A Peek Through The Looking Glass

Personal Comment | December 12, 2002 | R Grizzle

[RGrizzle]

The Washington Post reported the ominous headline today, “U.S. Suspects Al Qaeda Got Nerve Agent From Iraqis”. Earlier this week our dear friends in Hollywood took time away from much needed visits with Mrs. Ford so they could persuade President Bush to give peace a chance. Washington let the world know today that the situation in Iraq is a bit more complicated than fueling a stretched limo at reasonable prices.

President Bush has voiced skepticism over the inspections process. Skeptics of the President’s skepticism asked that we allow the inspection process to continue. Even conservative icon Jack Kemp joined the “Go! Hans Go!” mantra while invoking the game of chess into his analogy. Note to Mr. Kemp and to Hollywood: This is no game.

Mr. Kemp is correct in that the Bush Administration has proven to be an amazing strategist. The President’s address to the United Nations where he successfully changed the debate from American unilateralism to the legitimacy of the United Nations itself is the greatest example of the President’s gamesmanship in my view. Forcing the Democrats’ hand in Congress to vote on Iraq prior to the election was another superb example. It was truly great sport to behold.

In the examples above, the Bush team gave its opponents just enough room to hang themselves. The Administration allowed its critics their moment to whine, moan, and beg for changes before delivering to them that which they desperately sought. The UN Security Council vote was unanimous. The Democrats were only slightly divided. Each incident represents an enormous victory for the President.

However, what must not be lost in this debate is the difference between political maneuvering and defending our nation. The Washington Post report states that the transfer of what is believed to be the VX nerve agent to groups associated with Al Qaeda occurred as early as October. How long, Mr. Baldwin, must we wait? What other Iraqi wickedness does the President know that Barbara does not?

I suspect the President’s tactics were familiar in this case. I believe his team fully anticipated the criticism it would receive for its public skepticism. In fact, he needed it in order to set his trap. I also believe at the same time that the President was deeply concerned about the safety of our nation. He knew he could not wait for Mr. Blix to politely banter about the country looking under collapsed buildings hoping to find an operating weapons program among the rubble. The VX delivery occurred as early as October!

I suspect the report in today’s Washington Post is the first of many details soon to be revealed. The President needed the Iraqi declaration before he placed the noose. Today’s Washington Post is simply the first tug on the rope. When the Iraqi declaration is translated, opinions are rendered, and analysis is made, more tugs will be made. When all the troops and equipment on the way to the Gulf are finally in place, the noose will close. It is all according to a calculated plan with a sobering purpose: To protect our nation.

[Imal]

The general thesis of this article gibes with my observations of Bush "strategery".

The VX thing may or may not be a genuine leak, but I'm pretty sure the U.S. is sitting on boatloads of airtight eveidence on Iraqi WMD programs and terrorist connections.

Time will tell.