Today's Washington Times reports that John Negroponte has finally realized that Iran has been supporting "insurgents" and projecting its influence in Iraq.

Director of National Intelligence John D. Negroponte confirmed publicly for the first time yesterday what had been reported unofficially in the past: Iran is helping Iraqi insurgents make bombs used to maim and kill U.S. troops.

Iranians are providing guidance and training to select Iraqi Shia political groups, and giving weapons and training to Shia militants "to enable anti—coalition attacks," he said.

To that I can only add: No kidding.

Doug Hanson   2 03 06