IRAN OPERATES 18 SPY CENTERS IN IRAQ

LONDON [MENL] -- Iranian intelligence has been operating at least 18 covertcenters in Iraq as well as targeting Shi'ites deemed as aligned with theUnited States in a nearly $1 billion effort to prevent the spread ofdemocracy in that Arab country. A former Iranian official in Teheran's intelligence community publiclydisclosed the first details on Iran's intelligence presence in Iraq. Thedefector said Iran has bolstered its intelligence presence throughout Iraqwhere Teheran has sought to exacerbate ethnic tensions and encourage anationwide revolt against the United States.