Let's see. You just posed the above question to me. Let's look at the post you made that I responded to:
If there is a surge in attacks on our forces in Iraq before the election - that would be horrible. Horrible for our soldiers, their families, our allies and the cause in Iraq, plus it would be blamed on Bush.
That's not a good story for Bush. No the sky is not falling, but if a few hundred of our soldiers die in a few days that will be devastating.
There is no "question" there about "why the Times is putting this story out".
Sounds like the NYT has gotten a heads up about a really big attack on our troops in Iraq. Headlines will be Bush is responsible for the killing and maiming of hundreds.