WASHINGTON (JTA) — Iran reportedly is providing material assistance to the Syrian government in its effort to quell protests.
The Wall Street Journal on Thursday quoted Obama administration officials as saying that they have intelligence showing that Iran is providing the Assad regime in Syria with know-how garnered from its own civilian uprising in 2009 to shut down electronic communication among dissenters, and with equipment to put down protests.
Additionally, U.S. intelligence has intercepted "chatter" suggesting that the Iranians are seeking avenues to assist Shi’ites in Bahrain and Yemen in their bids to force government change.
Analysts say Bahraini protesters have rejected such overtures, not wanting to hand the government a propaganda victory.
