governmentattic org Rummaging in the government S· attic Description of document FBI Monograph Threat Assessment of Pro-Khomeini Shiite Activities in the U S 24-February-1984 Released date 31-October-2011 19-September-2008 Update posted Original post date 19-December-2011 27-September-2008 Source of document Federal Bureau of Investigation Record Information Dissemination Section 170 Marcel Drive Winchester VA 22602-4843 Note Second release begins on PDF page 53 and reveals considerably more of the text of this FBI Monograph than the original release The governmentattic org web site “the site” is noncommercial and free to the public The site and materials made available on the site such as this file are for reference only The governmentattic org web site and its principals have made every effort to make this information as complete and as accurate as possible however there may be mistakes and omissions both typographical and in content The governmentattic org web site and its principals shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to have been caused directly or indirectly by the information provided on the governmentattic org web site or in this file -- Web site design Copyright 2007 governmentattic org -- U S Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington D C 20535 September 19 2008 Subject THREAT ASSESSMENT OF PRO-KHOMEINI SHIITE ACTIVITIES IN THE U S FBI MONOGRAPH FOIPA No 1109734- 000 The enclosed documents were reviewed under the Freedom of Information Privacy Acts FOIPA Title 5 United States Code Section 552 552a Deletions have been made to protect information which is exempt from disclosure with the appropriate exemptions noted on the page next to the excision In addition a deleted page information sheet was inserted in the file to indicate where pages were withheld entirely The exemptions used to withhold information are marked below and explained on the enclosed Form OPCA-16a Section 552 Section 552a 181 b 1 D b 7 A D d 5 181 b 2 D b 7 B DQ 2 D b 3 181 b 7 C D k 1 181 b 7 D D k 2 D b 7 E D k 3 D b 7 F D k 4 D b 4 D b 8 D k 5 D b 5 D b 9 D k 6 181 b 6 D k 7 47 page s were reviewed and 47 page s are being released • Document s were located which originated with or contained information concerning other Government agency ies OGA This information has been • • referred to the OGA for review and direct response to you referred to the OGA for consultation The FBI will correspond with you regarding this information when the consultation is finished 181 You have the right to appeal any denials in this release Appeals should be directed in writing to the Director Office of Information and Privacy U S Department of Justice 1425 New York Ave NW Suite 11050 Washington D C 20530-0001 within sixty days from the date of this letter The envelope and the letter should be clearly marked Freedom of Information Appeal or Information Appeal Please cite the FOIPA number assigned to your request so that it may be easily identified • The enclosed material is from the main investigative file s in which the subject s of your request was the focus of the investigation Our search located additional references in files relating to other individuals or matters which may or may not be about your subject s Our experience has shown when ident references usually contain information similar to the information processed in the main file s Because of our significant backlog we have given priority to processing only the main investigative file s If you want the references you must submit a separate request for them in writing and they will be reviewed at a later date as time and resources permit 181 See additional information which follows Sincerely yours David M Hardy Section Chief Record Information Dissemination Section Records Management Division Enclosure s The enclosed material is responsive to your FOIA request to FBI Headquarters EXPLANATION OF EXEMPTIONS SUBSECTIONS OF TITLE 5 UNITED STATES CODE SECTION 552 b I A specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive order to be kept secret in the interest ofnational defense or foreign policy and B are in fact properly classified to such Executive order b 2 related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of an agency b 3 specifically exempted from disclosure by statute other than section 552b of this title provided that such statute A requires that the matters be withheld from the public in such a manner as to leave no discretion on issue or B establishes particular criteria for withholding or refers to particular types of matters to be withheld b 4 trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person and privileged or confidential b 5 inter-agency or intra-agency memorandums or letters which would not be available by law to a party other than an agency in litigation with the agency b 6 personnel and medical files and similar files the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy b 7 records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes but only to the extent that the production of such law enforcement records or information A could be reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings B would deprive a person ofa right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication C could be reasonably expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy D could reasonably be expected to disclose the identity of confidential source including a State local or foreign agency or authority or any private institution which furnished information on a confidential basis and in the case of record or information compiled by a criminal law enforcement authority in the course of a criminal investigation or by an agency conducting a lawful national security intelligence investigation information furnished by a confidential source E would disclose techniques and procedures for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions or would disclose guidelines for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions if such disclosure could reasonably be expected to risk circumvention of the law or F could reasonably be expected to endanger the life or physical safety of any individual b 8 contained in or related to examination operating or condition reports prepared by on behalf of or for the use of an agency responsible for the regulation or supervision of financial institutions or b 9 geological and geophysical information and data including maps concerning wells SUBSECTIONS OF TITLE 5 UNITED STATES CODE SECTION 552a d 5 information compiled in reasonable anticipation ofa civil action proceeding j 2 material reporting investigative efforts pertaining to the enforcement of criminal law including efforts to prevent control or reduce crime or apprehend criminals k I information which is currently and properly classified pursuant to an Executive order