NIE on Iran ( PDF Version )

Read and Decide, is Iran a threat, a future threat, or is it following the path of Iraq and conning the the World Community with the threat of developing the Bomb.

Death in Afghanistan

Another British Death in Afghanistan. The UK has loss 85 Service Personnel since 2001.

Bush on Iran

President George W. Bush: Courtesy of the White House

President George W. Bush has not allowed the NIE to change his views on Iran, there is an argument for allowing the issue to get the radar a bit in less your going to take action military action , the President stated the following on Iran Today.

On the Campaign Trail today: " It is clear from the latest NIE that the Iranian government has more to explain about its nuclear intentions and past actions, especially the covert nuclear weapons program pursued until the fall of 2003, which the Iranian regime has yet to acknowledge. The Iranians have a strategic choice to make. They can come clean with the international community about the scope of their nuclear activities and fully accept the longstanding offer to suspend their enrichment program and come to the table and negotiate, or they can continue on a path of isolation that is not in the best interest of the Iranian people. The choice is up to the Iranian regime. "

This could be a chance to follow the Reagan path and open secret talks with Iran, just a problem, finding someone you can do business with, as the Gipper stated, Trust but Verify.

NIE and Clinton

The new NIE which has undermined the Bush Administration and its policy towards Iran, could also have an effect on the Clinton Campaign. A few Debates back, Obama stated he would meet with Iran and others to discuss their problems via the USA. At the time this was seen as naive in some quarters but it could be argued that the NIE gives Obama cover to be quite liberal about Iran. On Iran Clinton has been seen as a hawk compared to the rest of the Democrats, Bush Light, but this could damage her campaign as Iran has halted its nuclear bomb aims in 2003.

This is the time for Obama to show that he can win and that he is the future while Clinton represent the past, politics is about winning.

NYT and the NIE

The New York Times the paper of record has what it wants, points that it can use against a military reaction to Iran. They just might be right when it comes to Iran.

The Clinton Factor ?

New York Times: Interesting article in the Liberal NYT, how a Clinton nomination could hurt others on the ticket. Is the NYT moving its support to Obama.

New Iran Update

A new United States National Intelligence Estimate states that Iran halted its attempt to develop the bomb in 2003. The Start of the Iraq War, they got the message it seems. The news came yesterday, my reaction was two fold, the American Intelligence networks got something right for once, they had to get a lucky break sometime, or Iraq has spooked them so much they are extra cautious. I take the first option, have to revoke my prediction that the the USA will attack Iran next year. This debate with Iran should became low key for the next few years, in less Israel finds that Iran has developed the bomb then all bets are off. The West can breath a bit more easier for the time, but still have to be on guard.