Iranian Suicide Bombers Want Govt's OK to Attack Israel

Hardline Iranian student groups have asked the government to authorize volunteers to carry out suicide bombings in Israel in response to the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's government has not responded to the call. Five student groups and a conservative clerical group launched a registration drive on Monday and claim that more than 10,000 volunteers have signed up.

"How can I remain indifferent while defenseless Palestinians are being butchered?" asked one volunteer. Iranian suicide groups have made similar requests in the past, and the government has never responded. The groups' activities appear to be mainly for propaganda purposes, and there has been no sign of Iranians carrying out suicide attacks in Israel. Most of those registering were members of the Basij militia, a hardline paramilitary group. (More Iran stories.)