Iraqi Official Points Finger at Iran, Syria: ; Defense Minister Says Neighboring Countries Are Supporting Terrorists

Summary

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BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraq's defense minister today accused neighboring Iran and Syria of supporting terrorists in his country and charged that a senior Iraqi Shiite was leading a "pro-Iranian" coalition into next month's national elections.

Concerns have been raised over rising Iranian influence in the political future of Iraq, where the majority Shiites are expected to dominate elections scheduled for Jan. 30. Campaigning for the vote began today.

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Iraqi Official Points Finger at Iran, Syria: ; Defense Minister Says Neighboring Countries Are Supporting Terrorists

Hazem Shaalann, who has previously accused Tehran of interfering in Iraq's affairs, said that Iranian and Syrian intelligence...

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