U.S. Report: Iran, Cuba, Sudan, North Korea and Syria Support Terrorism

Hmmm.. This is interesting...


U.S. Country Reports on Terrorism

State sponsors of terrorism provide critical support to non-state terrorist groups. Without state sponsors, terrorist groups would have much more difficulty obtaining the funds, weapons, materials, and secure areas they require to plan and conduct operations. Most worrisome is that some of these countries also have the capability to manufacture weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and other destabilizing technologies that could get into the hands of terrorists. The United States will continue to insist that these countries end the support they give to terrorist groups.

As a result of the historic decisions taken by Libya's leadership in 2003 to renounce terrorism and to abandon its WMD programs, the United States rescinded Libya's designation as a state sponsors of terrorism on June 30. Since pledging to renounce terrorism in 2003, Libya has cooperated closely with the United States and the international community on counterterrorism efforts.

Sudan continued to take significant steps to cooperate in the War on Terror. Cuba, Iran, and Syria, however, have not renounced terrorism or made efforts to act against Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Iran and Syria routinely provided safe haven, substantial resources, and guidance to terrorist organizations.

Venezuela was certified by the Secretary of State as "not fully cooperating" with U.S. counterterrorism efforts. The designation, included in Section 40A of the Arms Export Control Act, was based on a review of Venezuela's overall efforts to fight terrorism. Effective October 1, the decision imposed sanctions on all commercial arms sales and transfers. It remains in effect until September 30, 2007, when it may be renewed by a determination by the Secretary. (Venezuela is the only nation certified as "not fully cooperating" that is not a state sponsor of terrorism.) More on the story.

Larisa Alexandrovna writes:

Okay, why would Venezuela cooperate in the war on terror, when we - the US - are playing host to one of their most wanted terrorists? And if we are imposing sanctions on terrorist nations, then why has Halliburton continued to do business in Iran?

I have to ask, however, why Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are not leading the list of state sponsors, especially given their role in funding and training the September 11 hijackers? Given this oversight, one has to wonder who the State Department thinks is going to take any of this seriously.

And that is good question Larisa...But we know that it all about business, oil and profits for the Dickster.