in the interest of the national defense or foreign policy for example information involving intelligence sources or methods k 2 investigatory material compiled for law enforcement purposes other than criminal which did not result in loss of a right benefit or privilege under Federal programs or which would identify a source who furnished information pursuant to a promise that his her identity would be held in confidence k 3 material maintained in connection with providing protective services to the President of the United States or any other individual pursuant to the authority of Title 18 United States Code Section 3056 k 4 required by statute to be maintained and used solely as statistical records k 5 investigatory material compiled solely for the purpose of determining suitability eligibility or qualifications for Federal civilian employment or for access to classified information the disclosure of which would reveal the identity of the person who furnished information pursuant to a promise that his her identity would be held in confidence k 6 testing or examination material used to determine individual qualifications for appointment or promotion in Federal Government service the release of which would compromise the testing or examination process k 7 material used to determine potential for promotion in the armed services the disclosure of which would reveal the identity of the person who furnished the material pursuant to a promise that his her identity would be held in confidence FBI DOJ -- I • Memorandum ' DATE 1 5-16- 2008 Jl I E •• 1 01 d _ E••c AO Inv ·_ Exo ' - o LES- CLASSIFIED BY b0322 UCLRP PLJ SD REASON 1 1 C _· • DECLASSIFY ON 05-16-2033 Aut Dir Adm Serva •Cr Ira l v• _ _ ET ln1p _ __ U To lntell _ _ Lob _ __ - r117 L- 24 Date Legel Coun _ 011 Cang Publlc Alfa _ Rec Mgnt _ b6 b7C Training _ _ Telephon • Rm - U 0 u J -DE A' 1 ' bS Attached summary was prepared in response to the increased 0 0 activity of pro-Khomeini Shi rte terrqrist groups against 0 United States interest in the Middle East and tthe threat of such I LJ activity occurring in the United States TRAC has undertaken this 0 z project to determine the threat potential to the continental I United States U 1 - - aX U •This project has been coordinated byf Intelligence Research Specialist TRAC Terrorism section riminal Investigative _Division b6 b7C fSJ b6 b7C All inf rmation herein is cla sified in its entirety unless noted otherwise Cj b A s-oO 31 t •f0•1 - U U CLASSIFIED • DECLASSIF 1------- 111 1 - ······l··- ffS E_ CLASS ED BY G-3 DECLA Y ON -- o ADR 1 1 1 - 1· DE-17 c- -------- - ---- - • · •• J I• - · bl c t l RS 198 x E U R UJ v ' - ·- - ' ' · •• •• DECLASSIFIED BY 60322 LRP PLJ SDB ON 05-22-2008 u CYECURITY ··PRECAUTION -- - Y U r rning Notice Intelligence Sources M and Methods Involved r -ional Security formation Unauthorized Disclosure Subject to Criminal Sanctions - U orn Not Releasable to Foreign N a t i o ·ront_ract NC Not releasable to Contractors o t Contrac or Consultants - -1 U '· i con OC l oiss mination and Extraction of _ Inf'cirmation Controlled by O r t t ' JI b6 b7C by Terrorist Research and Anal tical Center DATE 05-22-2008 CLASSIFIED EY 60322 LRP PLJ SDE REASON 1 4 C DECLASSIFY ON 05-22-2033 INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS UNCLASSIFIED EXCEPT TiJHERE SHOT JN OTHER ISE ALL bl IS J __··_ _ _ _ __ c J_ DATE 05-22-2008 CLASSIFIED BY 60322 LRP PLJ SDB REASON 1 4 C DECLASSIFY OM 05-22-2033 S NOFORN ·THREAT ASSES_SMENT OF PRO-KHOMEINI SI iIITE ACTIVITIES IN THE UNITED STATES ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS UNCLASSIFIED EXCEPT lJHERE SHOW OTHERWISE f te of Information January 19a -IM _j U This communication is classified Sec - oforn in its entirety unless otherwise indicated I - back of page bl TABLE OF CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • i i 1 4 II S III 5 6 7 8 9 • • • • 10 11 12 I IV IRANIAN SHIITE Tl-IREATS •••• •• ••• •••• ••••• • 14 CONCLUSION •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 19 U • bl back of page bl S IL-·_ _ _ _ ____ S¥ NOFORN r RODUCTION _ - U Within the past year terrorist acts have been committed in the Middle East against diplomatic establishments and military bases of the United States and several of its allies These actions the purpose of which is to rid the area of the Multinational Forces have resulted in·extensive damage and in numerous deaths and injuries Beirut ebanon has been the principal site of ·much of this activity although other Middle East states have not escaped the actions of the terrorists U · The group that generally has clai credit for these acts is a fanatic fundamentalist sect of th amic Shiite religiQJ l whose leader is Ayatollah Khomeini' of t'h-e- -t-s -ramfcRepublico ·rran - iThis group Islamic Jihad is one of several factions of tfiltreligion that consider themselves to be in a holy war Although not all Shiites adhere to this philosophy those who do believe t no sacrifice is too great in furtherance of their cause 9Q U The United States is one of several nations viewed as an enemy by the fanatic Shiites in their struggle and there is a concern that the terrorism currently - i · i 1 1 w i w Ja1o i s 1 L- i w 1 s 'il t l i _ S bl s X T NOFOIDi ii ' - back of page bl T NOFORN I THE SHIITE RELIGION ··· U NOFORN · · · back of page bl S I ________________ J SE NOFORN The major terrorist problem currently confronting the United States in the Middle East is based in a deep religious fanaticism found in the fundamentalist sect of the Islamic Shiite faith The 'ritual leader of the world's Shiites the A atoll a RuhollaJ i Khq i 1t wp o is also the temporal lead Ff-ll-e t s-t'a rnic -R epu · -ic r a n serves as the manifestation both of this religious fervor an secular power Fanatic fundamentalist Shiites are in a state of holy war against those in opposition to their philosophy which includes the United States As such they believe that salvation can be obtained through martyrdom Centuries ago during the Crusades this was accomplished by attacks with knives 9 1 ' the same is gained by use of explosives-laden trucks t@'tY U The Shiite Moslems represent the Iranian or Persian variation of the Islamic religion The beginnings of Islam can conservatively be traced to the prophet Mohammed in the sixth and seventh centuries A D His teachings unified the majority of the Arab world and caused the Koran the words of Mohammed to be held as law in both civil and religious matters An important aspect of Islam is that there is no discernable dis i cti n between chu 7c nd state Interpriwion of the religion 1 s used to legi t1m1 ze the state ' U Following the death of Mohammed in A D 632 there resulted a succession of struggles in the fait A schism which continues into the present occurred between two religious leaders Ali and Abu Bakr The followers of Ali