that same director, Mr. Mueller, says that Iran is behind this. There is a credibility problem here...

    October 12, 2011 at 10:19 am | Reply
    • Observer

      Fool me once, shame on you.

      Fool me twice, shame on me.

      Unfortunately, most of the people can be fooled most of the time.

      This is proof...

      October 12, 2011 at 10:28 am | Reply
      • NYCitizen

        I thought it was, at least according to George W. Bush, and I can envision Townsend doing pinwheels:

        Fool me once Shame on Me
        Fool Me twice Shame on You
        We won't get fooled again

        Sorry, I couldn't resist!

        October 12, 2011 at 11:01 am |
  20. Observer

    New estimate of U.S. war costs: $4 trillion.

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/checkpoint-washington/post/new-estimate-of-us-war-costs-4-trillion/2011/06/29/AGnolfqH_blog.html?hpid=z4

    Let’s double down with another war and make it $8 trillion. That will make the warmongers happy.
    The taxpayers?
    Shaft them again.

    .

    October 12, 2011 at 10:21 am | Reply
    • Retired Floridian

      Absolutely right-you nailed it!

      October 12, 2011 at 10:23 am | Reply
  21. Retired Floridian

    this is clearly a "dirty trick" setup by NSA and / or CIA to distract from domestic ecomonic problems, pave the way for a U.S. and / or Israeli strike directly against Iran, to protect the military and intelligence budgets from any budget cuts come November when the debt reduction committeee reports, etc. It could be anythinbg for any reason OTHER than an actual Iranian supported assassination plot.

    October 12, 2011 at 10:22 am | Reply
    • Observer

      The country should listen carefully to retired Floridians.

      October 12, 2011 at 10:34 am | Reply
  22. T3chsupport

    We've already been lied to so much, and we've lost and destroyed thousands of lives because of it.
    People are right to be skeptical.

    October 12, 2011 at 10:23 am | Reply
  23. Lisa

    Why would they go after the Saudi Ambassador when the Saudi Royals themselves regularly stay in New York City throughout the year? This story doesn't make sense – it seems like it is made up.

    October 12, 2011 at 10:25 am | Reply
  24. Shawn

    I agree this does not sound legit at all. I'm sure there are people in our government that know that. Hopefully somebody stands up and does what's right for a change. Whomever they are, they need not be afraid – millions of us got your back!

    October 12, 2011 at 10:30 am | Reply
  25. Johnny

    This story is as true as the story about Iraq having WMDs.

    Iran is not behind this and Iraq did not have WMDs

    October 12, 2011 at 10:31 am | Reply
    • Johnny

      We are lied to by our government on a daily basis... getting distracted of the real issues and problems.

      October 12, 2011 at 10:32 am | Reply
  26. Frak Oliver

    CNN: WHAT HAPPENED TO MY COMMENTS?

    October 12, 2011 at 10:33 am | Reply
  27. nihalsam, switzerland

    Rings a bell: WMD in Iraq. With the US losing more and more support in the area and Israel with its back to the wall, something had to be done. But did it have to be so silly?

    October 12, 2011 at 10:34 am | Reply
  28. erich2112x

    They're getting closer to developing a nuclear weapon, and we're getting closer to sending in the drones to vaporize those facilities. When the propaganda machine begins to churn, that usually means war is on the horizon.

    October 12, 2011 at 10:37 am | Reply
  29. rick

    im sick of all this bleep i say lets take the whole middle east out and be down with it!!!!!!!!!!

    October 12, 2011 at 10:38 am | Reply
    • zack

      y dont u keep ur bleeping self out of wordly affairs and the bleeping world would do just fine.

      October 12, 2011 at 6:04 pm | Reply
  30. Var

    From the comments above it's clear that most finally "get it"! The end game is quite simply to keep the U.S. military-industrial complex alive and well, despite how much it actually costs the country. In not so many words Eisenhower, a military man himself, warned America about the dangers implicit in defence and homeland security, per se, becoming principal drivers or the countries policies and activities. People can be made to accept and do strange things when they are constantly made to feel afraid! Just look at Eisenhower's main advisaries during the 40's!

    October 12, 2011 at 10:46 am | Reply
    • Onesmallvoice

      Thank you, Var. You said it all.

      October 12, 2011 at 10:51 am | Reply
  31. George Patton

    First of all, what would Iran's motivation for assassinating this Saudi ambassador anyway? Secondly, why would the Quds bureau fool with the members of the Mexican drug cartels? This whole story doesn't even hold water as it's just another U.S. govenment ploy to get peoples' minds off the sorry state of the current economy!!! Just when are the people in this country going to wise up???

    October 12, 2011 at 10:48 am | Reply
    • Theend

      "We herd sheep, we drive cattle, we lead people. Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way." - George S. Patton

      October 12, 2011 at 1:59 pm | Reply
  32. mklsgl

    He's not just 'anyone,' Bob Baer is 'that guy'–remember Syriana? I'd take his opinion as gold.

    October 12, 2011 at 10:50 am | Reply
  33. JamesBond

    So they have planned the next bogey man after Anwar awlaki

    October 12, 2011 at 10:53 am | Reply
    • Theend

      "When the Nazis came for the communists, I remained silent; I was not a communist.
      When they locked up the social democrats, I remained silent; I was not a social democrat.
      When they came for the trade unionists, I did not speak out; I was not a trade unionist.
      When they came for the Jews, I remained silent; I wasn't a Jew.
      When they came for me, there was no one left to speak out."

