http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/liv...n_page_id=1770

Britsh MPs visiting the Pentagon to discuss America's stance on Iran and Iraq were shocked to be told by one of President Bush's senior women officials: "I hate all Iranians."

And she also accused Britain of "dismantling" the Anglo-US-led coalition in Iraq by pulling troops out of Basra too soon.

The all-party group of MPs say Debra Cagan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Coalition Affairs to Defence Secretary Robert Gates, made the comments this month.

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Hard line: Debra Cagan stunned the MPs with her comments

The six MPs were taken aback by the hardline approach of the Pentagon and in particular Ms Cagan, one of Mr Bush's foreign policy advisers.
She made it clear that although the US had no plans to attack Iran, it did not rule out doing so if the Iranians ignored warnings not to develop a nuclear bomb.

It was her tone when they met her on September 11 that shocked them most.

The MPs say that at one point she said: "In any case, I hate all Iranians."
Although it was an aside, it was not out of keeping with her general demeanour.

"She seemed more keen on saying she didn't like Iranians than that the US had no plans to attack Iran," said one MP. "She did say there were no plans for an attack but the tone did not fit the words."

Another MP said: "I formed the impression that some in America are looking for an excuse to attack Iran. It was very alarming."

Tory Stuart Graham, who was on the ten-day trip, would not discuss Ms Cagan but said: "It was very sobering to hear from the horse's mouth how the US sees the situation."

Ms Cagan, whose job involves keeping the coalition in Iraq together, also criticised Britain for pulling out troops.

"She said if we leave the south of Iraq, the Iranians will take it over," said one MP.

Another said: "She is very forceful and some of my colleagues were intimidated by her muscular style."

The MPs also saw Henry Worcester, Deputy Director of the Office of Iranian Affairs, who said he favoured talks with Iran.

The Pentagon denied Ms Cagan said she "hated" Iranians. "She doesn't speak that way," said an official.

But when The Mail on Sunday spoke to four of the six MPs, three confirmed privately that she made the remark and one declined to comment. The other two could not be contacted.

I am not sure if I can buy this story. Afterall, this is a British yellow-paper and Pentagon has denied this...

I wouldn't be able to take someone who dressed like that seriously on foreign policy...

Originally Posted by C/1Lt Henderson

I wouldn't be able to take someone who dressed like that seriously on foreign policy...

she looks like a star trek villan

I was thinking more "Rocky Horror Picture Show".

you win! absolutely

Originally Posted by C/1Lt Henderson

I wouldn't be able to take someone who dressed like that seriously on foreign policy...

Is that a He/She?

Debra Cagan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Coalition Affairs to Defence Secretary Robert Gates

She is so far down the line in command of anything, it bets me that she can even be allowed to make the coffee.

This basically a worthless piece of reporting

I'm sure that she could take on the Iranians single handedly, and win. Poor bloody Iranians.

Originally Posted by Kiwi

She is so far down the line in command of anything, it bets me that she can even be allowed to make the coffee.

This basically a worthless piece of reporting

ditto!!!!

But everyone has a fancy title and the press will be sure to take advantage of it.