the Shiites appear to adhere more closely to the actual teachings of the Koran as law The other group the Sunnites who possibly are the followers of Abu Bakr appear to be more liberal and realistic The Shiite sect differs from the Sunnite sect in matters of law and ceremony They have moreover rejected most of the oral traditions of Islam and believe in the coming of a Messiah Sunni e sect is considered the orthodox branch of Islam 1' W U The Sunnites are the majority Islamic sect comprising Most of the Moslems in Turkey the Far East Afghanistan and Africa are Sunnite The Shiites by comparison are centered in Iran formerly Persia where approximately 90 per cent of the population 1979 estimate belong to the sect _Other important ShiiY - f3nununities exist in Iraq Yemen Pak1 s1 nd oman · U 85 per cent of all Arabs U f P- '' al' J f _ SE T NOFORN 7' i --- 2 back of page bl T NOFORN The Sunnites historically have held positions of leadership in the Middle East and have dominated the wealth The rise to power of Khomeini in 1979 however began to change this Khomeini has sought to move Shiites into leadership roles in the states of the Persian Gulf by any means including violence This Islamic Revolution therefore is an attempt to spread the Shiite interpretation of Islam hrough political destabilization of other Arab states · U The fundamental concept of the Shiite philosophy emphasizes strict obedience to the religious leader that is Khomeini His followers are faithful to his views and perform and act accordingly This fundamentalist zeal when combined with an intense Persian Iranian nationalism has given rise to everal fanatic factions to whom no sacrifice is too great As Khomeini has justified the use of violence to further the Revolution through his strict interpretation of the religion and or the Koran the religion or its interpretation becomes the justification for any act And to be sure Khomeini's interpretation is unquestioned Thus it is not the religion itself but the interpretation of religious teachings as viewed by the spiritual temporal leader which is the driving fo l ·e· hind the Islamic Revolution and its consequences _9J j · U S As part of his effort to expand and consolidate the Islamic Revolution Khomeini has provided aid to dissident groups in neighboring Gulf states and has trained agents for attacks against exiled regime opponents Tehran's subversive acts are most likely used to protect Iran's own revolution and to foster the emergence of Islamic fundamentalist regimes sympathetic to ranian in erests • They are also design £ 't t re uc superpower Dflueoce 1 n the_M ddJe East CWC OC ' '' r 1 vU C '° U J e eo 0i f 21wioi c l - -e'-l U ___ _ _ __ In its ·commitment to spreading the Islam evolution the Khomeini Government has been heavily involved in training and equipping Islamic fundamentalist groups for the subversion of · several Gulf countries such as Bahrain Saudi Arabia Oman and Iraq Available information indicates that Iran has run at least since 1981 special paramilitary terrorist training s under the ct ion of the Revolutionary Guards NC OC U 61 0 W Not all Shiites are fanatic to the point of self-sacrifice Indeed there are Shiites who accept Khomeini as a religious leader and even as a political leader but who are not involved in the terrorism Thus there exists within the Shiite philosophy a range of followers encompassing on one extreme those who treat their belief solely as a faith and on the other extreme those who willingly martyr themselves to enforce and expand the teachings of Khomeini U SE fT NOFORN 3 1 ' bl2 b back of page bl II bl ET NOFORN 4 · - -· back of page bl T NOFORN X s ' X bl X X SE T NOFORN 5 ·- back of page S I NOFORN SI ··L 7 bl Following the seizure of the Unit ates Embassy in Tehran Iran by militant Shiites in November 1979 the United States severed diplomatic relations with the Government of Iran and order r ni b6 b7C b7D s s ET NOFORN 6 back of page bl s X s X X bl b6 b7C X X X X X X X s T NOFORN 7 ••- I back of page bl s SE NOFORN X X s X bl b6 b7C X X X T NOFORN 8 ' t ' _ back of page bl s 7T NOFORN III bl s S T NOFORN ' 9 I bl s X X X X X S T NOFORN 10 ' ' ' bl b6 b7C back of page bl --l S l X s X bl b6 b7C X X X S T NOFORN 11 back of page SI i SI T NOFORN r X X s X bl b6 b7C b7D X X ARET NOFORN 12 back of page bl -----ri J S L _ I ---- s bl b6 b7C b7D X X RET N FORN 13 back of page bl S -- S NOFORN IV IRANIAN SHIITE THREATS 7-- S E NOFORN _ _ ' ' - ' t 14 bl s S T NOFORN Although there have not yet been terrorist attacks by Shiite fundamentalists in the United States there have been n erous allegations relative to such activity Increased security measures have been put into effect at numerous United States Government offices and buildings as a result and priority investigations have attempted to determine the validity of the information and or to interdict any threats To date none of the intelligence has been substantiated Included among these allegations a r e U - information obtained on January 4 1983 fromf s X bl b7D X X SE# NO ORN 15 _ · back of page bl NOFORN bl s r warning o p against famous houses in the United States to include the White House and other unspecified targets There were also reports of terrorists c carrying bombs aboard American flag oceanliners U - information from a source of unknown reliability b7D ··· U s bl U b7D b7D U - information obtained on December 0 1983 reporting that bombs would explode before mid-January 1984 at the United Nations Building Pan Am Building World Trade Center d or the • Federal Building in New York City W U T NOFORN 16 back of page bl - information obtained on December 30 1983 from a source of unknown reliabilit that b7D '-- -- --- -------- ---- - -- -- ----- r _ -------'No time frame was indicated U - information obtained from an anonymous source b7 ____ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ______ j9'0 U - information which has not been substantiated advising on January 4 1984 of rumors of a plot for a kamikaze-style mission against United States installations NFI Reportedl ----1 i u i 1 L '-'-'-L- 1 w--- bl s from a source of unknown relia b7D U - nforrnation obtained on January 18 1984 that package bombs have been prepared to explode when in the possession of United States Postal Service employees U - information obtained from an anon call on Januar 19 1984 that S us telephone b7D bl b7D SE T NOFORN 17 back of page bl l T NOFORN b X SE NOFORN 18 '· · back of page j bl S · NOFORN S X bl X X S T NOFORN 19 U S Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington D C 20535 October 31 2011 Subject THREAT ASSESSMENT OF PRO-KHOMEINI SHIITE ACTIVITIES IN THE U S FBI MONOGRAPH FOIPA No 1109734- 001 The enclosed documents were reviewed under the Freedom of Information Privacy Acts FOIPA Title 5 United States Code Section 552 552a Deletions