In From the Cold has some more information on the NIE report and it sheds a different light on things:
In one of its early paragraphs, the estimate notes progress in the struggle against terrorism, stating the U.S.-led efforts have "seriously damaged Al Qaida leadership and disrupted its operations." Didn't see that in the NYT article.
Or how about this statement, which--in part--reflects the impact of increased pressure on the terrorists: "A large body of reporting indicates that people identifying themselves as jihadists is increasing...however, they are largely decentralized, lack a coherent strategy and are becoming more diffuse." Hmm...doesn't sound much like Al Qaida's pre-9-11 game plan.
The report also notes the importance of the War in Iraq as a make or break point for the terrorists: "Should jihadists leaving Iraq perceive themselves to have failed, we judge that fewer will carry on the fight." It's called a ripple effect.
More support for the defeating the enemy on his home turf: "Threats to the U.S. are intrinsically linked to U.S. success or failure in Iraq." President Bush and senior administration officials have made this argument many times--and it's been consistently dismissed by the "experts" at the WaPo and Times.
And, some indication that the "growing" jihad may be pursuing the wrong course: "There is evidence that violent tactics are backfiring...their greatest vulnerability is that their ultimate political solution (shar'a law) is unpopular with the vast majority of Muslims." Seems to contradict MSM accounts of a jihadist tsunami with ever-increasing support in the global Islamic community..
The estimate also affirms the wisdom of sowing democracy in the Middle East: "Progress toward pluralism and more responsive political systems in the Muslim world will eliminate many of the grievances jihadists exploit." As I recall, this the core of our strategy in Afghanistan and Iraq.
H/T Powerline .
I realize that the White House does not like to see classified information in the papers and does not want to reward that kind of thing by publishing the whole report. But it might be wise to do so. Betsy has some interesting posts on this issue as well.
UPDATE: Bush announced today that the NIE report would be made public. Maybe Rove really is behind this.
2 comments:
Amazing; Bush really must be the devil incarnate for the MSM to do what they do and still sleep at night!
And, some indication that the "growing" jihad may be pursuing the wrong course
The umma is also getting sick of the violence. And don't forget Zawahiri's admonishments to Zarqawi basically saying 'you're killing too many muslims and not enough Americans. You're turning the Iraqis against us.'
It's a rather frightening thought that Zawahiri was less worse than Zarqawi, who was a murdering psychopath. There was a document found where Zarqawi was killed basically saying he had been fired. (Just read that at strategy page or somewhere).
And look at Lebanon. Lebanese fuming at the destruction brought on by Hezbollah.
Fighting over THERE concentrates the mind of the umma on their own problems. We still have to deal with the non-violent though intimidating run through the institutions in the West by the other jihad.
Post a Comment