Bush, Cheney and Company have been pushing the notion that Iran represents an existential threat to world peace because, in the president's assessment, Tehram is seeking "nucular" weapons. Well ... about that threat ...
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A new U.S. intelligence report says Iran halted its nuclear weapons program in 2003 and it remains on hold, contradicting the Bush administration's earlier assertion that Tehran was intent on developing a bomb.
The National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) released on Monday could undermine U.S. efforts to convince other world powers to agree on a third package of U.N. sanctions against Iran for defying demands to halt uranium enrichment activities.
Tensions have escalated in recent months as Washington has ratcheted up the rhetoric against Tehran, with U.S. President George W. Bush insisting in October that a nuclear-armed Iran could lead to World War Three.
But in a finding likely to surprise U.S. friends and foes alike, the latest NIE concluded: "We do not know whether (Iran) currently intends to develop nuclear weapons."
That marked a sharp contrast to an intelligence report two years ago that stated Iran was "determined to develop nuclear weapons." Bush was supposedly briefed on the new developments last Wednesday. It must have put quite a damper on his and Dick's holiday plans (to attack Iran.) The Bushies, and their friends on the GOP campaign trail (hellooooo, Rudy!) have been hyping the notion that now that we've completely screwed up liberated Iraq, the next threat to Israel the "homeland" that must be taken care of is Iran. In fact, the last, scary residue of the neocon virus are actually praying for war with Iran, and word is they're even sneaking Paul Wolfowitz back in. (Wonder if he'll be allowed to bring his girlfriend...)
Labels: Bush administration, Iran, nukes |
