Is there even a single article connecting Chalabi to the al-Ani story that is dated before the current spate of anti-Chalabi info/disinfo? I recall nothing, and a brief search shows nothing.
Now, it wouldn't surprise me if Chalabi had pushed the al-Ani story, since it fits well into his world view, but in fact I don't know of any example of him explicitly promoting the story.
I've looked, I can find nothing on the web indicating Chalabi ever mentioned it, or was concerned with it.
Now, it wouldn't surprise me if Chalabi had pushed the al-Ani story, since it fits well into his world view, but in fact I don't know of any example of him explicitly promoting the story.
I suppose he could have mentioned it, or pushed it, but he seemed to have plenty he worked on to forward his position. I'd bet he'd see this matter as a side-show from his vantage point.
Very interesting Newsweek made this weird connection. Maybe, like with Risen and Havel, another example of a faction going too far in its spin.