The Institute for Policy Studies has an interesting analysis of the items found in Secretary of State Colin Powell's presentation at the United Nations. And another from Alternet.
I personally didn't see much more than the same accusations and some pretty flimsy evidence. These days, I don't know that I accept a James Bond style cryptic phone conversation that the gentlemen over at NSA "intercepted". Ditto with emails. As anyone who uses the internet should be aware, it is horrendously easy to fake an email message -- you have to have the actual electronic version of it to determine whether the thing in genuine, and we all know how easy it is to fake audio and video.
Combined with daily accusations from the CIA FBI and British Intellignce professionals that the Bush administration is "cooking" intel information, what value is this weak stuff?
My point is this: don't show us some photos of building and vehicles, don't play cryptic audio tapes, don't make bizarre claims that because the inspectors haven't found anything, then it must be hidden. The solution to this problem, is find some damning evidence, and then show it to the world. Use modern forensic techniques to ensure everyone that nothing found has been tampered with. Even then, show me, without doubt that Iraq poses a "clear and present danger" to the United States.
Any things less isn't worth the cost, in lives or treasure.
Posted by Chris at February 7, 2003 08:39 AM