have been made to protect information which is exempt from disclosure with the appropriate exemptions noted on the page next to the excision In addition a deleted page information sheet was inserted in the file to indicate where pages were withheld entirely The exemptions used to withhold information are marked below and explained on the enclosed Form OPCA-16a Section 552 Section 552a 181 b 1 D b 7 A D d 5 D b 2 D b 7 B DU 2 D b 3 181 b 7 C D k 1 rill b 7 D D k 2 D b 7 E D k 3 D b 7 F D k 4 D b 4 D b 8 D k 5 D b 5 D b 9 D k 6 rill b 6 D k 7 47 page s were reviewed and 47 page s are being released • Document s were located which originated with or contained information concerning other Government agency ies OGA This information has been • referred to the OGA for review and direct response to you • referred to the OGA for consultation The FBI will correspond with you regarding this information when the consultation is finished • In accordance with standard FBI practice this response neither confirms nor denies the existence of your subject's name on any watch lists 181 You have the right to appeal any denials in this release Appeals should be directed in writing to the Director Office of Information Policy U S Department of Justice 1425 New York Ave NW Suite 11050 Washington D C 20530-0001 Your appeal must be received by OIP within sixty 60 days from the date of this letter in order to be considered timely The envelope and the letter should be clearly marked Freedom of Information Appeal Please cite the FOIPA Number assigned to your request so that it may be easily identified • The enclosed material is from the main investigative file s in which the subject s of your request was the focus of the investigation Our search located additional references in files relating to other individuals or matters which may or may not be about your subject s Our experience has shown when ident references usually contain information similar to the information processed in the main file s Because of our significant backlog we have given priority to processing only the main investigative file s If you want the references you must submit a separate request for them in writing and they will be reviewed at a later date as time and resources permit 181 See additional information which follows Sincerely yours David M Hardy Section Chief Record Information Dissemination Section Records Management Division Enclosure s As a result of your administrative appeal to the Office of Information Policy OIP Department of Justice DOJ material was remanded to the FBI for declassification review The material from the FBI Headquarters file 1994773 has been reviewed for declassification and processed pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act FOIA A redacted copy of the documents is enclosed EXPLANATION OF EXEMPTIONS SUBSECTIONS OF TITLE 5 UNITED STATES CODE SECTION 552 b I A specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign policy and B are in fact properly classified to such Executive order b 2 related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of an agency b 3 specifically exempted from disclosure by statute other than section 552b of this title provided that such statute A requires that the matters be withheld from the public in such a manner as to leave no discretion on issue or B establishes particular criteria for withholding or refers to particular types of matters to be withheld b 4 trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person and privileged or confidential b 5 inter-agency or intra-agency memorandums or letters which would not be available by law to a party other than an agency in litigation with the agency b 6 personnel and medical files and similar files the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy b 7 records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes but only to the extent that the production of such law enforcement records or information A could be reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings B would deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication C could be reasonably expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy D could reasonably be expected to disclose the identity of confidential source including a State local or foreign agency or authority or any private institution which furnished information on a confidential basis and in the case ofrecord or information compiled by a criminal law enforcement authority in the course of a criminal investigation or by an agency conducting a lawful national security intelligence investigation information furnished by a confidential source E would disclose techniques and procedures for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions or would disclose guidelines for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions if such disclosure could reasonably be expected to risk circumvention of the law or F could reasonably be expected to endanger the life or physical safety of any individual b 8 contained in or related to examination operating or condition reports prepared by on behalf of or for the use of an agency responsible for the regulation or supervision of financial institutions or b 9 geological and geophysical information and data including maps concerning wells SUBSECTIONS OF TITLE 5 UNITED STATES CODE SECTION 552a d 5 information compiled in reasonable anticipation of a civil action proceeding U 2 material reporting investigative efforts pertaining to the enforcement of criminal law including efforts to prevent control or reduce crime or apprehend criminals k I information which is currently and properly classified pursuant to an Executive order in the interest of the national defense or foreign · policy for example information involving intelligence sources or methods k 2 investigatory material compiled for law enforcement purposes other than criminal which did not result in loss of a right benefit or privilege under Federal programs or which would identify a source who furnished information pursuant to a promise that his her identity would be held in confidence k 3 material maintained in connection with providing protective services to the President of the United States or any other individual pursuant to the authority of Title I 8 United States Code Section 3056 k 4 required by statute to be maintained and used solely as statistical records k 5 investigatory material compiled solely for the purpose of determining suitability eligibility or qualifications for Federal civilian employment or for access to classified information the disclosure of which would reveal the identity of the person who furnished information pursuant to a promise that his her identity would be held in confidence k 6 testing or examination material used to determine individual qualifications for appointment or promotion in