Tuesday, August 02, 2005

deja vu all over again

WaPo:
    A major U.S. intelligence review has projected that Iran is about a decade away from manufacturing the key ingredient for a nuclear weapon, roughly doubling the previous estimate of five years, according to government sources with firsthand knowledge of the new analysis.

    The carefully hedged assessments, which represent consensus among U.S. intelligence agencies, contrast with forceful public statements by the White House. Administration officials have asserted, but have not offered proof, that Tehran is moving determinedly toward a nuclear arsenal. The new estimate could provide more time for diplomacy with Iran over its nuclear ambitions. President Bush has said that he wants the crisis resolved diplomatically but that "all options are on the table."
I can't be the only person harboring the suspicion that Rumsfeld's recent announcements about treoop withdrawals have more to do with freeing up personnel for Iran than with any strategic planning for Iraq.

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