CIA cannot authenticate ABC Al Qaeda terror tape received in Pakistan

[mdhunter]

CNN story http://us.cnn.com/2004/US/10/28/terror.tape/index.html

Suspicious that the voice on the tape speaks in American accented english and that the production looks very clean.

That fact is, apparently, not stopping the likes of Drudge from highlighting it.

I smell a hoax. Also note that the tape purportedly discussed things like gay marriage in Massachussetts. Please excuse me for somehow doubting that issue is on the forefront of the minds of Al Qaeda.

[aden_nak]

1. I saw that tape.

It was some fake looking shit, I just want to say. I don't think the guy who recorded it has so much as FIRED a gun, let alone took part in any terrorist plots. I couldn't help but picture him taking the covering from his face and then running out the door to make sure he was on time to his LARP.

[bullimiami]

2. so this time they CANNOT verify it

but it is being broadcast anyway?

[LibDemAlways]

3. Probably under Rove's orders.

The guy on the tape looks like he might even be Rove. Wouldn't put it past him.

[gratuitous]

4. You don't suppose this is media blowback?

After the CBS debacle, in which the "forged" National Guard documents (which, by the way, were never disputed as to substance) caused the network so much embarrassment, now when the Bushistas would LOVE to get a videotape out to scare hell out of the voters one more time before Nov. 2, the networks have suddenly adopted a far more cautious approach.

Gee, that's just too damn bad.

[mdhunter]

6. Sure I suppose that's possible

But it begs a larger question. News outlets such as ABC have tons of resources available to them with which to confirm and fact check stories.

So, it would appear to me, that their sitting on it for as long as they did isn't just a precaution on account of a CBS chilling effect. It signals that even they thought the tape was suspect, and couldn't verify it internally for so long, that they wouldn't even hint at the story on air.

But yeah, I do agree with you that it is likely that everyone probably sits on controversial stories a bit longer - in this case, however, I suspect that tendency was amplified by the overtly suspicious nature of the work in question.

Following this CIA reading of the tape, though, you'd have to wonder whether or not the administration would want the tape coming out. They'd have to be asking, "How will people react to an American sounding voice threating them given that rumors are already swirling about GOP efforts to influence the vote through fear of terrorist attack?"

My guess is that the answer is, "Not well."

[gratuitous]

7. The administration is really peddling fear right now

I would think that they would want the tape out and published so as to say to the voters, "See? The terrorists are all around! Only George the Great can protect us from these evil fiends. Only George the Good can face them down, and send them back to their hidey holes."

Of course, considering this administration's casual relationship with the truth, they can spin anything -- even tons of looted explosives and the dead bodies that are the natural consequence of that looting -- as somehow positive for Stupidhead.

[wishlist]

5. Noon ABC radio news says it has been sent to FBI for authentication

I could recognize voice of Brian Ross talking about authorities trying to determine the identity of this alleged American Al Queda and having sent tape to FBI to authenticate. ABC should be ashamed to be giving so much coverage to this very possible hoax when Bush himself stated in interview with Charlie Gibson this week that there was no credible evidence of any current threats.

Same ABC news show talked about how the 3.7% GDP number is robust and healthy (tell that to the economic analysts who expected 4.3% and are not too disappointed only because the weaker number may keep interest rates down)

[Sinnerman]

8. FAKE.... TAPE..... It's Bushs way to scare americans

Operation American Freedom 4 days til President kerry Is Elected

[sister moon]

9. Had the same thought myself, it's a hoax

What a badly faked Middle-eastern accent! And the video was way too professional looking. How many people do you think it terrified into voting for 4 more years of Spurious George?

[4dsc]

10. Queer guy for the terrorist guy

is what the right is calling this obvious fake tape!!