      October 12, 2011 at 1:50 pm | Reply
  34. Observer

    What’s going on?
    After a decade of American blood and treasure lost in Iraq, that country is aligning itself with Iran.
    So, what to do?
    Attack Iraq again? No.
    Go after Iran.
    “More than six months after the start of the Syrian uprising, Iraq is offering key moral and financial support to the country’s embattled president, undermining a central U.S. policy objective and raising fresh concerns that Iraq is drifting further into the orbit of an American arch rival — Iran.
    Iraq’s stance has dealt an embarrassing setback to the Obama administration, which has sought to enlist Muslim allies in its campaign to isolate Syrian autocrat Bashar al-Assad. While other Arab states have downgraded ties with Assad, Iraq has moved in the opposite direction, hosting official visits by Syrians, signing pacts to expand business ties and offering political support.”
    http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/iraq-siding-with-iran-sends-lifeline-to-assad/2011/10/06/gIQAFEAIWL_story.html

    October 12, 2011 at 10:54 am | Reply
  35. Voltairine

    Show the American people and the world the evidence. I don’t trust Iran either, but the U.S. government has decimated the public’s trust too many times. We have engaged in one military campaign after another, like an Empire of old, throwing yet more money and, “targets”, at the military industrial complex, while our people remain in financial agony. This smacks of “our” government champing at the bit to attack another nation, especially Iran, and unless evidence is released and imminent danger to the U.S. or its allies is made clear and is indeed present, I hope that the American people will resist. Show the evidence or stop rattling the saber ceaselessly that we the people provided.

    October 12, 2011 at 10:54 am | Reply
    • Theend

      "All murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets."

      October 12, 2011 at 1:46 pm | Reply
  36. Listener

    You have to ask yourself who has the most to gain. An action like this will only bring more pressure on Iran, which has plenty already, and further increase the Saudi attention toward radical Islam. The links must be examined, but when it all shakes out I will not be surprised to find out the "Quds" contact which pushed the actors into motion was a Mossad agent.

    October 12, 2011 at 10:56 am | Reply
  37. sassyfrass

    It was a Saudi Arabian ambassador who was targeted. Let Saudi Arabia attack Iran for retribution.

    October 12, 2011 at 10:59 am | Reply
  38. nsaqib

    Sometimes war is the only solution to the domestic problems and this act perfectly fits that analogy. The war takes peoples focus away from the economic issues and daily struggles of life and keeps them preoccupied with security issues. In current world economic situation a war is bound to happen to deflect the economic tensions and peoples woes i.e. 1st it was Pakistan and now Iran. We have thrown the line into the water lets see which fish catches the hook.

    October 12, 2011 at 11:00 am | Reply
  39. Michael

    Yeah, Im not buying this. Smells fishy. Im betting this is a completely manufactured crisis/plot/conspiracy to get us to hate iran moar. And in any case, do we really care about saudi arabia? If it werent for the oil, would they be such buddies? Im surprised Obama didnt break up over the phone as soon as he was elected.

    October 12, 2011 at 11:02 am | Reply
  40. SId Airfoil

    On the one hand, this could be a ham-handed Iranian plot by one faction of their government to discredit another.

    On the other hand, this could be a ham-handed CIA plot to justify a increased budgets and power, etc.

    But the fact that it is ham-handed (i.e. that no one cares about the Saudi ambassador, that Quds never gets caught or uses unreliable proxies, etc.) is not evidence for either argument. Either side could have been DELIBERATELY ham-handed for precisely the purpose of claiming their innocence ("If WE had wanted him dead, he'd BE dead! Therefore it WASN'T us!"). Wheels within wheels.

    Everyone should stop armchair quarterbacking. If we can't trust our own government, then we have bigger problems than Iran. And we will NEVER know the truth with certainty. Everyone is too damned clever for that, and ambiguity serves everyone's interests in this, except the interests of the American and Iranian people.

    Sid

    October 12, 2011 at 11:06 am | Reply
  41. Shaif YirBoosh

    Oh yeah...right...sure...wait'll the news breaks that this was another sting job set up by the FEDS to entrap dumb & dumber.

    The FBI couldn't catch a cold in a SARS ward.

    October 12, 2011 at 11:07 am | Reply
  42. Vanilla Gorilla

    just an exercise by the WH to deflect attention from their ineptness and corruption
    the Saudi in question is a nobody in the grand scheme of things
    could be a positioning move to set up the long anticipated conflict with Iran
    we live in a world of misinformation

    October 12, 2011 at 11:12 am | Reply
  43. BEAR

    ask yourselves what motivation cnn has for attempting to minimize this terrorist plot. The answer is simple. CNN has been pro obama and obama is pro muslim. Obama has made iran outreach his platform since he was inaugurated and to admit it hasn't worked is to admit that the policy is a failed one...and CNN does not want to cover ANYTHING that hurts his chances for reelection.

    How is obama pro muslim?

    bowing to saudi king
    approving of ground zero mosque
    asking NASA's bolden to make muslim outreach its number one priority(really? NASA the space agency should be pro muslim?)
    sending repeated wishes to iran for new years etc
    not doing a thing during irans oppostion movement
    going to cairo, ankara and saudi arabia for speeches but not to israel his "unshakeable ally"
    treating netanyahu like an opponent in previous washington meets
    unfair handling of israel, his ally, during the peace process
    making outreach to hamas and hezbollah a FP initiative
    making outreach to erdogan's turkey which has been islamicizing rapidly and jailing journalists.
    removing missile shield in czech repub and poland in return for x-band missile shield about to be put in turkey? insiders say this will create a hole in the shield where it concerns israels defense as turkey cant be trusted to share incoming launch data with israel.
    foolishly apologizing to the muslim world for americas past

    October 12, 2011 at 11:17 am | Reply
    • rex

      wiki this clown ! must be high on G13 he stashed when he was working for the CIA .

