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SDR
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Joined: 02 Oct 2004
Posts: 1640
Location: San Francisco
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 Posted: Wed Apr 12, 2006 9:16 pm Post subject: The "chink in the armor" ? |
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Report Raises New Questions on Bush, WMDs
By NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press Writer 33 minutes ago
The White House faced new questions Wednesday about President Bush's contention three years ago that weapons of mass destruction had been found in Iraq.
The Washington Post reported that a Pentagon-sponsored team of experts determined in May 2003 that two small trailers were not used to make biological weapons. Yet two days after the team sent its findings to Washington in a classified report, Bush declared just the opposite.
"We have found the weapons of mass destruction," Bush said in an interview with a Polish TV station. "We found biological laboratories."
Bush spokesman Scott McClellan said Wednesday that Bush was relying on information from the Central Intelligence Agency and the Defense Intelligence Agency when he said the trailers seized after the 2003 invasion were mobile biological laboratories. That information was later discredited by the Iraq Survey Group in its 2004 report.
The CIA and DIA publicly issued an assessment one day after the Pentagon team's report arrived in Washington that said U.S. officials were confident that the trailers were used to produce biological weapons. The assessment said the mobile facilities represented "the strongest evidence to date that Iraq was hiding a biological warfare program."
McClellan said it was unclear whether officials at the White House were aware of the contradictory field report when Bush repeated the claim in the television interview.
"If and when the White House became aware of this particular issue, I'm looking into that matter," McClellan said. "The White House has asked the CIA and the DIA to go and look into that issue."
The Post did not say that Bush knew what he was saying was false. But ABC News did during a report on "Good Morning America," and McClellan demanded an apology and an on-air retraction. ABC News said later in a clarification on its Web site that Charles Gibson had erred. McClellan said he had received an apology.
"This is nothing more than rehashing an old issue that was resolved long ago," McClellan said. "I cannot count how many times the president has said the intelligence was wrong."
"The intelligence community makes the assessment," he said. "The White House is not the intelligence-gathering agency."
Navy Cmdr. Greg Hicks, a Pentagon spokesman, said in a written statement that the report from the expert team was sent to the DIA on May 27, 2003, but he said the findings were not vetted until over the summer. The statement did not say whether the information was immediately shared with the White House.
"This further analysis led to the conclusion of the ISG that the mobile units were impractical for biological agent production and almost certainly designed and built for the generation of hydrogen," Hicks' statement said.
CIA spokeswoman Jennifer Dyck declined to speak specifically about the classified field report but said in general that producing a finished intelligence report takes time, coordination, debate and vetting.
"This is not a fast process, especially when dealing with complex issues," she said. "It is not typically something that happens in a matter of hours."
The trailers — along with aluminum tubes acquired by Iraq for what was believed to be a nuclear weapons program — were primary pieces of evidence offered by the Bush administration before the war to support its contention that Iraq was making weapons of mass destruction.
Intelligence officials and the White House have repeatedly denied claims that intelligence was exaggerated or manipulated in the months before the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in March 2003. The Iraq Survey Group concluded in 2004 that there was no evidence that Iraq produced weapons of mass destruction after 1991.
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On the Net:
CIA/DIA report on mobile trailers: http://www.cia.gov/cia/reports/iraqi_mobile_plants/paper_w.pdf
Duelfer report on the WMD claims:
http://www.cia.gov/cia/reports/iraq_wmd_2004
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My favorite sentance: "McClellan said it was unclear whether officials at the White House were aware of the contradictory field report when Bush repeated the claim in the television interview." |
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Ed Ziomek
Joined: 07 Jun 2005
Posts: 452
Location: Stamford, Connecticut
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| Posted: Thu Apr 13, 2006 5:56 am Post subject: Condition: FUBAR! |
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And as the evidence mounts...Abramoff, NSA leaks compromising entire projects and crews of intel apparatus, 9-11 SNAFUs, and ficticious WMD stories...
Brinkmanship 101?
Military nuclear strike options by Bush against Iran are being publicized...for what????? Smoke screen value? Red Herring issues?
How dangerous is this administration towards America?
Is there a rock big enough for me to hide under?
TARFU...things are really f'd up....
SNAFU...situation normal...a...f...u
FUBAR...f'd up beyond all repair.
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Ed Ziomek |
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Richard Haut
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Joined: 18 Apr 2004
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Location: Nice, France
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| Posted: Thu Apr 13, 2006 3:14 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | How dangerous is this administration towards America? |
at the start of this farcical aggression, the Pentagon said that American losses from a war resulting from a widened Middle East conflict WOULD EXCEED FIFTY MILLION.
Believe it.
Would Bush use nuclear weapopns against a non-nuclear nation that is no threat to the US ? Of course he would.
There is no "snafu" - what is happening is deliberate.
