Another top U.S. defense official has warned against Iranian influence in Latin America.Echoing similar concerns as Defense Secretary Robert Gates and other top military brass, the head of U.S. Southern Command Gen. Douglas Fraser had this to say:
"The real concern is not a nation-to-nation interaction, it is the connection that Iran has with extremist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah and the potential risk that that could bring to this region," Fraser told journalists ahead of taking up the post…Since coming into office in 2005, Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has strengthened ties with countries like Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba. It remains to be seen how relations will be affected by the recent turbulence in Iran stemming from possibly fraudulent presidential election results.
Commenting on Iran's ties to extremist groups in the region, Fraser said: "it is a concern, and it is an issue we will continue to monitor for any increasing activity."
Image- AFP
Online Sources- The Latin Americanist, AFP, PRESS TV
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