      In an interview with Thom Hartmann on June 9, 2006, Baer was asked if he believed "that there was an aspect of 'inside job' to the September 11, 2001 attacks within the U.S. government". He replied, "There is that possibility, the evidence points at it."[5] However, he later stated, "For the record, I don't believe that the World Trade Center was brought down by our own explosives, or that a rocket, rather than an airliner, hit the Pentagon. I spent a career in the CIA trying to orchestrate plots, wasn't all that good at it, and certainly couldn't carry off 9/11. Nor could the real pros I had the pleasure to work with."[6]

      October 12, 2011 at 12:43 pm | Reply
      • rex

        should have kept on skiing .

        October 12, 2011 at 12:45 pm |
      • Theend

        Enough American soldiers have died in the Middle East; we don't need to waste anymore lives...

        October 12, 2011 at 1:40 pm |
  44. Tom

    Bob Baer is completely wrong in his assessment. The FBI got it right however, the now-retired CIA Officer Bob Baer (trying to justify his salary from Time and CNN) is attempting to spin it in his own fashion. Just because he was the CIA Station Chief for Middle East Affairs back in the 1990's does not make him the authority on Iran's intentions these days. Bob–let the FBI do their job and stay out of the mix!!!

    October 12, 2011 at 11:18 am | Reply
    • Gene

      I suspect this is mostly the FBI's doing – they found a willing fool and led him down a series of foolish agreements to an illogical conclusion. Using Mexican assasins in DC to target a Saudi non-royal? Baer is right that such a move would be out of step with their normal operations.

      October 12, 2011 at 12:57 pm | Reply
  45. james

    so all you idiots are trusting Ahmadinejad's spokesman before our own government? Thats messed up.

    October 12, 2011 at 11:18 am | Reply
    • Bill in VA

      Yes it is james

      October 12, 2011 at 12:18 pm | Reply
    • Theend

      Unfortunately our government's track record isn't very good...

      October 12, 2011 at 1:38 pm | Reply
  46. Indigotime

    For once i see almost complete agreement on a CNN board and i'm with you... AMAZING!..We must speak out not just on the boards but to our congressman and senators now. Tell them this is BS and we will vote every last stinking one of them out if they go after Iran for this crap. As everyone has pointed out all this serves is the oil companies, the defense industry, our real enemies etc. etc. etc.Don't let them do it to us again. We ned jobs dammit not more war!

    October 12, 2011 at 11:21 am | Reply
  47. Bill in VA

    I am not really in to conspiracy theories but if someone wants to advance one it would this – the Saudis were behind the plot in the hopes of getting the US to do something drastic against Iran because Iran scares the crap out of them (and others).

    October 12, 2011 at 11:32 am | Reply
  48. bernd

    we should remember before the Iraq war everybody told us that they (Iraq) has weapons of masdestructions, which we now know was false information and a reason for Bush jun. to start a war with Iraq, which was totally useless causing losses of life on both sides, however it shifted the focus of bad domestic policy towards a war. maybe it is a time to start a new war, things are bad on the homefront and the US needs an enemy to distract the people and voters from the real problems?? ever thought of that? preperation of a new invasion and new oil fields, very sad, we have learned nothing in many years!!

    October 12, 2011 at 11:41 am | Reply
  49. CAL USA

    What is really sad, and it comes through in the commentary here, is how much damage the Bush administration did to the credibility of our government with our own people. Even when we replaced them with an administration that has (admittedly with mixed success) tried to reverse some of their destructive policies, we still have too many Americans willing to believe the worst. Even more amazing, they will side with the government of Iran against their own. Sad!

    October 12, 2011 at 11:45 am | Reply
    • Teamchaos

      You have got to be kidding, You are still blaming bush, obama can take credit for this, notice how no one is afraid of obama, he will replace jimmy carter as the worst president in history.

      The transparency he talked about turned out to be smoke and mirrors.

      Grow up and realize not everything is bushes fault. Take responsibility.

      October 12, 2011 at 1:53 pm | Reply
  50. george

    Israel and the oil cartels control the foreign policy of America, people can rant all they want in the comments above but there is absolutely nothing they can do about it. If Israel wants America to attack Iran, and if the oil companies want to raise the depressed oil prices then that's what will happen. This is not a democracy by any means, it's the new fascism where corporations dictate what happens, it's what I call " Corportacracy " Please prove me wrong

    October 12, 2011 at 11:47 am | Reply
    • zack

      I tried but i can't. I guess u r right

      October 12, 2011 at 6:18 pm | Reply
  51. Saad

    So many things that the american government has said in public have turned out to be false. Now it is very hard to believe any thing that it says...

    October 12, 2011 at 11:51 am | Reply
    • Alicia

      I do not believe this 'plot' – it is either entrapment to justify the big bucks to our wonderful homeland security racket or it is an outright false story to be used to justify some nefarious action in the middle east.

      October 12, 2011 at 1:11 pm | Reply
  52. Troops Home Now

    No one with any sense believes this so called assasination plot is anything other than an attempt to justify an attack on Iran. There is only one person who will bring ALL our troops home withing six months of taking office; saving us trillions. And by putting some of those troops on the border, he will also keep out the wage crushing, job stealing illegals:
    Ron Paul 2012

    October 12, 2011 at 11:57 am | Reply
  53. Jason

    This is clumsy! At least the previous theater's were packaged better.