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Richard Haut has worked with the architectural profession for over 25 years and produces the weekly Richard Haut's Competitions, which has given architects details of many thousands of projects for which they can apply across Britain and Europe. |
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Ed Ziomek
Joined: 07 Jun 2005
Posts: 452
Location: Stamford, Connecticut
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| Posted: Thu Apr 13, 2006 6:12 pm Post subject: True, sadly true. |
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Rich, you were the first to say it, here, or anywhere that I have seen, in any publication.
I just don't get it. It does seem deliberate, to a T.
I have AGAIN heard that the real story is the Euro... we might use Nukes just to prevent a switch to the Euro currency. How pathetic is that?
PS...the Chinese are adding an embassy, or a new consulate in Iran, or another ambassador... I think they clearly fear a US "lone ranger-cowboy" action, and are sending us a subtle warning... Uncle Sam, think 1000 times before you carry out any foolhardiness!!!
I never thought I would see the day when China was the peacemaker, or the Russian Federation, but it certainly is not "shining" America in my worthless opinion. Where did it all go wrong?
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SDR
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Joined: 02 Oct 2004
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Location: San Francisco
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| Posted: Thu Apr 13, 2006 6:33 pm Post subject: |
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Sad, and troubling, isn't it ?
Would it be too much, to suggest that the American public (followed now by their international neighbors ?) have been lulled by their self-indulgent consumerist lifestyle, and by corporate propaganda (ie, advertising) for the last fifty years -- and that their ignorance (literally) of the politics and policies of their various governments, in that time, have rendered them unable to comprehend, much less respond to, what has happened ?
SDR
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"I'm the commander . . . see, I do not need to explain why I say things. That's the interesting thing about being the president. Maybe somebody needs to explain to me why they say something, but I don't feel like I owe anybody an explanation." GWB |
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csintexas
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Joined: 06 Feb 2006
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| Posted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 6:44 am Post subject: |
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America will not use nukes against Iran. They where listed as a possible way to deystroy an underground nuclear proccessing facility.
Bush may be stupid but he isn't crazy.
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Chris Stewart
Modern Texas Home Project |
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SDR
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| Posted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 8:24 am Post subject: |
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Are you. . .sure ?
Bush has made several references to the new Iranian leader as "Hitler" -- the point being that he would love to "go down in history" as the man who "prevented" the "next Hitler." With his mind(?)set, and Uncle Dick pushing hard from behind the curtain, who KNOWS where they will go ?
That said, no I don't think they'll use nukes. But they'll also ignore the international intelligence which states that Iran is at least five years from a nuclear weapon. . .
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"I'm the commander . . . see, I do not need to explain why I say things. That's the interesting thing about being the president. Maybe somebody needs to explain to me why they say something, but I don't feel like I owe anybody an explanation." GWB |
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Richard Haut
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| Posted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 3:57 pm Post subject: |
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Will Bush use nukes - won't Bush use nukes, or will it just be massive bombs, depleted uranium, white phosphorus and rebranded Napalm yet again ?
Is anyone prepared to risk their lives and the lives of their families on someone as totally unreliable as George W. Bush Junior ?
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Richard Haut has worked with the architectural profession for over 25 years and produces the weekly Richard Haut's Competitions, which has given architects details of many thousands of projects for which they can apply across Britain and Europe. |
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SDR
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| Posted: Fri Apr 14, 2006 4:06 pm Post subject: |
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Latest word (from reporters from both political sides) is that the administration realizes the issue has limited solutions, and would just as soon put off dealing with it -- despite the current saber-rattling. Apparently, no one has the stomach for serious (ie, nuclear) attacks. . .
As for the spate of attacks on Rumsfeld by retired military brass: the only one in Washington really supporting the Secretary of Defense at this point is old buddy GWB. Again, this comes from both sides.
Next ?
_________________
"I'm the commander . . . see, I do not need to explain why I say things. That's the interesting thing about being the president. Maybe somebody needs to explain to me why they say something, but I don't feel like I owe anybody an explanation." GWB |
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Ed Ziomek
Joined: 07 Jun 2005
Posts: 452
Location: Stamford, Connecticut
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| Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 6:54 am Post subject: US Offensive Actions, Already Taking Place in Iran? |
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I have just heard a remarkable quotation, among the many this week from various sources, that US sponsored military actions, of the mercenary variety, may already be taking place INSIDE Iran.
This is absolute frightening news to me, but it doesn't surprise me.
This puzzling and unproven rumor follows the Iranian leadership quote of yesterday that they have started enlisting suicide bombers, 10,000 to 40,000 strong, for attacks within Britain and the United States! Also, there is a re-statement by Ahmadnejad that Israel will be destroyed.
And the mucho-machissmo-hawks over here will say... America has 100,000 smarter suicide bombs!
Oh, my God! How easy it is to lose the peace! Personally, given the rhetoric, I don't see any turning back from a war scenario happening.
And the irony of it all is that I hear Iranians absolutely, positively, are questioning their own government's actions, and admire Americans and our culture.
It all sickens me.
Say some prayers for Peace, quick.
