War Backfiring on U.S., Khatami Says

War Backfiring on U.S., Khatami Says: "War Backfiring on U.S., Khatami Says
Ex-Iranian President Also Calls Strikes Against His Country Unlikely

By Robin Wright
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 6, 2006; A04

NEW YORK -- On the eve of his first trip to Washington, former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami warned that U.S. military action in the Middle East has backfired, producing greater terrorism, imperiling the future of Iraq and damaging America's long-term interests.

But the danger of even greater instability in the region will ultimately prevent the United States from launching military strikes against Iran over disputes about its nuclear intentions, he predicted. Although an attack on Iran would create 'great damage,' Khatami said, 'prudence and wisdom' are likely to prevail because of the incalculable 'detriment and damage' it would cause to both the region and the United States.

'America will not make the mistake of attacking Iran,' he said, adding: 'Iran is not Iraq.'"