Agencies warned U.S. about Iraq-invading could create instability- give Iran, al-Qaida opportunities

[Kadie]

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Report: Agencies warned U.S. about Iraq
By KATHERINE SHRADER, Associated Press Writer
Wed May 23, 7:29 PM ET


WASHINGTON - U.S. intelligence agencies warned senior members of the Bush administration in early 2003 that invading Iraq could create instability that would give Iran and al-Qaida new opportunities to expand their influence, according to an upcoming Senate report.

Officials familiar with the Senate Intelligence Committee investigation also say analysts warned against a sustained U.S. presence, which could increase extremist recruiting. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the report's declassification is not finished. It could be made public as soon as this week.

The committee also found that the warnings predicting what would happen after the U.S.-led invasion were circulated widely in government, including to the Pentagon and the Office of the Vice President. It wasn't clear whether President Bush was briefed.

The report comes as the administration is facing renewed criticism for failing to execute adequate post-invasion plans to stabilize Iraq after Saddam Hussein was toppled. Meanwhile, the White House has been trying to make the case that Iraq cannot be abandoned.

more...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070523/ap_on_go_co/iraq_missed_warnings_2

[BuyingThyme]

1. This is why Bush is talking Iraq this week.

He knew this was coming and wanted to muddy the waters. The media are helping him. They're saying the exact opposite of the truth.

[magellan]

2. Ergo staying creates more instability

So let's recap, shall we?

1) Everyone with at least half a brain knew this would happen before Bush** invaded (including Bush Sr. -- and oh yes, Bush** was so f*ucking too "briefed" on the likelihood!)

2) Most everyone with less than half a brain realized it was happening as time wore on -- the rest don't care or aren't using the two gray cells they possess

3) There are plenty of people in our government who knew it would happen beforehand but put smiley faces all over it (and still are)

4) The people in #3 counted on it happening to give them an excuse to stay: unending war

5) It's about controlling the oil, stupid

6) The only way to stabilize the situation is to nuke Iraq and Iran. Hardly a solution and unlikely for the reason stated in #5 -- radioactive oil fields are no one's friend

[Ian David]

3. The report was printed in the January 2003 issue of "Duh! Magazine."

And is also mentioned in this week's issue of, "D'ja THINK!?!"