ScaniaBoy: What is less far-fetched is that the case against the two AIPAC men is very weak and they may very likely end up acquitted. Is it just pure coincidence that this anonymous story appears just before the trial is about to start?Rmlew: Was this aiding and abetting enemies in time of war? I think not. An "Israeli agent" asked a Congresswoman to take another look at the spy charges against 2 American citizens who were entrapped by the CIA and FBI. The Franklin case has Americans, who were leaked classified intel on an enemy of the United States (Iran), leaking part of it to the press.
Yes, the AIPAC case is very weak, I’m a bit surprised Justice followed through under GWB. In addition, it involves a “crime” that’s committed hundreds of times per year, but is being prosecuted for the first time under a near century old law. Now, of course it’s a potential embarrassment to the GOP and the evil Bush administration. Rosen claims to have made 3 calls, to the White House, the Israeli Embassy and the Washington Post, in that order. Obviously the conversation with the White House is highly relevant. In addition, nearly 2 dozen Bush officials, Condi the highest, have been subpoenaed, the questioning expected to revolve around their use of third parties, like Rosen, to leak classified information to the press. If true, needless to say those administration officials should be jailed. Unlike the AIPAC duo, they had a clear obligation not to disclose classified information. And if the Israeli “spy” is Haim Saban, this devolves into the GOP using the Justice Department for clear political purpose. So no, the timing might not be accidental.
Still, the accusation and the governments actions are extremely serious. The nature of the case against Harmon should be disclosed.
They maybe thought the ends justified the means...they needed support for the wiretapping bill in Congress, and they probably figured if they could keep in eye on Harman’s activities (someone else noted the surveillance may not have ever stopped, even though the investigation did), the problem was easily controlled. Harman never got an appointment at the CIA and never got the Chairmanship of the intel committee. They must not have counted on this eventually coming out...oops. In the end, no one got what they wanted. This is an interesting story; it will be interesting to see how it plays out.