    Remember the Iraqi Ambassador's daughter posing as a nurse in front of the Congress telling them that he was in the Kuwaiti hospital and saw Iraqi soldiers through babies out of their ventilators? We now know she was not a nurse and she was not in Kuwait at that time. But, she played it so well that it took a long while before anybody caught on.

    This one is not well-packaged!

    October 12, 2011 at 11:59 am | Reply
  54. Jason

    I ought to read before I say send!
    First line should be "theaters" not "theater's"
    Third line should be "throw" not "through"

    October 12, 2011 at 12:01 pm | Reply
    • zack

      and I think before I write and then 'click' Post

      October 12, 2011 at 6:20 pm | Reply
  55. aldebaran

    why are saudis our buddies? they don't even let their women drive and they only just gave women the vote (the kingdom decided to do that–how nice, we are only in 2011). a prince recently punished someone by driving his suv over him and got off even though it was videotaped–put the guy in the hospital for months. frankly, i agree this stinks of an invention. why would the mexican cartels give a damn about the saudi ambassador? gee–if the cartels are doing this–why not declare war on mexico? more misinformation to empower the fools at the pentagon and in the gov't. obama–go back to chicago.

    October 12, 2011 at 12:06 pm | Reply
  56. LiberalNN

    Wow I've totally forgotten Operation Fast & Furious and Eric Holder's disgraceful incompetence and numerous lies as a result of this new Iran / Saudi story!

    October 12, 2011 at 12:16 pm | Reply
    • Bill in VA

      Just becuase there was a botched operation where the AG may have in fact lied to Congress (it is never the act that causes the real trouble but the cover up) doesn't make me question what is going on here with Iran ...yet. I will still believe Holder before I believe anyone from the Iranian Gov't until someone shows me otherwise.

      October 12, 2011 at 12:24 pm | Reply
  57. Matt

    I don't really care, It made no sense. Thank god for the FBI/DEA or I would have turned it into South Lebanon, not now how it will look in the future. A Mexican Cartel bomb a US city, a restaurant. He is just a corpse among many. The FBI/DEA got in early.

    October 12, 2011 at 12:22 pm | Reply
    • Theend

      Your paying for it; maybe you should care...

      October 12, 2011 at 2:10 pm | Reply
  58. whatever2War

    You guys still don't get it. Remember Murder on the Orient express??? .....too many clues......to many leads...... But they all killed him! War is smelling and you small citizens cant do anything to stop it. Better go home and CONTINUE watching TV and ENTERTAINMENT!! This stuff is too hard for you...........

    Just saying. Don't hang me ...please!

    October 12, 2011 at 12:23 pm | Reply
  59. VJ

    Obama is not smart enough as Bush to fabricate a story, at least Bush made us believe 9/11 and WMD.

    October 12, 2011 at 12:26 pm | Reply
    • CNNReviewer

      No, Bush did not convice Americans. He LIED and reported what Dick Cheney told him to say. However, the inplausiblity, doubt, and irrational behavior was evident. Americans tentatively gave Bush spport out of patriotism for our troops. We knew the truth would eventually be known.

      October 12, 2011 at 12:36 pm | Reply
      • Wendy

        Keep telling your self that sweety m'kay....if that is what helps you sleep at night.

        October 12, 2011 at 12:57 pm |
  60. CNNReviewer

    The American public is weary of the propoganda and fictionalized news stories such as this. Nobody believes these thin, far-fetched articles designed to sway public opinion. The CIA has lost the confidence of Americans. It is an organization that clearly does not provide actionable security information. Instead, our government news is seen as it really is: deception, propoganda, fiction. If the CIA provided beneficial services to our nation, I would drop my professional career and sign-up tomorrow.

    October 12, 2011 at 12:30 pm | Reply
  61. Ron

    Why would any Iranian wants to kill these brain dead Saudis??? Their being alive or dead would make no difference? Why? It is clearly a set up to worsen the situation between Iran and Saudis despotic regime further......The more Muslims fight in a sectarian war the better for the Zionits .....such a shameful plot ....Already all AIPAC member of the media and Zionits politicians such as Clinton R maximizing benifit from their mastermind against Iran

    October 12, 2011 at 12:34 pm | Reply
  62. bonded

    Its very unprofessional for Bob Baer to insinuate that the Iran Qud has just one methodology. It takes common sense to imagine that as intelligence gets more sophisticated and tight, terrorist plots would always seek to adopt new unexpected modus operandi. Did anyone ever dream of 9/11 as a possible Al-quaeda move? Its time we get it right, there is nothing like a classic hallmark of any terrorist organization, the characteristic methods remain status-quo because they've always been successful in their applications, especially when they've got every reason to be boastful of the outcome, like the ones in Afghanistan. With all wire-tap evidences and confessions, a so-called former intelligence operative still has the gizzard to doubt the authenticity of this foil, because he thinks he can predict these psychos?
    Well done Obama, the economy might be giving you migraine, but you've got the best intelligence coordination ever....your list of success stories speaks for itself!!!!

    October 12, 2011 at 12:40 pm | Reply
    • Theend

      If being "unprofessional" saves even one American soldier's life, it's worth it...

      October 12, 2011 at 1:36 pm | Reply
  63. jorge washinsen

    Its getting close to the election. Got to keep something in the news.Same about the demonstrations.

    October 12, 2011 at 12:41 pm | Reply
  64. jorge washinsen

    Could have been the oil companies, they have already gone up today if my buddy did not fib.Every time there is a crisis who is the first thing to raise prices?

    October 12, 2011 at 12:44 pm | Reply
  65. jorge washinsen

    Don 't buy any stock ever again unless it is energy or drug store or casket maker.The only sure thing out there.

