The attack,on Revolutionary Guard commanders and Sunni and Shi'ite tribal leaders gathering for a reconciliation meeting, was among the most brazen in the Islamic Republic in years.

VOA: standard.2009.10.19

He argues that the security breach has hurt the image of the Revolutionary Guard, which he notes, took part in the crackdown on anti-government protests earlier this year.

VOA: standard.2009.10.19

"The Revolutionary Guard started to intervene in economic and financial affairs in Iran, " Sazegara said.

NPR: The Evolution of Iran's Revolutionary Guard

"The Iranian Revolutionary Guard was formed in May 1979, almost immediately after the revolution, " Reidel said.

NPR: The Evolution of Iran's Revolutionary Guard

There is also a less accountable intelligence service, which belongs to the Revolutionary Guard.

NEWYORKER: Election, Monitored