Cui Bono in Sistan?

Cui Bono in Sistan?

Iran's reaction to the suicide bombing in Sistan-Baluchistan may appear, on the surface, to be yet more hyperbolic posturing designed to distract attention from domestic issues.

But blaming the US is not always merely a knee-jerk reaction. Indeed, many in the US itself have admitted - and openly encouraged - Washington's involvement with Jundullah.

In 2007, ABC News broadcast an "exclusive" report detailing how the CIA had actively funded and encouraged the work of Jundullah and its leader, Abel Malik al-Regi. (sometimes Rigi) ABC correspondent Brian Ross described Regi thus:

"He used to fight with the Taliban. He's part drug smuggler, part Taliban, part Sunni activist..."

That broad description seems to fit what's been an apparently random agenda for Jundullah, which includes attacks in Pakistan as well as Iran. Regi's political affiliations also appear somewhat opportunistic, thought to include both the Taliban and Al Qaeda. (The "mastermind" of 9/11 Khalid Sheikh Mohammed is thought to have had close contact with Jundallah.)

In 2008, investigative journalist Seymour Hersch reported more details of the relationship between Jundullah and the US, saying:

"Congress agreed to a request from President Bush to fund a major escalation of covert operations against Iran."

Donations to Jundullah were estimated at around $400 million.

Regi is notorious in the region for his brutality. His tactics have embraced targetting civilian as well as military targets, and videotaping the beheading of his victims. Some called him "the new Bin Laden", and even his brother, Abdulhamid, reportedly fled the group in fear. (Abdulhamid was executed by the Iranian government a few months ago.)

Perhaps Iran's strongest justification for suspecting US involvement, both with Jundullah and the recent presidential election, come from the mouths of some of the so-called neo-cons that provided core ideology of the Bush administration. Indeed, just the writings of self-declared Iran "expert" and creator of the "Foundation for Democracy in Iran" Kenneth Timmerman provide Tehran with plenty of ammunition.

"The National Endowment for Democracy has spent millions of dollars during the past decade promoting “color” revolutions in places such as Ukraine and Serbia, training political workers in modern communications and organizational techniques.

Some of that money appears to have made it into the hands of pro-Mousavi groups, who have ties to non-governmental organizations outside Iran that the National Endowment for Democracy funds. "

The recent Pakistani military assault on the Taliban, supported by Washington, has generated some talk of a possible deal between disparate militant groups in the region. This bold attack on the Revolutionary Guard will only raise more questions about who is backing whom in the area.