[xlib]

This is somewhat old news (the book was published in France in November) but I found nothing on FR by searching the title and authors. Although this interview doesn't mention it, one of the allegations apparently made in the book is that secret US/Taliban negotiations over an Afghan oil pipeline broke down in late summer 2001 when the US demanded the Taliban choose between a "carpet of gold" and a "carpet of bombs," provoking the 9/11 attacks as a pre-emptive strike. Lots of holes in this scenario, but it's gaining momentum internationally. I found lots of fawning references to the book on the web, and little in the way of debunking, presumably because it's largely below the radar screen in the US so far except among the loony left. But a translation is in the works, and the claims will have to be addressed.

Other links:
http://www.atimes.com/c-asia/CK20Ag01.html
http://www.villagevoice.com/issues/0124/ridgeway.php

[thucydides]

Keep in mind that in France, with almost 10% of its population now muslim, there is a huge market for paranoid anti-US theories. The above story was written by Nina Burleigh, who was working for Time when she said she would gladly go to the White House to give Clinton oral sex because she liked his approval of abortion.

[little rebel]

"French intelligence"

These 2 words do not belong together these days...sorry to those of French decent who may be offended.

[DallasMike]

Salon.com death watch.

[mrsmith]

America's dirty Afghan secret: it's a war over oil

Here's a thread from back in November where some inconsistencies are pointed out (amidst much hilarity). There is a more thorough review of the book.

It's really too obviously stupid a conspiracy theory because the Pak's wanted the pipeline, Bush increased US cooperation with Taliban opponents, etc. etc.