Rice stands by claims of Al-Qaeda-Saddam links

[Judi Lynn]

Rice stands by claims of Al-Qaeda-Saddam links
13 minutes ago



WASHINGTON (AFP) - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice insisted that Al-Qaeda operatives in Iraq were developing weapons of mass destruction prior to the ousting of Saddam Hussein.

Rice, giving a series of interviews ahead of the fifth anniversary of the September 11 Al-Qaeda attacks on the United States, brushed aside a recently released US intelligence report saying there was no evidence Saddam's regime was helping Al-Qaeda obtain such arms.

"There were ties between Iraq and Al-Qaeda," she said on Fox News Sunday.

Rice specifically linked Al-Qaeda's presumed leader in Iraq at the time, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, to the effort to develop chemical arms.

"We know that Zarqawi was running a poison network in Iraq," she said, reaffirming statements made by President George W. Bush and herself prior to the March 2003 invasion of Iraq linking Baghdad with Osama bin Laden's group.
(snip/...)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060910/ts_alt_afp/usattacksiraqqaedarice

[complain jane]

1. I'm seriously ready to head to Canada.

This isn't the United States. This country's run by the most dishonest, corrupt, disgusting, criminal dictatorship and how how can anybody with two brain cells to rub together call this a Democracy when the outcome of everything is controlled by a steady diet of absolute BULLSHIT being fed to the American people? This f-ing administration belongs behind bars ten times over and this lying sack of crap Rice should be one of the first.

WHEN THE F does anybody ACTUALLY stand up to these people?

[C_U_L8R]

36. Consider going the other direction

the revolution will be in DC

[lebkuchen]

44. Lots of Americans living in Inverness, Scotland

working for Johnson and Johnson. Something to think about.

[eccles12]

48. Ok, follow my logic. There were Al-qaeda in the US plotting 9/11--

does that mean there was a link between Al-qaeda and Bush or the Bush administration (regime)?

Al-qaeda operatives trained in US flying schools, lived here, met here, and finally carried out their dastardly deed here. Does that mean that the US harbors terrorists? Supports them?

Help me out here.

[ConcernedCanuk]

52. There's a more likely link between Al-qaeda and Bush than Saddam methinks

.
.
.

remember the Rummy handshake with Saddam -

dare anyone to show me Saddam with ANY Al-Qaeda member, let alone shaking his hand.

Also,

after reading his book "My Pet Goat"

and halting all air traffic in and out of the US

The Pretzeldent whisked off all of the Bin Laden Millionaires out of the country on a secret flight.

Explain THAT one to me - a believable explanation please . .

[saigon68]

49. "lying sack of crap Rice" Ugly too !! see below

[reprobate]

53. And bumber than an bag of stupid. And she likes it that way.

With thanks to the poster who introduced the phrase

[madrchsod]

2. did not her lover say there were no ties between the two?

and is not fact they really didn`t like each other? her "special friend" chose not to take out abu musab al-zarqawi camp before the war because it would weaken his case for the firing of saddam?

"Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive"

[tblue37]

3. Baghdad Bob--Is that you? (eom)

[leftchick]

4. a poison network??

wtf? The poison network is in DC!

[CookieD]

47. Fox News? eom

[rodeodance]

5. an Illusionist Party is running the USA

[leesa]

6. Pulling it out of her ass, as usual. A "poison network" now !!!

I hope I live to see this woman behind bars for war crimes and treason.

[gulliver]

8. LOL.

That really is an odd phrase...like she is trying to score points with Joe Sixpack and riffing. She is a piece of work.

[Miss Chybil]

21. What the hell is a "poison network."

Those two words must have rated well together in human manipulation studies.

[MrPrax]

28. A hairball's bands fan club?

Other than that?

Isn't there some mechanism in the US that requires some 'policy maker' to drag her fucking ass in front of the committee that said this WASN'T the case.

Please, Ms. Rice, if you have information that would correct the official record on this matter, can you please present it to the American people so they can assess and act on the information, if correct...or shut the fuck up and risk jail for apparently talking about perhaps, 'classified information' not known to the committee?

Gee whiz -- enuf is enuf...if she is damn sure, then haul her in front of something OTHER than MSM to make her fucking case...if she can't, then she should resign. She is not being paid to run the GOP campaign, she is trusted with with the high office of Secretary of State, whose duties are ultimately for the American people, not the BFEE.

Bloody little creep.... :grr:


You could hid all sorts of WMDs under that hair!!!

(on edit -- replaced picture !!)

[theanarch]

24. the presumption is she is referring...

