State Dept. Stops Smart Use Of Iranians

Turns out that the US V Corps has been using the Iranian opposition mujahadeen to help block entry of Iranian insurgents into Northern Iraq. The State Department, in it's zeal to "repair" relations with Axis of Evil member Iran is, of course, protesting this intelligent use of forces. Instead at the insistence of State, the Mujahadeen forces will disarm themselves in order to be protected by the US Army.

This is not a brilliant move in any way. If the V Corps was using the Mujahadeen to stop the insurgents, it was probably because they were effective (and cooperative). The Mujahadeen were also defending themselves from the Iranian government, which isn't real favorable towards them.

Now we have the reasonability of ensuring their safety, which may draw us into conflict with Iran before we want to initiate hostilities against Tehran. If we don't protect them, we will look as though we cannot protect the weak and defenseless (anyone remember the Shi'ites and the Kurds after Gulf War I?)

This is an example of the State Department putting "feelings" above the reality on the ground. This is why the State Department isn't involved in making defense related decisions (and why they shouldn't be). Hopefully, nothing will come of this decision, but was it really wise?