Bin Laden said Iran was al Qaeda's main artery for funding and command and control

Thomas  Joscelyn:
...



One previously released document, apparently authored by bin Laden himself, summarized his views on Iran. In a letter dated Oct. 18, 2007, Bin Laden warned one of his subordinates in Iraq not to openly threaten attacks inside Iran. Bin Laden explained why (emphasis added):

You did not consult with us on that serious issue that affects the general welfare of all of us. We expected you would consult with us for these important matters, for as you are aware, Iran is our main artery for funds, personnel, and communication, as well as the matter of hostages.

Bin Laden was pragmatic when it came to dealing with Iran for reasons that are not hard to understand: Iran was the "main artery" for his organization. Why would ODNI attempt to portray bin Laden's views as fixed and negative—"hatred, suspicion"—when documents written by bin Laden himself so plainly contradict this?

Since July 2011, President Obama's Treasury and State Departments have repeatedly made it clear that Iran hosts senior al Qaeda leaders. Echoing bin Laden's letter, the State Department has even described al Qaeda's network inside Iran as its "core pipeline."



The Treasury and State Departments publicly accused the Iranian regime of allowing al Qaeda to operate inside Iran in: July 2011, December 2011, February 2012, July 2012, October 2012, May 2013, January 2014, February 2014, April 2014, August 2014, and July 2016.
...
The documents also show that the Obama administration underestimated the strength of al Qaeda units in Afghanistan.  There were more al Qaeda fighters in just one of seven units than the administration estimated for the entire country.

But the Iran material also demonstrates just how ill-advised the deal Obama struck with Iran was.  Iran was giving aid and comfort to a mortal enemy of the US and that appears to have OK with Obama.

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