    October 12, 2011 at 12:47 pm | Reply
  66. jb

    Mr. Bob is just trying to drum up publicity for himself.

    October 12, 2011 at 12:48 pm | Reply
    • Theend

      No, I think he's trying to warn us before it's too late....

      October 12, 2011 at 1:35 pm | Reply
  67. rex

    Racism is a powerful thing ! it always trumps reason in the feeble minded . I am glad for record keeping , my kids will be able to judge for themselves what kind of leader Obama will be , he is not done yet !

    October 12, 2011 at 12:49 pm | Reply
    • Wendy

      Yes it is Rex, now tell me again why you voted for Obama and then we can pretend that race had NOTHING to do with it. You are right, racisim is alive and well and it is in your back yard too!

      October 12, 2011 at 12:54 pm | Reply
    • Theend

      I know who Wendy voted for - Peter Pan...

      October 12, 2011 at 1:44 pm | Reply
  68. ARIEL SHARON

    POOR AMERICANS,FORGET WALL STREET PROTESTS,LETS HAVE SOME FUN FROM US GOVT,THIS STORY AT LEAST WILL SEDATE AMERICANS MINDS FOR A WHILE

    October 12, 2011 at 12:50 pm | Reply
  69. Sagas

    Former CIA operative Bob Baer is a fool. Iran cannot go after Saudi Prince in London. It will be all out war with Saudi, and Israel will also use that opportunity.

    Iran is wiser than Former CIA operative Bob Baer.

    October 12, 2011 at 12:50 pm | Reply
    • Theend

      I don't know; the Russians seem to prefer taking out traitors in London...

      October 12, 2011 at 1:34 pm | Reply
      • Joe

        "Iran has reportedly been involved in past assassinations in Europe and bombings in Argentina and elsewhere."
        Those assassinations in Europe had targeted individuals who were seen as traitors by Iranian government at the time and had been involved in terror activities inside Iran eg. PKK/MEK. As for Argentina, it was never proven with any substance that Iran had done them. Infact many analysts believe that they were false flag operations as at the time Iran had very good relations with Argentina and the government of the time in Argentina was building nuclear reactors in Iran and was transferring technology to Iran for building the reactors indigenously. Infact the Tehran nuclear reactor was completely rebuilt by Argentina at the time and fully refueled using enriched Uranium provided by Argentina government. So analysts claim that Iran had nothing to gain by bombing a Jewish cultural center while Iran's own Jews are having their own hospitals and cultural centers paid for by the Iranians government in Tehran. Infact it was other forces which benefited from those bombings and planting evidence against Iran much like this case here today. After the bombings Argentina had to stop nuclear cooperation with Iran and a massive PR forced government of Argentina to finish off its diplomatic relations with Iran. Neither Argentina nor Iran benefited from that. Only outside forces did. Now think for yourself about it without taking it directly from big media.

        October 12, 2011 at 8:03 pm |
  70. Wendy

    I am laughing at all of you who actually believe this could yet be another conspiracy....you are all so easily led by your noses! I wonder if this had been a article on proof how you would have responded. The burden is on YOU to prove the evidence wrong, not the other way around. Just because some washed up CIA has-been says Iran doesnt do it that way, where is his proof? If he was and is sooooo good, why isnt he still with the CIA. Please.....

    October 12, 2011 at 12:53 pm | Reply
    • Theend

      No, we don't have to prove anything. And the truth, like the ruse that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, will come out eventually - and further damage the US government. However at some point the the citizens of the United States, and even the military, will no longer support foreign wars that have nothing to do with the security of the United States. Remember Dien Bien Phu and the Tet Offensive?

      October 12, 2011 at 1:31 pm | Reply
  71. Dave

    Boy, we sure are lucky that the Mexican drug cartel person that the Persians contacted to arrange this assassination just happened to be a DEA informant.

    Boom, baby!

    October 12, 2011 at 12:58 pm | Reply
  72. A Vet

    Gulf of Tonkin, v 6.0

    October 12, 2011 at 1:02 pm | Reply
  73. rex edie

    bob baer is the real deal.... he knows what is going on.... but ...god forbid anyone listen to someone like him....we'd have to face the truth.... with the "bs" excuses for afghanistan and iraq wearing thin.... the "military industrial complex" and the pentagon.... (the people who actually run the U.S. government ..not the president...senate...or congress... have got to find a new excuse to stay in business... to continue to bankrupt the country.... they couldnt care less about the american people....

    October 12, 2011 at 1:05 pm | Reply
    • Sagas

      "they couldnt care less about the american people...."
      You are right, the CIA should have left those terrorist to blow their target. Afterall, those targets are not inhabited by american people. American people sucks!

      October 12, 2011 at 1:14 pm | Reply
  74. Theend

    I can't believe that Clinton, Obama, etc. decided to go along with this ruse... It seems odd, desperate - and diminishes our credibility in the world... I wonder what is really going on? I watched a film clip of Clinton talking to the press about Iran on the internet today. She looked exhausted, her voice squeaked and she refused to make eye contact...

    October 12, 2011 at 1:13 pm | Reply
  75. Copper's Donut Shoppe

    “Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children. The cost of one modern heavy bomber is this: a modern brick school in more than 30 cities. It is two electric power plants, each serving a town of 60,000 population. It is two fine, fully equipped hospitals. It is some fifty miles of concrete pavement. We pay for a single fighter plane with a half million bushels of wheat. We pay for a single destroyer with new homes that could have housed more than 8,000 people. This is, I repeat, the best way of life to be found on the road the world has been taking. This is not a way of life at all, in any true sense. Under the cloud of threatening war, it is humanity hanging from a cross of iron.
    Is there no other way the world may live?” Dwight David Eisenhower

    October 12, 2011 at 1:15 pm | Reply
  76. Rick

    Do we really want to escalate the rhetoric with Iran to the point where the politicians have an excuse to invade yet another country? Iran is a flea. Let's stay focused on getting our own house in order and quit sending good money after bad in foreign wars.

