To the editor:

The July 3 Journal-World article, “Iran accused of role in attack,” apart from information, can create justification for the United States or Israel attacking Iran. Iran is accused of a direct role in an attack killing five U.S. troops in January. The article notes “a sharp escalation in U.S. accusations that Iran has been arming and financing Iraqi militants and is linked to Lebanon’s Shiite Hezbollah militants.”

Evidence presented for the “direct role of Iran” is based on interrogations of an alleged “Lebanese Hezbollah operative” and an “Iraqi militant” along with “documents seized with them.” Given the potential for torture in U.S. interrogations, as well as the potential for “spinning” documents for political gain, I find it difficult to trust the report.

The source of the report is U.S. military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Kevin L. Bergner. Not reported is that the general is a “special assistant” to President Bush and senior director for Iraq on the president’s National Security Council. How much should we trust the direct spokesperson of a president who has misled us in invading Iraq and its resulting failure? To me, further doubt is created by recent reports of Bush authorizing covert operations against Iran. I cannot but hear the echo of past folly.

A minimum safeguard to prevent further irresponsible military escalation should be requiring Congress approve further escalation as is its prerogative and I believe duty. It would also be desirable if constraint were placed on the use of our arms shipments to Israel.

Jim Hasselle,

Lawrence