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| U.S. Judge: Iran Liable for Beirut Blast |
| 2003-09-09 |
| A federal judge has ruled that the government of Iran was responsible for the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut that killed 63 people, including 17 Americans, and awarded $123 million in damages to some of the U.S. victims and their families. U.S. District Judge John D. Bates said the bombing on April 18, 1983 was carried out by the terrorist group Hezbollah with funding, weapons and training provided by senior Iranian officials. In the 165-page opinion released late Monday, Bates concluded the bombing was part of Iran’s campaign to remove the U.S. presence in Lebanon by killing American diplomats and servicemen and kidnapping civilians. We knew this, but it’s nice to see a court agree. Interesting timing, don’t ya think? The bombing was the first major attack against any American embassy in the world and was followed only six months later by a massive suicide bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut that killed 241 American servicemen. That attack led then-President Reagan to withdraw U.S. troops from Lebanon. The lawsuit is one of dozens filed against Iran under a 1996 U.S. law that allows Americans to sue nations that sponsor terrorism for damages suffered in terrorist acts. The Iranian government has not formally responded to any of the lawsuits. I’m sure we’ll hear from them as soon as their turbans stop spinning. In the embassy bombing case, Bates issued his ruling after holding a six-day evidentiary hearing in April. I can’t remember, did we ever release Iran’s assets? Otherwise, I guess we’ll need to send a collection agency. |
| Posted by:Steve |
| #2 I hope we take payment in the Bekaa valley as soon as possible. |
| Posted by: Super Hose 2003-9-9 2:12:35 PM |
| #1 They may never get any money, but the judgement helps to marginalize the Iranian regime. Keep up the pressure, especially on the nuke issues. An Iran on the defensive is a good place for em. |
| Posted by: Alaska Paul 2003-9-9 1:56:30 PM |