...to a video tape of dubious authenticity circulated in the run-up to the war, purporting to show alleged al-Qaeda types gassing dogs(?) in what appears to be an otherwise deserted Iraqi village. This clip enjoyed its 15 minutes of fame, until someone looked up the village in question on a map, and determined it was in northern Iraq, well above the no-fly zone, placing it squarely in Kurdish (e.g. occupied by the CIA not Saddam's army) Iraq. Once that little factoid became publicly know, the "truthiness" of the "Saddam lets al-Qaeda run poison camp" meme became either 1) US-allied Kurds let al-Qaeda run poison camp, or 2) Kurds star in CIA-produced small-animal snuff film.

Like all discredited/debunked propaganda, this too was quietly retired after it had served its purpose. Problem is, the supposed grown-ups around Junior--Unka Dick and Miss Condi--are even dumber, more cynical, or perhaps just as loony, as their putative boss, periodicly recycling the old lies and myths, no matter how disproved or previously debunked these are...no doubt testing the proposition that the average tv-watching american has a memory/retention span shorter than a brain-damaged flea on crack.

[sidpleasant]

56. And Bush passed up several chances to kill Zarqawi before the invasion

The Bush Cabal prefered that Zarqawi be left alive since he was the closest they could get to "proof" that Al Queda was in cahoots with Saddam.

[seemslikeadream]

57. oh the horror! WAG THE GASSED DOG

"Arabs kill puppy dogs"



http://archives.cnn.com/2002/US/08/18/terror.tape.main/index.html

Nic did a superb job reporting

Tapes shed new light on bin Laden's network
August 19, 2002 Posted: 3:53 PM EDT (1953 GMT)



From Nic Robertson
CNN

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- A large archive of al Qaeda videotapes obtained by CNN in Afghanistan sheds new light on Osama bin Laden's terror network, revealing images of chemical gas experiments on dogs, lessons on making explosives, terrorist training tactics and previously unseen images of bin Laden and his top aides.

.....

Among the most frightening scenes in the collection of tapes are those of testing of a poison gas on three dogs. The disturbing images show the dying moments of the defenseless, enclosed animals.

A senior Bush administration official who is intimately involved in weapons issues said he was "very troubled" by the issues the video raises, particularly about chemical weapons.

The official said the video of the chemical tests on the dogs suggest a very strong desire to acquire the capability to use such weapons against humans. Until now, he said, he had seen nothing that indicated bin Laden or al Qaeda had the capability.

"This tape is unquestionable documentation that he has some capability," he said. The tape, he said, shows "some level of sophistication, and indicates they were trying to get results."

In one scene, a group of unidentified men wearing Afghan-style sandals rush out of an enclosure where one of the dogs is penned. A white liquid that gives off a gas is then seen seeping in from the left. Soon, the dog begins showing physical reactions.

Experts who were shown the tape by CNN had different theories as to what kind of chemical agent may have been used in the experiment. But there was agreement that whatever it was, it was a powerful agent,adding to the significance of the tapes and what they say about al Qaeda.


One of the tapes shows poison gas experiments being performed on dogs.
"It's probably extremely significant, if not profound," said John Gilbert, a chemical weapons specialist and arms control expert who advises the U.S. government. "I know there's been a lot of speculation about the state of technology, and how far they may have advanced toward having a usable chemical weapon. The fact that they were able to repeat tests or demonstrations on this tape indicates that they clearly have a way to produce a predictably lethal chemical."

.....

Al Qaeda documents examined by CNN last fall showed formulas for sarin, a deadly chemical agent. And Ahmed Ressam, a man trained by al Qaeda and convicted of plotting to bomb Los Angeles International Airport, testified in court about tests using cyanide to kill dogs.

Coalition intelligence sources who have examined the tape obtained by CNN of the dying dogs said this appears to be an al Qaeda experiment with lethal chemicals at the remote Darunta camp in Afghanistan. The sources said dead dogs have been seen in past satellite images of the Darunta camp.


------------



"I was angry but not because I saw a dog reach room temperature but because I saw this as a harsh, manipulative report to convince the left wing to join in the fight against the evil doers.

They not only kill women and children but they kill DOGS!

Nothing like getting left wing activists who usually despise war to get all obsessed over a dog that has been gassed. No need to care about the many HUMAN lives on both sides that have been done in by the fanatical lunatics that see no other alternative but to turn men, women, children, cats and even dogs into a fine red mist.

What next a baby in a microwave oven?

I'll set the TIVO." Clyde Lewis

[Zenlitened]

7. Rice, Cheney, Rummy. Dubya... get EVERY ONE OF THEM under oath...

... and ask them to repeat these claims.

Cameras rolling, of course.

There is nothing lower than a man -- or woman -- who can look you in the eye while lying.

[Eurobabe]

9. Rice: US Not Entirely Safe from Attack

(Picture alone is priceless, feel free to caption.)


