Rumsfeld: Al Qaeda comments 'misunderstood'

[NeoConsSuck]

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld conceded Monday that U.S. intelligence was wrong in its conclusions that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, and appeared to back off earlier statements suggesting former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein had links to al Qaeda.

"Why the intelligence proved wrong (on WMDs), I'm not in a position to say," Rumsfeld said in remarks to the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. "I simply don't know."

When asked about any connection between Saddam Hussein and al Qaeda, Rumsfeld said, "To my knowledge, I have not seen any strong, hard evidence that links the two."

But a short time later, Rumsfeld released a statement: "A question I answered today at an appearance before the Council on Foreign Relations regarding ties between Al Qaeda and Iraq regrettably was misunderstood.

http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/10/04/rumsfeld.iraq/index.html

[Wickerman]

1. Sorry, Rummy, out of chances

too many fuck-ups - you would be demoted in the business world, here, its time to freshen up the vita.

[MSgt213]

2. So how were your comments wrong? What evidence do you have in

administrative position that does not allow you to directly collect any intelligence at all, but instead review evidence collected by professionals that contricts what the professional have said. How can you make such a statement with no proof?

[amber dog democrat]

3. Guess he got a phone call from the WH

that suggested he "clarify" his take on the link between Sadam and al Qaeda.

Had to be an honest mistake. Just like invading Iraq under false pretenses was.

[Moderator]

4. Duplicate

and not latest breaking news. Article two days old