British Intelligence often leaks its public statements through The Telegraph of London. In recent days the current head of MI5, Dame Eliza Manningham—Bullington, has been issuing dire warnings about some 1600 domestic Islamists her agency has been following. These characters are known to be actively involved in plotting attacks.  MI5 also confirmed that Al Qaeda is seeking radioactive weapons of mass destruction.

Today's warning goes beyond domestic terror in Britain. It uses the standard formula for an official statement from MI5/MI6, "The Daily Telegraph can reveal".

Iran plotting to groom bin Laden's successor

By Con Coughlin and George Jones, Political Editor

Last Updated: 1:16pm GMT 14/11/2006

Iran 'is training the next al—Qa'eda leaders' [....]

Iran is trying to form an unholy alliance with al—Qa'eda by grooming a new generation of leaders to take over from Osama bin Laden, The Daily Telegraph can reveal.

Western intelligence officials say the Iranians are determined to take advantage of bin Laden's declining health to promote senior officials who are known to be friendly to Teheran. [....]

The revelation will deal a major blow to Tony Blair's hopes of establishing a "new partnership" with Teheran.

Is the James Baker Iraq Study Group listening? Because it has been leaking equally unreal fantasies about reaching out to the mullahs. They will happily take our carrots, and shaft us at the same time. Remember Madeleine Albright dancing with Kim? He took Clinton's two 2—billion dollars reactors and when straight ahead with his nuclear bomb program. The Baker commission may follow Albright in the eyes of history.

With the Demos in the ascendancy, a diplomatic initiative is in the cards. But it cannot be based on self—delusion. 

James Lewis   11 14 06