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Richard Haut
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| Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 2:01 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | Say some prayers for Peace, quick. |
ain't that the truth.
the rumours (? reports) of US and probably British 'special' ops inside Iran are not new - but let's be absolutely clear what we are talking about: terrorism.
some of the groups actively and deliberately sponsored by the US - of course through Rumsfeld - are actually classified in the US itself as terrorist organisations.
The President of Iran made clear his view that the calculated persecution of the Palestinians is the source of Israel's own destruction. Anybody proud of starving already severely malnourished Palestinian children ?
The IAEA in Vienna has repeatedly confirmed that Iran is not in breach of its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Those who say that it is are lying, knowing that they are lying and intend those lies to be believed.
And Iraq ? As the Western assassination squads murder Iraqi intellectuals and academics, rumour has it that the Americans are planning to do to Baghdad what they did to Fallujah - complete with white phosphorus, rebranded napalm, targetting of doctors, nurses, children ... by now the usual targets.
You are correct, Ed - pray and pray fast.
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Richard Haut has worked with the architectural profession for over 25 years and produces the weekly Richard Haut's Competitions, which has given architects details of many thousands of projects for which they can apply across Britain and Europe. |
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SDR
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Joined: 02 Oct 2004
Posts: 1640
Location: San Francisco
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| Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 6:01 pm Post subject: |
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"Western assassination squads" ? What did I miss. . .?
_________________
"I'm the commander . . . see, I do not need to explain why I say things. That's the interesting thing about being the president. Maybe somebody needs to explain to me why they say something, but I don't feel like I owe anybody an explanation." GWB |
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Richard Haut
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| Posted: Mon Apr 17, 2006 10:48 pm Post subject: |
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The so-called "Salvador option".
The countries of America, Britain and Israel use their special forces to arrange murder squads - either locally recruited, or using mercenaries or, of course, their own ever-so-special troops.
These are generally referred to as Black Ops. I believe that there was a version of it used in Vietnam.
After all, somebody had to drive Iraq to the edge of a civil war - and why ? It is an extremist Israeli policy to reduce the region's larger states into warring tribal factions. That way, the simple-minded policy goes, there will be no larger nations to threaten little Israel's expansion.
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Richard Haut has worked with the architectural profession for over 25 years and produces the weekly Richard Haut's Competitions, which has given architects details of many thousands of projects for which they can apply across Britain and Europe. |
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Ed Ziomek
Joined: 07 Jun 2005
Posts: 452
Location: Stamford, Connecticut
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| Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 7:38 am Post subject: Palestinian Bombs in Israeli Marketplace, Also horrifying! |
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Horrifying times. Hamas has called the Israeli marketplace bombing "legitimate". In my book, these atrocities took place, and Israeli atrocities, and Syrian atrocities, and Iraqi atrocities, and Iranian-Hezbollah atrocities, and Christian Lebanese atrocities... they all took place before we went to Iraq.
No, America wanted to be a part of this mess! 5 and 10 years later, we just have a catastrophically larger... MESS!
Not that we didn't stick our nose and guns into El Salvador, which is a anarchial gangster-driven mess today, but it wasn't front-page.
Moral: We are good at creating MESS, and then, not satisfied, we create... MORE MESS, this time, so EVERYBODY can see it!
We have lost our center.
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Ed Ziomek |
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Richard Haut
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Location: Nice, France
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| Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 8:53 am Post subject: |
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Ed
the good news is that we are seeing what is happening.
yes, versions of it have happened before caused by "Imperial" nations, by oppressive regimes, but most of it was hidden.
what is fascinating to me is that there is so little disagreement between the real people of different cultures.
we know what is happening at Abu Ghraib and at Guantanamo, we can find out what happened in Fallujah, we know that the Palestinians are being persecuted - and if we see an attack on an Israeli market as wrong, aren't we all partially to blame for not trying to restrain the shameful Israeli treatment of the Palestinians ?
it is wrong to steal, but if a man steals to feed children that we know are being starved, it does not help for us to simply yell 'thief'.
we should be grateful that Bush and Blair are such third rate cretins - if they were any good at their jobs we would not know what was happening.
we do know - and it is not acceptable to us - it is not acceptable to us whether we are Christian, or Jewish or Muslim; it is not acceptable to us if we are British or American or French or Iraqi or Iranian.
the idea of using nuclear weapons against a non-nuclear nation that poses no threat to the US is so obscene, so far beyond anything that we can accept, that America is facing a revolt by its senior military. Those Generals who are standing up to Bush and his gang are doing their job properly: they are protecting their nation because they care about it and want to be proud of it.
but surely there are things that we disagree over ? certainly. One of the most serious is how to spell the word 'centre', but is that going to make me wrap myself in explosives and blow up your local bus ? No.
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Richard Haut has worked with the architectural profession for over 25 years and produces the weekly Richard Haut's Competitions, which has given architects details of many thousands of projects for which they can apply across Britain and Europe. |
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