Bush sets narrow limits on inquiry

[UpInArms]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0402080247feb08,1,7299497.story?coll=chi-news-hed

WASHINGTON -- President Bush has established a narrow charge for his new independent commission on U.S. intelligence capabilities, directing the panel to focus on flawed prewar intelligence assessments of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and other nations.

But the commission may quickly find itself pressured to explore broader events and discussions that formed the tangle of spy data and policymaking leading up to the March 20 invasion of Iraq.

<snip>

The starting point for the new panel's work undoubtedly will be the CIA's National Intelligence Estimate on Iraq, an assessment that was quickly drafted in the fall of 2002 at the request of Congress.

At the time, Bush was seeking congressional approval for the authority to wage war if Iraq refused to comply with United Nations resolutions demanding weapons inspections. But some lawmakers wanted to know how dire the Iraqi threat really was.

<snip>

Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) is among them. Nelson said he voted for the war after he and his colleagues were told that Iraq had developed unmanned aerial vehicles that could be launched from ships and disperse deadly chemical agents. The likely targets, they were told, included cities along the East Coast.

...more...

worth reading all the way through - gives lots of information.

edited to add:

Co-Chair of Bush Panel Part of Far Right Network

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0206-10.htm

WASHINGTON - President George W. Bush's choice to co-chair his commission to investigate intelligence failures prior to the Iraq War is a long-time, right wing political activist closely tied to the neo-conservative network that led the pro-war propaganda campaign.

Federal appeals court Judge Laurence Silberman, who will share the chairmanship with former Virginia Democratic Senator Charles Robb, also has some history in covert operations.


Retired federal judge Laurence Silberman, listens to president Bush announces the formation of a commission Friday, Feb. 6, 2004 to investigate possible problems with U.S. intelligence. (Manuel Balce Ceneta)
In 1980, when he served as part of former
Republican president Ronald Reagan's senior campaign staff, he played a key role in setting up secret contacts between the Reagan-Bush campaign and the Islamic government in Tehran, in what became known as the ''October Surprise'' controversy.

...more...

[MaineDem]

1. The clip I saw of the MTP thing...

Bush didn't answer a direct question as to whether he'd testify in front of the commission if asked.

He said he'd "consult" or something like that.

I wonder what THAT meant?

[UpInArms]

2. he was taught stonewalling

techniques by his father (GHWB) during the Iran-Contra investigation.

This utter POS will prevaricate and postpone everything.

[Whoa_Nelly]

3. * will just "visit"

in his good ol' boy way that is soooooo engaging (NOT!)

From MTP:
Russert: Will you testify before the commission?

President Bush: This commission? You know, I don't testify? I will be glad to visit with them. I will be glad to share with them knowledge. I will be glad to make recommendations, if they ask for some.

I'm interested in getting I'm interested in making sure the intelligence gathering works well.

Listen, we got some five let me let me, again, just give you a sense of where I am on the intelligence systems of America. First of all, I strongly believe the CIA is ably led by George Tenet. He comes and briefs me on a regular basis about what he and his analysts see in the world.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4179618

[calimary]

4. His declaration "I don't testify" means he doesn't want to be under oath

and I wonder why THAT is.

[Just Me]

5. BULLSHIT!!!! NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!!

Sorry for yelling, again. G-DAMNIT this rattles me,...

I am going to be doing ALOT of screaming the next several days!!!