Barack Obama, speaking before AIPAC, March 2:

One of the most profound consequences of the administration’s failed strategy in Iraq has been to strengthen Iran’s strategic position; reduce U.S. credibility and influence in the region; and place Israel and other nations friendly to the United States in greater peril.

Hillary Clinton, speaking in Congress, Feb. 14:

In dealing with the threats posed by the Iranian regime, which has gained its expanding influence in Iraq and the region as a result of the Administration’s policies, President Bush must not be allowed to act without the authority and oversight of Congress.

The Washington Post, today:

A former Iranian deputy defense minister who once commanded the Revolutionary Guard has left his country and is cooperating with Western intelligence agencies, providing information on Hezbollah and Iran’s ties to the organization, according to a senior U.S. official.
Ali Rez Asgari disappeared last month during a visit to Turkey. Iranian officials suggested yesterday that he may have been kidnapped by Israel or the United States. The U.S. official said Asgari is willingly cooperating. He did not divulge Asgari’s whereabouts or specify who is questioning him, but made clear that the information Asgari is offering is fully available to U.S. intelligence.

(By the way, Posties, thanks for putting the news of the biggest defector from Iran in years on page A16.)

If Iran’s position in the region is so strengthened, why are their military officials defecting?

By the way, Obama’s speech before AIPAC in Chicago wasn’t bad for a Democrat, but then again, Democratic presidential candidates always sound tough and hawkish about Iran when speaking to AIPAC. It’s when they get in office that they suddenly sound different.

UPDATE: An unidentified “senior U.S. official” is denying the Washington Post’s report, and says the U.S. doesn’t know where the general is.