>>...What purpose would the Clinton Justice Dept have in not making this connection back then.....<<
Herr Klinkton seized upon this to try to blame the Republican Party, specifically the Right Wing of the Party. This done to help him in the polls, etc.
It worked.
What policital gain could be had if the Iraqi connection had been established?
Clinton couldn't finance a war and have a surplus at the same time. And that was his number one priority....he had all the war funds in Al Gore's lock box.