WASHINGTON - The United States is safer now than it was before the Sept. 11 attacks, but must not relent in fighting terrorism in
Iraq and elsewhere, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Sunday. "I think it's clear that we are safe — safer — but not really yet safe," Rice said.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060910/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/sept_11_washington;_ylt=Aj91X7PaxwM04eOv2w3pQ3Ws0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA2Z2szazkxBHNlYwN0bQ--

[Danascot]

10. I'm much more concerned that we're not safe

from attacks by B*shco.

[Demeter]

11. "Who, Me? Life in Prison for War Crimes? Surely You Jest!"

[BR_Parkway]

12. US not safe from diabetes, heart attacks or car wrecks either

and all those millions of citizens who will be involved with one of those big 3 sure could have used some help with the medical insurance costs - imagine how many people we could provide preventative medical coverage to on what we've spend for the Republican war.

[C_U_L8R]

13. Are you threatening us Condi?

[sweetheart]

14. "What you lookin' at, mutherfucker."

"I am the wrath of the American military, do not fuck with me or i'll have you bombed."

How can such a soulless person claim to represent the goodwill of Americans?

[DemInDistress]

15. she knows..BFEE can and will attack us again. but when? Oct.?

she and that Crime Family realize a Democratic sweep in Nov. poses brand new concerns. Possible indictments
impeachments and maybe war crimes tribunals.

They've too much to lose. Has the GOP ever had this much power in America's History? and to boot being led by
a born losing idiot easily led, easily fooled by the cheney gang.

are those halliburton prison camps ready yet?

[springhill]

23. You think like me DemInDistress........

Anyone who thinks the repuglicans are going to hand over power to the democrats are delusional in my view. They will do whatever it takes to retain power. They have too many countries to invade and too many crimes to keep under wraps. (Even more than the ones we already know about).

[DemInDistress]

26. like minds think alike springhill.. the stage is set, the mood of the

country has changed,people are angry and not just the Democrats. The BFEE is a Crime Family, not politicians
they've set in motion a plan not condoned by the masses, I don't believe the Majority of Americans want
Global domination through the plans of PNAC.
Not to forget the theft of billions of badly needed dollars, spying on American citizens, affordable health
care, decimation of Medicare (Part D), secret torture camps, halliburton prison camps, DSM, the need to attack Iran (with nukes no less) plus much much more larceny not mentioned.

Something big will happen before BFEE relents and allows the elections to proceed (if ever).


thanks again springhill ..

[leesa]

16. That is one sick woman.

[Drum]

17. A special sort of overachiever.....n/t

[gratuitous]

18. Gee Dr. Rice

You've had five years to work on this little problem, and you don't have anything to show for it? What metrics is your MBA boss using to measure "progress" or "success"? Because otherwise it looks to me like you're just flailing around, hoping that your ineffectual thrashings look something like work to your employer, we the people.

[HuffleClaw]

19. i sure hope she's not trying to foreshadow something

kinda seems like a CYA moment to me.

[dipsydoodle]

20. Mirror mirror on the wall

hmmm - maybe not but I think I'll have a nose job anyway..

[Hosnon]

22. At what point is she either simply lying or flat-out delusional? nt

[breakaleg]

25. I wish she'd give it up already!

[IndianaGreen]

27. This Nazi dominatrix tart has never told the truth about anything

I noticed that she and Cheney used the same talking points, blaming George Tenant for everything.

[0007]

38. Didn't Tenant get a medal from junior for something good?

[DainBramaged]

29. Breaking news, State department admits to mushroom use

Washington, DUH


Condolizza Ricearoni today admitted that the State Department operates on mushrooms and fumes, giving them ample opportunity to fabricate stories for the lemmings.

When questioned directly, she stated "Sadamn who leaked the information? Of course he had links to Al Kada silly. That's where we get our tacos. And I swear, those emissions are like WMD's when we're finished".

Back in the real world, the price of gas exceeded $5 today, shutting down schools, public departments, and grinding transportation to a halt.

Ms. Ricearoni, commenting on the situation, stated "We don't have no gas crisis, we use GasX."

[LynnTheDem]

30. "ties between al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein"

BULLSHIT.

And that's a FACT.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=5027905

[jarnocan]

31. this is likely good new= her lack of credibilty and

that she is disagreeing with the republican dominated senate's findings, and even her home boy.
I also think this Rovian-GOP Swift Boating of 911 may backfire, as more people here about how many outright and obvious lies are in it, they may start wondering about other related lies, and questions abou what has really happened to our country since BU**SH** was unjustifiably appointed our ruler.

[KDLarsen]

32. New republican strategy

Keep pushing these lies. Never back down. If someone ask for proof ignore them. If someone tries to argue with the point ignore them and keep repeating the same line. Rinse, repeat and before you know it, the number of people who believe that Saddam masterminded 9/11 will have crept above 50% again.