Federal Government service the release of which would compromise the testing or examination process k 7 material used to determine potential for promotion in the armed services the disclosure of which would reveal the identity of the person who furnished the material pursuant to a promise that his her identity would be held in confidence FBI DOJ - 1 • ' ' FROM DECLASSIFICATION AUTHORITY DEil IVED FBI ATJ O I T DECLASSIFIC ATIOM GUIDE DATE 1 -1u- u10 M emoran d0111 · • · _ • l 11 e c AO Adffl _ Ea•c AO l v ·_ · c-7 A O LES _ Aut Di Adm S• • •Crt ' 1 v _ _ l d e n t - - · '1 l •P·--1 11 _ _ L• ---l•wol C° · _ OIi Con1 Publfe Affa _ U U a w Attached summary was prepared in response to the increased 0 fr · _ - _ activity of pro-Khomeini Shi±te terrqrist groups against 0 Unit_ed States interest in the Middle East and ' the threat of such LU activi-t y occurring in the United States TRA C has undertaken this a z project to _ determine the threat potential to the continental ____ -- ted Stat'es • -DE'P A 'I-I S K I I ·- ' ··-- ' 1 is project has be n coorqinated by Intell 7gen' e·--Re _Ea _' r' h o l i s t TRAC Terrorism Section Criminal Investigative Divrsion_ U entirety E n losure ct §s l 1 rtA CLASSIFIED • Ul t U lFY ON 0 11 · I 5' U ED BY G-3 DECLA Y ON ADR CLASS_ i 7 ' I · u I All inf rmation herein is classified SE' nET in its o ed otherwise C J I - s- 0 0 3 · ll L - U ---------- U - U - - - - - - - -------- E-con_ JQG ___ ____ __ U Prepared by and Specialis-t _ b6 _ -- u ''--' • -3- U - - - - ·• ··-- f if Jl 3 fa 1 -4- EXEHPTED FROM AUTOMATIC DECLASSIFICATION AlJTHOP- ITY DEIUVED FF OU FBI AUTOMATIC DECLASSIFICATIOH GUIDE ALL INFOPl ATIOM CONTAB ED HEPEIN IS UNCLASSIFIED EXCEPT tilHEPE SHOWN OTilERTJJI SE EXEMPTIOU CODE 2SX l 6 DATE l2-l0-2010 S T NOFORN CLASSIFIED DECISI011 5 FI iIALIZED BY DEPAR TI ENT REVIEW CO -IMITIEE DRC DATE 01-11-2011 THREAT ASSESSMENT OF PRO-KHOMEINI SI iIITE ACTIVITIES IN THE UNITED STATES U This communication is classified Secr oforn in its entirety unless otherwise indicated SECRE F'ORN CLASSI ED BY G-3 DECLAS FY ON ' OADR U _@r 1r 3 U S T NOFORN TABLE OF CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION ••• · _ • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ii I THE SHIITE RELIG- ON • 1 II OFFICIAL IRANIAN DIPLOMATIC • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 4 ESTABLISHMENTS - IRANIAN GOVERNMENT AFFILIATEQ_ OFFICES Iranian Mission t6'· the United Nation Iranian Interest se6tion • Islamic Education Center Mostazafin Foundation ---··················· III IV S T NOFORN l 9 IRANIAN SHIITE THREATS •••••• ••••••••• ••••••• · _ ••••• 14 CONCLUSION ••••• •••••••• ••••• •••••••••••••••• ••• '- 6 7 8 Muslim Student AssociationPersian Speaking Group •• •• ••• • 10 Islamic Society • • - -- ••• • 11 Islamic Guerrillas of America • · _ • • 12 l MAIN IRANIAN SHIITE ORGANIZATIONS'- _ ACTIVE IN THE UNITED STATES 5 19 U · ·- - _ · ·- ··-- ·• _ iefi m ✓- 1£ U S T NOFORN l fJ •o• U ·· U U U eC TJO Within the past year terrorist acts have been committed in the Middle East against diplomatic establishments and military bases of the United States and several of its ··allies These actions the purpose of which is to rid the a·r a of the Multinational Forces have resulted in· extensive damag_e and in numerous deaths and injuries Beirut Lebanon has bee_n the principal site of much of this activity although other Hlcl_dl Eas states have not escaped the actions of the terrorists · • · he g oup that generally has clai credit for these act 7 s a fanatic funda entalist sect of h mic Shii religion whose leader is Ayatollah Khomeini of th·e-I-s-l amrc-Republic----o r I'r-a ri This group Islamic Jihad is one of several factions of tl'te'religion that consider themselves to be in a holy war Although not all Shiites adhere to this philosophy those who d9 1 _ l f lieve o sacrifice is too great in furtherance of their cause _ · Te United States is one of several nations viewed as an enemy by the fanatic Shiites in their struggle and there is a concern that the terrorism currently confined to the Middle East ·- may soon spread to the United States Many Shiites of Iranian -·and other Middle East nationalities reside in the United States Many 6 f- the_ _e individuals are involved in several Shiite organizations such ajf··-the Islamic Society the Muslim Student AssociationPersian Speaki'ng Group- -- a rid the Islamic Guerrillas of America Should Shiite oriented violen-c -e _c ccur in the United States these organizations and or their -membe_ i _ could provide a support base Moreover the official Iranian esl a hl-i _hments such as the Mission to the United Nations and the Inter'ens·t---S_ ction 2 could be expected to provide guidance and financial support ' ___ Current information indicates that activities sch a·s--ihtel1ig _l'l_ce gathering and violent confrontations are being conducted by me-mbers -af_ ____t hese Shiite organizations against and limited to anti-Khomeini-·-e1-erne-nts_ in the United States Futhermore func ling and direction for the-se actions eJ Uanate from t h Government of Iran th rough the various Iranian eStablishments U - - - _ - _ fj lf9JJ tj _ NOFORN U ------- ·· I• THE SHIITE RELIGio NOFORN - U - -_ J f1JJI U T NOFORN h ··m ajor terrorist problem currently confronting the United State · Jn the Middle East is based in a deep religious fanaticism Jound in the fundamentalist sect of the Islamic Shiite fai't 1 The s ·ritual leader of the world's Shiites the A atolla Rilhollah Khomeini who is also the temporal lead f-t'l'i-e f l amj_ c- epu - i c r a n serves as the manifestation both of this re'l-i gious fervor aifa secular power Fanatic fundamentalist Shiites in a state of holy war against those in opposition to their philo·sophy which includes the United States As such they believe·• that salvation can be obtained through martyrdom Centuries ··ago during the Crusades JfJ th s was accomplished by attacks with k n i v e s the same is I ··• g ined by use of explosives-laden trucks P J'1 · ar ···· ··· The Shiite Moslems represent the I anian or Persian variation of·•- t he Islamic religion The beginnings of Islam can conservatively ·be traced to the prophet Mohammed in the sixth and seventh centuries• JL D His teachings unified the majority of the Arab world and caused•the Koran the words of Mohammed to be held as law in both civii•an4 religious matters An important aspect of Islam is that···tl lere is no discernable distinction between church and state· · In terp tio of the religion is used to legitimize the state · · it Following the death of Mohammed in D 2 there ij ··· resulted a succession of struggles in the fait l A schism I which continues into the present occurred between two religious ·leaders Ali and Abu Bakr The followers of Ali the Shiites appear to adhere more closely to the actual teachings of the Kora_n