Saddam, al Qaeda question and the CIA

Pajamas Media ^ | 8-14-09 | Mark Eichenlaub

[ikez78]

Assertions relating to the Saddam Hussein/al-Qaeda controversy have filled countless news articles and books and cannot be completely recapped and answered in a few articles. But despite all of the ink and bandwidth spent on the topic, there are additional questions yet to be fully explored in the eyes of many.

When one attempts to dig on questions, such as what meetings actually took place between Saddam Hussein’s regime and al-Qaeda members — where they took place and when, and what was discussed — the CIA emerges as one of, if not the major, intelligence players involved in public discussion of the topic.

Two former CIA members with relevant experience go on record below with their analysis of the Saddam Hussein/al-Qaeda question and the CIA’s role.

Before reengaging this topic it is important to be aware that different interpretations of events, affiliations, and terminology greatly affect the analysis, and are the reason opinions can appear to be so far apart. Some issues:

– Are reports relating to Saddam Hussein and al-Qaeda being put through a filter of comparisons with what Bush administration officials and others said?

– Are reports being compared with what analysts deemed to be enough to warrant a costly, deadly war?

– Who determines if someone is a member of al-Qaeda and what is the criteria for membership?

– What constitutes a “relationship” between a terrorist group and a state?

– What constitutes an “operational relationship” between a terrorist group and a state? Is something less than an “operational relationship” still worthy of concern? A war?

– Did the CIA have access to all the reports on Saddam Hussein’s Iraq and terrorism, or were reports scattered throughout many Department of Defense branches, intelligence agencies, and non-government entities?

[Marine_Uncle]

Roger that.

[Milligan]

Also, AK-47’s are easily copied and reproduced by a skilled gun smith in these third world countries. A gun is more important than a pot to piss in if your country is totally dysfunctional. Got to protect your turf.