So why did this NIE get released anyway?

[bklyncowgirl]

They've been covering this up for a long time. Seems it was a major embarrassment for Bushco so why now?

[sendero]

1. Who decided to release it?

Was this Bushs' decision?

[bklyncowgirl]

2. I would think it would have to be. nt

[ThomWV]

3. None of the Above: They held it up a year, they couldn't hold it back forever. That's all.

[annabanana]

4. You're right.. It's not as if they didn't TRY to keep it away from us. . . n/t

[mac2]

5. As Roosevelt said...

nothing in politics is by mistake.

It certainly diverted the subject of Iraq from the campaign...or the economy, or the illegal immigration problem...or the expansion of the WTO by adding Peru...or the removal of rights and spying recently passed by Congress...or the media silencing, etc.

[H2O Man]

6. Other.

The 16 intelligence groups that combine to make NIE all have linkages with foreign intelligence groups. Other nations, including Russia, China, and our once close allies in Europe knew the truth. They were concerned that the same dark forces that promoted the war of occupation in Iraq were pushing for a series of strikes on Iran. Many in the US intelligence community, including the military, recognized that the plan to attack Iran would destabilize the region, and damage the world economy. They called the OVP's bluff.

[mac2]

7. NIE

But that's what they want to do isn't it...destabilize the region? I hope you are right about not going forward with this aggressive war insanity for Empire.

I'm surprised there hasn't been a coupe to get rid of Bush. He certainly has been trying to remove Chavez (to get his oil, wealth, and resources...for his Americas Union).

They may put it on a back burner until after the election...like illegal immigration. What 2006 election agenda?

[H2O Man]

9. I want to be clear

that there are people opposed to those who have advocated military strikes against Iran; I did not say that those who are advocating the strikes will not attempt to go forward.

[DemReadingDU]

10. Must be why

Cheney's heart is causing problems. Too much stress.

[phaseolus]

8. I'm hoping...

...that this represents the diminished power of the Bush administration in its lame duck years. Think of how this would have played out in 2003 -- Wolfowitz or Feith or someone would have written the "facts" in the report, Rove would have had significant input to make sure that domestic political purposes were served, and "loyal bushies" would have seen that the appropriate people in the intel community rubber-stamped the thing.

[galileo3000]

11. It is my understanding that NIEs come out and are changed all of the time based on new updates.

[balantz]

12. The whole thing is meaningless when it comes to fabricating

a reason to attack. There are probably lots of ways that Iran can be made to look like an agressor. Remember those reports of the Chinese made submarines that Iran has apparently acquired?