    October 12, 2011 at 1:16 pm | Reply
  77. Kanoodle

    what the heck happened to obama, he has become a war mongerer

    October 12, 2011 at 1:19 pm | Reply
  78. wonderingwhy

    hmmm...most be getting closer to an election year here. Time for the ol' "look what the terrorist's tried to pull" schtick. Can't we just go back to good ol mud flinging and leave the wars and the rumors of wars until after elections? And it seems both sides like this tactic...nice, short attention spans with even shorter memory = placated population.

    baa..baa...baa...man this grass is tasty this time of year...baa...

    October 12, 2011 at 1:24 pm | Reply
  79. rex edie

    just for the record... im not the aforementioned "rex"..... how's this for a conspiracy theory..??? at the time of 911... the bin laden family were investors in a (war manufacturing company) called the "carslyle group".... coincidently ...bush senior was sitting as a "ceo" on the board of same..(the bush"s and bin laden's were tight for years ) (fact)
    so ...you want a return on your investment... you need to sell more weapons and make some money.... but there's nothing going on..... bin laden's folks say.... hey Osama..!! why dont you get a couple of your "batsht crazy" radical muslim followers to do a little job for Allah...?? (we know that 19 of the 911 terrorists were from Saudi Arabia ) "fly airplanes into the WTC... that will give us an excuse... since americans act before they think.... Cheney will have the CIA dummy up some info....and we'll blame it on Iraq... until we can find a better excuse..... (ever wonder why bush had that "dumb...i cant believe they actually did it look on his face" when he was trying to read the children's primer to the class...???? just a thought... but at this point....we now know how many lies they've shoveled on us....
    so...maybe its possible..

    October 12, 2011 at 1:34 pm | Reply
  80. James

    II don't think Iran has anything to do with this plot. This country is supposed to be run by white people, unfortunately it is completely controlled by the other white folks known as Jews.

    October 12, 2011 at 1:37 pm | Reply
  81. Annexian

    Again I'll say "False Flag"...

    The Saudis could get another ambassador as easily as order their Filipino slave to change their toilet paper, or rather have them beaten if it wasn't replaced before it could conceivably be empty. Iran would have to know that. And just like Israel, they could easily murder them in Dubai.

    IMO, this is just a weakling "False Flag" to justify an "Iran War". A real "False Flag" would discredit the government too bad right now. But the "Globalist Bankers" who start wars to profit are now so greedy they can't rest a decade between major events... Looks like they even have the Shah's son ready to be a puppet prince.

    October 12, 2011 at 1:38 pm | Reply
  82. Voiceinthewind

    Sounds like America and Da Zionist Jooz have cooked up another scheme to make Iran look bad when in reality its Da Zionist Jooz that are affraid that Iran will or has The Nuke to get rid of Da Jooz. So they pay thier lobbiest to get American Poli-tickers to go along with the plot to make Iran the bad guys. This right wing lunatic fringe controlled media will print whatever it can to try to get rid of anything or antone that is a threat to thier onging Ethnic Cleansing of the Plaestinian People and take thier land and homes from them out of sheer Greed. Don't go for this BS people and don't look at Iran look at America and Da Zionist Jooz, because they are behind this fiasco too!

    October 12, 2011 at 1:40 pm | Reply
    • Theend

      "...And how many deaths will it take till we know, that too many people have died? The answer my friend is blowing in the wind, the answer is blowing in the wind..."

      October 12, 2011 at 2:07 pm | Reply
  83. SoldierOfFortunes

    What if all this is a mirage to actions that USA agreed upon in the late 1960's...with England and Saudia Arabia too...
    Iran must have carnal knowledge of this " event " that is a secret England and Saudia Arabia do NOT want you to know
    Oh what countries will do for money...or trangressions that occured with a care package about 9 months later...lol...

    October 12, 2011 at 1:42 pm | Reply
  84. Copper's Donut Shoppe

    This is classic CIA behavior right before budget time. Lots of pr put out ~ high level bad guys captured. Need more money all around. Once upon a time the CIA itself would have wacked an occasional ally just for the pr.
    This story does not even read right. The US ambassador is a nothing, he is not even a 20th tier royal. Not much more than a store mannequin to prop by the embassy door. The loose cannon Mexican drug wackos ~ who are all connected to the Mexican government at the hip ~ are a lot of things-but paid assassins?
    This one is way up on the stink factor scale.
    Dear CIA ~ prop up the storyline by having the Iranians offer to launder drug money cheaper than Wall Street.

    October 12, 2011 at 1:48 pm | Reply
    • shibu Lekshman

      Love your reply man.

      October 12, 2011 at 1:51 pm | Reply
  85. shibu Lekshman

    Exactly the questions i had in my mind. Who the hell cares about this Saudi ambassador to USA? I have not even heard of him before. Sounds like Bush all over again. (WMD WMD where are you?) What better than a distraction of war to take the attention of problems at home. right? People with power no matter where they are usually only have one motive, and one motive only it is to keep their power.

    October 12, 2011 at 1:49 pm | Reply
  86. ACord

    How did people not see this one coming? What two countries surround Iran? Afghanistan and Iraq?

    But the nation is broke, many of us have no faith in the word of our government, and I think we are tired of conflict, so it doesn't really matter if it's true or not.