as law The other group the Sunnites who possibly are the followers of Abu Bakr appear to be more liberal and realis'tic The Shiite sect differs from the Sunnite sect in matters · ·qf law and ceremony They have moreover rejected most of th oral traditions of Islam and believe in the coming of a Messiah l S e nnite sect is considered the orthodox branch of Islam 1' U · •· The Sunni es are the rnajori ty Islamic sect comprising 85 per• qent of all Arabs Most of the Moslems in Turkey the Far East ···Afghanistan and Africa are Sunnite The Shiites by comparison ai'e· centered in Iran formerly Persia where approximately 90 per cent o the population 1979 estimate belong to the sect Other irnpor·tant S h i i c ouni ties exist in Iraq Yem p Pakiso tand Oman ·· • ' cr -- 9 P- 1 U ····· · NoFoRN 2 I · t • _ '' ij ·-- _ ·---- _ I U T NOFORN he_sunnites historically have held positions of leadership in iha Middle East and have dominated the wealth The rise to power o f--- horneini in 1979 however began to change this Khomeini has sought to move Shiites into leadership roles in the states of the Persian- Qulf by any means including violence This Islamic Revolulio ri therefore is an attempt to spread the Shiite interpretatioii ··-0 t Isl¾th ough political destabilization of other Arab states ·- -- _ TT' 1 - lT U The fundamental concept of the iit philosophy emphasizes strict obedience to the religious leader that is Khomeini His followers are faithful to his views and perform and act accordingly This fundamentalist zeal when combined with an intense Persian Iranian nationalism has given rise to ·------ seyeral fanatic factions to whom no sacrifice is too great As Khome_ini has justified the use of violence to further the Revolutiofr··th r ugh his strict interpretation of the religion and or the Koran the ·ie igton or its interpretation becomes the justification for any···act_ And to be sure Khomeini's interpretation is unquestioned ··-- _' Fhu _ it is not the religion itself but the interpretation of religious--t achings as viewed by the spiritual temporal leader which is the clriying f o behind e the _I_s amic Revolution and its consequences · JtJ j _ - s part of his effort to expand and consolida e the Islamic Revolution Khomeini has provided aid to dissident groups in neighboring G·ul f ___states and has trained agents for attacks -------·-a·gainst e i _led regime···opponents Tehran's subversive acts are most likely···use-a·--·to---prote c t lran Is own revolution and to foster the emergence of Islamic fu nciafoen ta l-is-t-- re gj 111_es sympathetic to u ··----------1 -t c±· l-I - Mitl E ---- - - ae 2- - twfr c ---gu 0 Cc As u U TJ f'QINWL l-' -i n sa o ---i er ·t ' 'l _ 1d¼ _ _ ---·--- - d- - Gt n s i o r oG a N - --- - - - fice Indeed there are Shiites who accept Khomeini as a religious leader and even as a political leader but who are not involved in the terrorism Thus there exists within the Shiite philosophy a range of followers encompassing on one extreme those who treat their belief solely as a faith and on the other extreme those who I ----------w i J Jingly mar them elves to enforce and expand the teachings of Khomeiini- ------ • llJ SE T NOFORN 3 ·1 In its commitment to spreading the Islam R olution the Khomeini Government has been heavily involved in training and ---- guipping Islamic fundamentalist groups for the subversion of sever·a1----Gulf countries such as Bahrain Saudi Arabia Oman and Iraq Availabie•irfformat i on _indicates that Iran has run at least since 1981 special paramili ary- tez r_CJ_J iiot training ' U - - - - J r 1 j ' TJ II OFFICIAL IRANIAN DlP OMATI ESTABLISHMENTS - IM NIAN GOVERNMENT AFFILIATED · _ ·£ u - _ _ _ _ tf-1 1$'9 U ·• S _NOFORN i 1W I §anian Mission to the Un t dNatio The I-r dl -- in New York City is • --_- --- - a' - • bl T NOFORN 5 U - - __ '• '• U - ·u· 1 1 U E anian Interests· Se H n Following the seizure of the United States Embassy in Tehran _Iran by militant Shiites in November 1979 the United State$ severed diplomatic relations with the Government of Iran and 6 dered closed the Iran Embassy in Washington D _c In June 1980 th anJ_an Inter e s t S S ect -i on ISEC was of-H eJal ly opened in Washington D C to provide the same service ' _ as the Embassy such as passport and visa matters Because 'the United States and Iran had no official ___ relations however _ISEC affairs were to be coordinated through -the---Algi rian Embassy' 15t ------- -- a-ii'date _£ United States Department of State ISEC is to be staffed by--un-it _d States persons whose number is not to exceed 20 Investiga't'i'ons Ji ve determined however that there are in excess of 50 full ancf par-t J ime employees Many of these are pro-Khomeini Iranian student's'- who-- vc lunteer Department of State ditectiPr their services thereby avoidin S NOFORN 6 U ------ U ·- --------------------s T NOFORN U · Th £ s ·-·1c Education-Cen- Potomac 9- E_y__ ano lerve·s- t-wo functions in the Islamic emigre comrnuni ty Overtly it is an _education center a religious meeting site and a social gather ng place An Islamic Sunday School is held for religious·- ins ruction and meetings are c nducted lhe Kor·a n 7 These acti' 'i ties are coordinated by - ----•-- - -- - In add1t1 Q there 1s a Muslim School gra es uring the wee·k · · Anyone who is Muslim can visit the IEC however those Iraniaris- who a ··········· t-i -Khom1 Jni reportedl uld not be entirely welcome fo z rap lat · g U 11J3ofe3· · 14 q 1 _EA 1 U ·· Conversely is information that the IE may be used as a cover organization and that it serves as a base for terrorism and or covert intelligence-gathering activi · i e Iran the Islami c' Guerr1 of ' i - e a t a1 nta1ns a i g pro ile at the Center He has no connectlfr rr···t·o tJ school but his purposes for using the facility other than ··th-a-t tJ1 ey are political in nature are unknown There is concern wl thin····th _intelligence cornmuni ty hat IGA activities are tainting the···cente r r th igp pf a fq ei p pgJer ···········••r 1of U ····-- __ amples of questionable activity at the IEC include ___ - arr --• _u_e_ l_s U in amou f l ag•---dsess on pa•rol- x - - --- ' n u t r i w 0 U ••••••••• ·•··· U U --- U ······ a _ 1 nd1v1duals from the Center who are observed gathering intellige at anti-Khomeini demonstrati· ·11·s· · A the - ··- · ··· the IEC o house ind vi als who engage in pro-Khomeini dem In_f t t t i o ns ' ······························· The IEC was purchased by the Government of Iran with monies from the Mostazafin Founda ·on·n New York through which it receives regular support fund s - l tS '2 RET NOFORN 7 - ••· ib6 lb'i'C I U · - _ I U ····· NOFORN U ' @e Mosta FOun lati o bG l 7C Mostazafin Founda tipn MF also known as Vo- -·-c5 n o P· lloppre·§·serpeoples was formerly -- - -· - - U lT - I 1 and was founded during the It is currently closely aligned with