1996 Khobar Tower bombing suspect arrested: Could a confession have an impact on Iran negotiations?

2015-08-26T11:32:25-04:00

Iran was heavily implicated in the bombings. Although this happened almost 20 years ago, if the man arrested confesses and knows about his backing/financing, could this impact current relations with Iran?

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/2015/08/26/suspect-1996-khobar-towers-bombing-arrested/32392687/

Suspect in 1996 Khobar Towers bombing arrested

WASHINGTON — A man suspected in the 1996 bombing of the Khobar Towers residence at a U.S. military base in Saudi Arabia has been captured, a U.S. official said Wednesday.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Aug 26 at 2015 11:40 AM

2015-08-26T11:40:18-04:00

Probably not. This deal is not rationally based.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Aug 26 at 2015 2:59 PM

2015-08-26T14:59:35-04:00

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member We still have hostages in Iran, so how can a confession about Iran supporting another Terrorist Act stop the passage of the Iran Deal? I don't think any new information or revelation will sidetrack this congress and leadership from ratifying that deal. If hostages can't stop it, then additional information about Iran supporting terrorist activities (which we already know) then this shouldn't. I thought it was our policy not to negotiate with known terrorist? Wouldn't Iran be considered a known Terrorist sponsor and supporter? I guess there is a difference in Washington. A matter of semantics! But what do us “Air Charm Quarterbacks on RP know any way?

Response by MSgt Darren VanDerwilt made Aug 26 at 2015 9:51 PM

2015-08-26T21:51:32-04:00

I don't think anything will come of this. I had a few friends at Khobar when this happened, I arrived a week later. As a matter of fact, I was quartered in the building just to the right and behind in this picture. Our sense at the time was that the Saudi government was trying to wash this away as quickly as possible. Evidenced by the rumors of tortured confessions and quick exicution of some suspects by their intelegence service. The Iranians were suspected of being involved, but that's how these things always play out. They in turn accused us of flying sorties in their aerospace. I doubt this will affect the Iranian Nuke deal. In my oppinion, Congress won't ratify it and a future President (likely to be a Republican) will rescind it.

Reading about the investigation into the Khobar Towers bombing, the Saudi's attempted to thwart the FBI investigation and steer them to the Iranians and away from Osama bin Laden. Thre's an article from June 24, 2009 titled "Investigating the Khobar Tower Bombing," by Gareth Porter, that sheds some light on this.

Response by SPC David S. made Aug 27 at 2015 9:55 AM

2015-08-27T09:55:59-04:00

I think the idea of a strategic opportunity in converting Iran from foe to “friend” is very naive. Again I see this as another failed foreign policy concerning the Mideast region. We start two very long wars in the region, let Syria gas its own people, let ISIS go unchecked in the vacuum we created, and now more or less give Iran nukes. And you wonder why they hate us. I don't see this as a game changer as Iran still has Americans held hostage. Another 19 service members lost 20 years ago to this administration doesn't really amount to anything - which is very sad.