    October 12, 2011 at 1:52 pm | Reply
  87. Ali F

    Bob Baer had the best assessment based on the available information up to now. I think the operation was meant to fail so the hardliners would stop any initiative to open a dialogue between US and Iran as Admiral Mullen suggested few weeks ago and it was welcomed by Ahmadinejad. The opening of communication line between the two governments was strongly opposed by Irans's Defense Minister later. President Obama should tackle our real enemies(high unemployment, bad economy and popular discontent of the existing political bickering in Washington DC) and instead he has started the blame game now. I believe that Iranian government is capable of carrying out polical assisinations abroad as it had done before, but to find someone who was arrested in Texas for theft 10 years as the mastermind of killing an ambassador, it seems a bit farfatched.

    October 12, 2011 at 1:59 pm | Reply
  88. James

    I do not claim to know the answer but if what the government is saying is a real state sponsored threat, then I would expect Saudi Arabia and Israel to take action against Iran. So far nothing. In addition the United States would want to clamp down harder at the border to America. Again nothing to that effect. I think we have a crazy that the FBI caught. Certain elements in the government want to hype it for other reasons.

    October 12, 2011 at 2:08 pm | Reply
    • Theend

      No, it's like "The Little Boy Who Cried Wolf"....

      October 12, 2011 at 2:16 pm | Reply
  89. Anon

    Elaine I'd like to make angry love to you. Women like you never admit they're being a bid girl until you give them an orgsm.

    October 12, 2011 at 2:15 pm | Reply
  90. Dude

    Hate to say it... but I'm too a point in my life, after 50 years on this earth, where I don't trust the American government at all.

    October 12, 2011 at 2:24 pm | Reply
  91. eamon

    You do not need to be a CIA agent to see through this pathetic attempt by the Obama Administration to do something with elections coming up and the people protesting in front of the dirty rich in NY ,Boston and elsewhere.

    October 12, 2011 at 2:27 pm | Reply
  92. thomas mc

    We have to lie this country into another war, people. Those trillions of tax dollars aren't going to just march themselves from the Treasury over to the Military Industrial Complex, you know!

    October 12, 2011 at 3:11 pm | Reply
  93. Mark in Golden

    Oh come on now, this is not a big mystery. The price of oil was dropping below $80/barrel. This little "plot" came to light and what do you know, oil is suddenly back to a comfortable $85/barrel. Mystery solved. Nothing to see here, move along...

    October 12, 2011 at 3:22 pm | Reply
  94. IndiaRocks

    America, stop instigating war between Iran and Saudi Arabia by fabricating lies. The whole world knows what your real motive is - oil.

    October 12, 2011 at 4:06 pm | Reply
  95. Sina

    the US government kills Iranian civilians through terror groups like Mojahedeen, PJAK, Jundallah, and even shot down an Iranian passenger jet with more than 70 children on board. 3rd, they tell the story that Iran has secret operatives all over the world and now it supposedly had to ask a common Mexican criminal ( ! ) to assassinate a Saudi errand boy who is an insignificant "nobody." Ridiculous US government lies.

    October 12, 2011 at 5:07 pm | Reply
  96. dl

    I wouldn't go as far as to say the US orchestrated this...but I would say someone is setting Iran up..not to mention, why wouldn't the person just talk to known cartel members...you're telling me Iran doesn't know who the heads of mexican cartels are, and can't verify...hey is this person yours? Before you hand over $100K?

    October 12, 2011 at 5:15 pm | Reply
  97. PIERCE

    IF THE IRANIAN GOVERNMENT WANTED TO ASSASINATE THE SAUDI EMBASSADOR, THEY WOULD DO IT IN SAUDI ARABIA WHILE HE IS VISITING HIS RELATIVES! THIS WHOLE THING IS A BUNCH OF BULL..! PLEASE, PEOPLE GET SMART..>! THE QUDS FORCE WOULDN'T NEED A DRUG CARTEL TO THE JOB FOR THEM...! THEY ARE PROBABLY WELL CAPABLE OF DOING IT THEMSELVES!

    October 12, 2011 at 6:21 pm | Reply
  98. Anderson Clayton

    2012 election...

    Obama to CIA: What is the situation?
    Dear Leader, reelection prospects LOOK BAD!
    What can be done?
    CIA/FBI:
    Well Iraq – DONE
    Afghanistan – Not quite but, lets say done
    Libya – Under way
    Paquistan, well, nuclear armed, forget it!
    North Korea, forget it, nuclear armed...

    Obama to CIA: What about an operation to kill Bin Ladem?
    Mr. President, we have done that remember?

    Obama: Ok, Can't we kill someone else?
    Who is next in line?

    Dear Leader, the next in line is IRAN!!!

    Obama to CIA/FBI: OK, full force on IRAN!
    I need VOTES, a LOT of votes!

    Don't miss, CIA Operation DESERT BALOT!

    LOL, this is a ALL a BIG BIG JOKE!

    The United States of America LOST its sence of RIDICULOUS

    October 12, 2011 at 6:45 pm | Reply
  99. Joe

    Drug cartels make a million dollar a week in just one street in a busy city. Why would they go for a high profile job not consistent with their business at all? Why would they risk their multi-billion dollar business in the process? Iran being the largest interceptor of drugs and the largest executor of drug smugglers in the world knows these facts, so how come they supposedly went along? Why would Iranian intel officers arguably among the best in the world would discuss such a plan over an open line phone to US? Who benefits from this plot, Iran or US? These and many more questions suggest this is just a false flag operation with only one baiting element in it, an old American Iranian who is not even fit the picture. It is safe to assume he has been duped into this by US or a faction of US government which wants war with Iran. He probably is a low IQ with mental problems who does not know what they are doing to him. It happens all the time in hollywood and outside of it. Anyone remember wag the dog movie or many more similar?