The Foundation has two locations _ was chartered in the State of New York as a non-profi ·Qrganization but was later found to be a front for the Iran i·an Government to channel funds to agents in the United States iri ·-aIJ effort to spread propaganda and to ascertain the identities of ant-i -Khomeini students currently enrolled in colleges and universiti 'e-s Investigations have determined that the NF advocates the use of -intimidation of family members in Irah·when an Iranian studeri't-- in the United States is identifiea··a S··-h ving either expr ·ssed anti-Khomeini views or violated the ten·e·ts-- of his Moslem fa- i tb_ The MF exp - - - · ed--con flict · z h e Iranian Interests section and with the administra tion··-a t the Iranian Mission to the United Nations As a result n·ew-·o fficers were selected to head the Foundation and Tehran• is- no in complete mtccl 1 ij _ · cf no • cnc c 1 7E r tons 'Y serious f 1 It i ias been dete mine · cing an an a visor t o t e payment of a 1 5 million _ _ _ e ' F'o--Unda-tioz i currently owes to the United States Internal Revenue Service M6ieover i light of the Foundation's impending financial difficulties i f is--·curr z i l unable to issue student loans to anyone in the foreseeable futur€ · L ' _ ' '- m--- -- - _r__ 9 p o s t p o n e U The MF finances its activities in part by renting high priced office space in one of New York City's more fashionable -------lp ations Investigations have determined that besides the income which--·the Foundation has obtained through the rental of office space an ·iifidisclpsed amount of money has been sent to the Foun' 1ati n by the ··Kl'lo eir i_i___ regime J ance demonstrations publications and various sloga l - S T NOFORN 8 ---- - 1 U U III IN IRA NIAN SHIITE ORGANIZATIOtJ$ ACTIVE IN THE UNITED STATES T NOFORN ' ' • 9 I U ·- U -- Jiilim U st»_ n _ _ i t c 4 • -• J n · The Muslim Student Association MSA is an of Musliin--- tudents of various nationalities in the Uni ted-Sta-t es and ada ··---A __ faction of the MSA the Persian Speaking Group'' PSG ·i's' 'compri•seg of Iranian students who fervently support the policies of the-·Ay 'ltollah Khomeini The leadersh 1 1 ·_ii ___ MSA-PSG in the United States which had been held by a fanatic who clai _ leaderl1s · i i i -- -t ----_-_-_-_-_-__ -·- __ Guerrillas of America is now fre-1 l b o f the Islamic Society IS ·-- _ - __ · p i-c - rposes synonymous with tiie J t ----- i U i li$ 'o ll Tne·--main headquarters of the PS Plainfield India n-a- __ although policy-making functions and major funding operations ot···t-h organization appear to be in Washington D c Investigations for example have determined that fundin_g for the PSG comes·tr im t i a n Foreign Ministry through the Iranian Interest S e c t i n - The MSA-PSG serves as an extension of the present regime in Iran ana operates on United States campuses to silence opposition through acts of intimidation and or terror The main targebs of the MSA-PSG are Iranians who are in opposition to Khomeini or who are monarchists Seve al incidents of violence and heckling of opposition elements have been reported At Qklahoma University in Norman Oklahoma in March 1982 MSA-PSG rn·embers were armed with knives tear gas and a number of weapons us d in the martial arts in a confrontation with anti-Khomeini stu nts Moreover investigations have determined that 30 MSA-PSG IS members traveled date unknown to Iran and there met with authorities concerning measures to counter opposition elements U U are also indications that the PSG acts as the _____ i forrnat ·_o_n-gathering arm of the Iranian intelligence service ·- SAVAMA_ - U ii - · 'lJ I S T NOFORN 10 1 I I - '· · ' lbt 67c U ·• _ _ _ _ ·- U ---__ __ _ fl- lc U U S T NOFORN ------rr-n_- lamic Soeiety also Islamie which is made of-anumberbf groups variou ly-re erre ____ to-- P' as Anjoman the He·zopllah Party of God or Muslim Student Association-Persian eaking Group MSA-PSG is comprised principally of pro-Khomefn-i __ Iranians This organizati_Qn operates primarily through the MSA-PS-G - hich is a groupgeneraTly acc-e_pted on man - ' '- i _d unHr-eJ _si ty campuses in the ' -·---'-·-· Unite·d _ States s6'ci _ty in the ufiteg 5ta e is --- - -- -- -- of Aki'on_ _ Ohio _ _ _ of t e main Islamic s·ociety nt t w1 t the Iranian ISEC Washington ri c ' l 2 5 I U ·-- _ u - __ The Islarni Society fulfills numerous a kin s on behal f of the Government ___ of Iran including gathering intelligence on antl homeini Iranians···ar id covertly shipping embargoed United Stat s technology to lr n In addition the Society is also involve'd- in spreading propag t-nda to further the Islamic Revolution of Kho rneini This is ac-c rnplished through meetings publications such- s magazines and bi6c ures demonstrations and forceable takeovers_ of Islamic Mosque-s _ The latter is an attempt to spread the fund mentalist Shii te··--r ligion and make the philosophy dominant as is ·xn9meini' s intent ·-o ther areas of activity include financing and··-cpordinating pro-Kho r neini _ activities in the United States ·su_ch as dernonstratibni providing defense costs for arrested pro-Khomei-ni activists and ·ai rupting ···a 11t -Kho1 1eini activities Indicatior_is ·-ti ierefore are th a't-- - the · Soc ety 1s used to promote pro-Khomeini v10-l_ence and terrorism- _ ' __ '• _ ·-- Society ar- The monies which help support the a- tiv_ities of the received from the Government of Iran thr_ougv e E 7 n Foundation New York S T NOFORN 11 _ __ '· City A lb6 b7C U --------- U s ¥T NOFORN u l Fmic Guerrillas _ be Th· am s-Gm r rj J--J a-s- 0j -·Ame1 cg_ IGA also nown a s a _1_ 1 _ A s - Counc l p_ -- Guidan 7e s a soci -P l t 1 _c_ J_- ' un amen a 1 st S u te rel_1 g1 ous· or_g ci i _ j 1 qn comprised of Am er i'Cca'n Bi ca'ck-'-Mus'l -irn7s· a nd ··toreign borh · Mu s 1 ms r n a n ywho f are Iranians loyal to the present Iranian Gove·rrunenJ·--- • U · ·----- ____ The IGA is a pro-Khomeini organization pro ding support-- for the Khomeini Revolution in the United States The IGA intends· t o---fa _ili tate change in American policy towards Iran and halt what it fe·el-s- is United States harassment of Iranian P70PlE j here Tbo ·most rc werful figure in the organization isJ 1__ _____ _ _ --- ---- - - · --- agent of the Iranian Government A actions taken b the mus·t ··bee · T dip c b A- - - -- tij __ t •a jmpJeroentedlt _ e i ca r i B· ack Muslim omii itnn - y_ Activity of the IGA is centered ·h Washington o c area One of its primary objectives - complete control of the Islamic Center 2551 Massachusetts Avenue N w D C ·was J I11P _or- 1-rily achieved in November 1981 when 1 _ _ land his followers· ·illeg_cilly wrested control from the Center s oard of Governors In Mai'Ch·--19 8 J__ the Board of Governors regained control of the Islamic Cenfe·r whi q_tl resulted i e rest and conviction of several IGA--·memb _r_ - -· wa hj gton I land The IGA is involved in various activ' ies · support of its cause Pamphlets have been distributed which berate United States intelligence agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation the Central Intelligence Agency and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms for their alleged harassment of Muslims The IGA has conducted meetings at the Islamic Center and at another location the Islamic yaucatjpn Center IEC on Seven Locks Road Potomac Maryland _ encourages members to demonstrate support for the Iranian Revolution by ·---- _taging marches Source information indicates that Iran has dir-e ted that more efforts be concentrated on new programs and propaganda in order to attract more American Black Muslims Also i -i believed that lhas traveled to Iran for training in···-iµtelligence gathering for the Iranian Government I-1embers o the····IQ 1- ha n observed wearing camouflage fatigues and carrying weapon --- ij I S T NOFORN 12 1 b7C ' lJit- l 11J-151k U --- _ NOFORN U has been involved in illegal a ers ave been convicted and jailed _ _______ for example was suspected of being involved int e assass-i nation of Ali Akbar Tabatabai for which two IGA members were convictep in December 1981 Tabatabai who was a pro-Shah Iranian exil residing in Bethesda Maryland was murdered in July 1980 S€yeral United States federal officials involved in terrorist investigition were the recipients of death threat letters signed by the IGA ·i-I' l 1982 Moveover investigations reveal that weapons have been purch d by IGA members Reportedly money for weapons procurement is obtain d through robberies ·-------Various members of this group have been ·a J le ed to e responsible for·--O_oirboring the fugitives of these crime·s- b6 t 7c b7D T NOFORN 13 'L U · ·• fi 91ff U · IV IRANIAN SHIITE THREATS • _ · ' S T NOFORN 14 U - - - - - U S NOFORN · Al though there have not yet been terrorist attacks by Shii t'e _ fundamentalists in the United States there have been n-qmero µs allegations relative to such activity Increased security mea ures have been put into effect at numerous United States Govern ent offices and buildings as a result and priority invest19ations have attempted to determine the validity of the informatid and or to interdict any threats To date none of the intelll-gence has been substantiated Included among these allegations a r ' e U ·-- _______ _ - in fr · b7D may e a · --1 -g n a wit l i m Student ssoc1at1on-Persian Speaking·- roup U - information obtained on January 18 1983 from a source of unknown reliability that two sites in Iran have been used to train terrorists for the···Tg-84··-ol-ympi _ • -F - TJ e en g 1ng-re ate activity in the hc5 r·der---a r e a 1 - an anonymous letter received on November 22 1983 by the Manassas Virginia Police Department in which the author ·n • cone 0 U -------················ ·····················- NOFORN 15 I ·• b7D U S T NOFORN -- - inf r ttra-tion obtained on December 14 1983 regarding an ·--ano 1ymous telephone call to the United States Emb-iiss-y ___in Bern Switzerland warning of possible kam ik·az -style attacks against famous houses in tne·-Ur iited States to include the White House and other ··unsp cified targets There were also reports of te° r'ror i sts ·--------------------- - rrying bombs aboard American flag oceanliner-s-1- info_ rmation from who re -cf te · bili y b7D ···- -- U ---- ··-- - information developed on 20 1983 through a source ofi liUl W iJ IJ l J J i g A- ernment b'JD U --------·-- ·- b7D U ·-- ---------- information obtained on Dece er 30 1983 rep-o·rtin g that bombs would explode before rnid-January--1-984 at the United Nations Building Pan Am Building Wdr-1-d--- ' I de Center d o the Federal Building in New Yo r-k CiJ y ------- # NOFORN 16 ' -• ' - ' U • · J1 · fit- t - 11 Uf · ·• S¥N FORN U ------ -·· ----i-nf_ rmation obtained on December 30 1983 b7D No U - _______ _ - information b7D --------- - information which has not been substantiat advising on January 4 1984 of rumors of a plot for a kamikaze-style mission against United States installations NFI Reportedly the pilot is Lebanese and is associated with Islamic Amal a · -- --Le_ panese Sh· i te f damentalist group supported by --Rhornein ' U U ·-- ···- b7D _ -- U - i'nforrnation obtained on January 18 1984 that package bombs have been prepared to explode when ___ in the possession of United States Postal Service emp·l-oy e s- U ---------------- - infor ta-ined call o -·- ·····------------- a i 1JJJ Q1 l i telephone - h• •• •••••••• b7D • b7D U was polygraphed an·a----foun-d----t-o be ___ g epti ve ------------------· ··- t NOFORN ' U NOFORN In additi6 ·--to the allegations of Iranian terrorism against United States Goverpment targets an incident recently occurred in Seattle Washingto_n wherein a pro-Khomeini Iranian group whose members are involv'e l _with the Islamic Society planned to set fire to a theater chlr tng a performance attended by pro-Shah and anti-Khomeini followe·rs Because of FBI actions however the plans were canceled Alth6 g this incident did not involve activity against United States Government facilities it is of imP 1 ' tanc 7 because i t is an example of··--t_ le a · ty iv which the Sh 1 1 tes in the Un 1 ted States are capable··-Q_f ' -- T NOFORN 18 I TJ U · _ ¾T NOFORN ···· §i wsro That there have been no attacks perpetrated by fanatic Shiite groups and or individuals against United States Government facilities or persons in the United States does not suggest that the probability of such activity occurring is minimal The threat does exist and it should be so viewed The various violent anti Khomeini acts such as the planned firebombing in Seattle proves that at least a psychological framework that is the ability to commit and or condone violence for a given cause is in existence To be sure this framework is necessary in establishing a terrorist capabil 't • he extent of this capability however remains unknow·n As pport base that is avenues of escape safehouses etc does not exist in the United States to the same extent as in the Middle East Furthermore the same fanaticism which generates the suicide missions in the Middle East may not be as strong here given that the majority of the Shiites in America are either Arabs who have been removed from the environment which spawns the -f • · U States similar Embassy provide or they are Americans who have never fully experienced · If therefore an attack were to occur in the United it is least likely that it would be a suicide-style mission to the Beirut Lebanon bombings of the United States and Marine Corps compound Alternative methods which would a high profile includ-e assassinat ions nd kidnappings • S' ········-----········------······-----------·------------------------ ___________________ _________________________ S T NOFORN 19