AJC Deplores Iranian Role in Syrian Regime's Atrocities

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Feb 10, 2012, 03:41 ET

NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC is deeply concerned by reports that Iran is actively assisting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's war against his own people.

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"Iran's direct involvement in Syrian crimes against humanity is another reminder of the brutality of the Iranian regime," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "Imagine an Iran with nuclear-weapons capability. It would be a regional and global nightmare."

According to major media reports, hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Iranians are in Syria aiding Assad's forces in their vicious suppression of the 11-month-old uprising. Qassem Suleimani, the chief of Iran's powerful and feared Quds force, is reported to have recently visited Syria.

For Iran, Syria is a pipeline for weapons and supplies to the Lebanon-based terrorist group Hezbollah, Tehran's proxy in the region. It also helps support Hamas, the terrorist group that controls Gaza and uses it as a base to launch Qassam and Grad rockets against Israeli civilians.

"While Iran is bolstering the murderous Assad regime, it is continuing to maintain strong links with two terrorist groups, Hezbollah and Hamas," said Harris. "This villainous four-way alliance threatens the entire region and beyond."

"U.S. and EU efforts to enforce crippling sanctions on Iran are vital and must be sustained," said Harris, who discussed the Iran nuclear threat in high-level meetings over the last two weeks in Europe. "These countries have pledged to prevent Iran from crossing the nuclear goal line. We applaud the bold measures that have already been put in place and will continue to consult with our and other governments on further steps to fulfill this pledge."

SOURCE American Jewish Committee