    October 12, 2011 at 7:14 pm | Reply
  100. Joe

    "Iran has reportedly been involved in past assassinations in Europe and bombings in Argentina and elsewhere."
    Those assassinations in Europe had targeted individuals who were seen as traitors by Iranian government at the time and had been involved in terror activities inside Iran eg. PKK/MEK not much different from how Russia deals with its own traitors in London. As for Argentina, it was never proven with any substance that Iran had done them. Infact many analysts believe that they were false flag operations as at the time Iran had very good relations with Argentina and the government of the time in Argentina was building nuclear reactors in Iran and was transferring technology to Iran for building the reactors indigenously. Infact the Tehran nuclear reactor was completely rebuilt by Argentina at the time and fully refueled using enriched Uranium provided by Argentina government. So analysts claim that Iran had nothing to gain by bombing a Jewish cultural center while Iran's own Jews are having their own hospitals and cultural centers paid for by the Iranians government in Tehran. Infact it was other forces which benefited from those bombings and planting evidence against Iran much like this case here today. After the bombings Argentina had to stop nuclear cooperation with Iran and a massive PR forced government of Argentina to finish off its diplomatic relations with Iran. Neither Argentina nor Iran benefited from that. Only outside forces did. Now think for yourself about it without taking it directly from big media.

    October 12, 2011 at 8:04 pm | Reply
  101. Joe

    Also we must not forget that the anti Iranian group MEK with its connections with powerful quarters inside US is fully capable of pulling such a false flag operation to benefit their goals. They certainly would benefit from this along with US hawks. They have done such things before.

    October 12, 2011 at 9:16 pm | Reply
  102. Dan

    Absolutely not anti-Israel or anti-Jew but this seems like an op they would come up with to try to get the u.s. to do their dirty work.

    October 12, 2011 at 10:14 pm | Reply
  103. Hiruu

    The Administration should have kept VERY quiet about this, even if it was true. What purpose does this serve, other than a simple wag the dog case...this is a joke, and it is so riddiculus, it makes them look like buffon at the DOJ.

    October 13, 2011 at 1:43 am | Reply
  104. saqib

    i am sure it's a same case as US did in Iraq and Afghanistan with wrong obligations. Yet another example is Haqqani network for which US blamed Pakistan for supporting Haqqani network and then H.Clinton said in her interview that US is ready to discuss peace deal with Haqqanis????? a double policy and double game to divert attention of US people from domestic economic and social problems.
    One more war and US will be at stake of local debt and economic crisis which will be even worse than geat depression which may lead to sepration of United states in USA. why dont local public in US speak up and negate thier govt policies which is merely to benefit few rich politicians and arm producers and army itself to have reasons for huge amount of money they get from GDP.
    i can tell you the result of this current situation will be a big arm deal between fools of Saudi Arab and USA, startegical relocation of warships in Arabian Sea and esclations between Iran and neighboring small countries like Oman, UAE, Behrain and Pakistan as US will ask for sites to locate its land forces in these conutries which these countries cant refuse seeking protection umbrela from Shia country IRAN. In reaction Iran will strike at these countries becuase atlast everything is leading to a war between Iran and USA and everything is planned to tight screws on Iran. War will be unvoidable when iran will cut off its oil supply --–Just amagine situation is more worst and complex and people of USA are being mislead by obama and Co--wake up people

    October 13, 2011 at 4:58 am | Reply
  105. IndiaRocks

    The US has fabricated this story in an attempt to instigate war between a US-backed Saudi Arabia and Iran. America's motive is crystal clear – oust Ahmadinejad, establish a puppet government in Iran (like they did in Iraq) which will grant oil contracts to American companies (Exxon Mobil, Chevron, Conoco Philips, etc) and exploit Iran's oil for America's development, thus depriving Iran's population of the benefits from their oil, while preserving its own oil reserves in Alaska for the future, when all Middle-East oil reserves are depleted. NO WAR FOR OIL!!!

    October 13, 2011 at 10:35 am | Reply
  106. ZovaFeaxano

    ZovaFeaxano, http://www.cheaplasixonline.com/ – lasix without rx Lasix is a Na-K-2CI symporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. lasix drug

    December 6, 2011 at 5:00 pm | Reply
  107. intuippet

    intuippet, http://www.purlfect.com/ – order strattera online Despite being in such wide use, there is not currently a generic form of the medication available and there will not be until at least 2018, making it difficult to afford for many patients. strattera online

    December 30, 2011 at 8:08 pm | Reply
  108. Trisuanna

    Medicine Through Foot , tamoxifen drug In the FDA also approved the medication for the prevention of breast cancer in women who are at risk of developing breast cancer. http://speechwiki.org/ – nolvadex pills

    January 7, 2012 at 9:22 pm | Reply
  109. Jeoppyzesse

    Medicine Alpha Dennis Fiorino Il Drug Bust Men should continue taking Propecia even after they have passed the twelve month marker, stopping the medicine would result to loosing the hair you recovered in twelve months. This implies that Propecia have been known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. http://www.propeciaonlinesales.com/ – buy finasteride no prescription Even breast feeding women must not take Propecia because it is still unknown whether the drug may pass through breast milk. Propecia is available in a 1mg dosage per pill which should be taken once a day for twelve months.

    July 16, 2012 at 9:28 pm | Reply

Post a comment


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.