[caledesi]

33. These bastards use this nefarious way of "confusing" the

American people, then say "you are confused."

I am so sick of this cabal. I can't wait til November. Hope Conyers has Articles of Impeachment ready.

And that crap about * speaking tomorrow night in the middle of the faux film on 9/11...what's he going to say? Oh, I know what he should say: ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? LOL!

It's Monday Night Football folks....we will all be watching

[Solly Mack]

34. it's not as if she's going to suddenly stop lying

andeach lie has given birth to other lies...each lie is either modified or replaced with another lie... all they've ever done is lie...all they ever will do is lie

Nothing remotely decent about Condi Rice...about any of them.

[maddezmom]

35. exactly...liars all

[Gregorian]

37. They still broke the rules of international law.

I don't give a fuck what comes out of the mouth of a republican anymore. But they broke federal and international law. And for that, they are going to be hounded for the remainders of their lives. Pinochet didn't get away with it.

[mogster]

39. She's talking to the conservative base

Not to people of reason. They need to hear that, else they'll turn against their leaders.
Consider this long string of BBC articles, of how that very important point was secured prior to the invasion.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x1932465

[Recursion]

40. Well, I guess you could call it a "relationship"...

...in the sense that Saddam's security forces were trying very hard to kill every muj they could find.

At least, I have been in relationships like that...

[jpak]

41. Yo Condi read this "Militants' Crude Camp Casts Doubt on U.S. Claims"

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines03/0427-03.htm

Ansar al Islam's bases show that the Al Qaeda surrogate posed no serious threat beyond its mountain borders, despite what Powell asserted before the war.

by Jeffrey Fleishman


DAGA SHERKHAN, Iraq — In this mountain crease beyond the orchards, a stream meanders past abandoned houses scattered with prayer caps, sunflower seeds, religious scrawling, a ski mask, spent bullet casings and the remote control for a half-finished bomb.

Before U.S. Special Forces and Kurdish fighters overran the region last month, this was the redoubt of Ansar al Islam, the radical Islamic group that the Bush administration alleged was the nexus between Al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein, and therefore part of the justification for invading Iraq. Secretary of State Colin L. Powell asserted in February that Ansar was running a "poison factory" and was intent on exporting terrorism from the Middle East through Europe and into the United States.

<more>

lying sack of shit

[jpak]

42. And explain this.."Bush admin stopped the military from attacking Zarqawi"

http://mediamatters.org/items/200410270007

Media largely silent on WSJ report: Bush admin "stopped the military from attacking" Zarqawi before the start of the Iraq war

The media has remained largely silent on The Wall Street Journal's October 25 report that President George W. Bush's administration passed up several opportunities to attack and potentially kill terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi before the start of the Iraq war. The Journal article expanded on a March 2 NBC Nightly News report suggesting that the administration passed up chances to attack Zarqawi; the report noted that several former administration officials and military officers have questioned the administration's decision to hold off on such attacks. While the Bush administration has repeatedly called attention to Zarqawi, their failure to attack him in 2002 has gone virtually unreported. Zarqawi has recently made headlines in connection with the killing of 50 U.S.-trained Iraqi soldiers and is, according to the Associated Press and The New York Times, "believed responsible for hundreds of killings."

The October 25 Journal report documented several former military officers and administration officials who have questioned the administration's decision to refrain from attacking Zarqawi's camp, especially in light of the mounting "toll of mayhem" for which he is believed to be responsible:

Lisa Gordon-Hagerty, who was in the White House as the National Security Council's director for combatting terrorism at the time, said an NSC working group, led by the Defense Department, had been in charge of reviewing the plans to target the camp. She said the camp was "definitely a stronghold, and we knew that certain individuals were there including Zarqawi." Ms. Gordon-Hagerty said she wasn't part of the working group and never learned the reason why the camp wasn't hit. But she said that much later, when reports surfaced that Mr. Zarqawi was behind a series of bloody attacks in Iraq, she said "I remember my response," adding, "I said why didn't we get that <'son of a b-'> when we could."

<...>

Gen. Keane characterized the camp "as one of the best targets we ever had," and questioned the decision not to attack it.

<more>

[Auntie Bush]

43. What does she know? She doesn't even know who her husband it.

[aaronbees]

45. She belongs in Abu Ghraib ... eom.

[The Count]

46. Crearing their own reality. Dick pretty much tried same with Timeeh

How dare we question their reality?

[oblivious]

50. But they're telling the truth about 911. They wouldn't lie about that.

[minnesota_liberal]

51. If reality doesn't fit your ideology, invent a new reality.

And keep repeating your fictional account until the truth no longer matters.

[anakie]

54. like a child

they think if they say something enough times it must be the truth. Lying sacks of shit the lot of them.; morans all.

[complain jane]

55. She lies as easily as she breathes and almost as often.