MIDDLE EAST: Cheney makes Iran bomb allegation contradicting US intelligence and the IAEA findings

[maddezmom]

Certainly high oil prices, the state of U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and the Arab-Israeli conflict were high on the agenda of Vice President Dick Cheney's recent tour of the Middle East. But the subject of Iran was never far from the surface of the trip, which is now wrapping up.

~snip~

Iran is currently enriching uranium at its plant in Natanz in central Iran. Weapons-grade uranium is enriched or concentrated at 80% or 90%. According to the latest International Atomic Energy Agency report, Iran currently enriches uranium at concentrations of less than 3.8%, which is the amount necessary for creating fuel for a reactor. Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful energy production, but the U.S. and other Western countries have cast suspicion.

Nevertheless, Cheney's comments contradict both U.S. intelligence agencies' assessments of Iran's nuclear program and the findings of the IAEA. Both say, and Iranians admit, that Iran is trying to master the enrichment of uranium. But no one has yet come up with proof that Iran is now actively trying to produce weapons-grade nuclear material.

It was the second time in a week that a White House official has made an allegation

more:http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2008/03/middle-east-che.html

[maddezmom]

1. You Don't Know Dick . . .

You Don't Know Dick . . .
Posted by Michael Cohen
It really is amazing that any White House press officer continues to allow Dick Cheney to speak to the media. Check out a few of these quotes from our esteemed Vice President.
in his recent interview with ABC News's Martha Radatz:

Mr. Vice President, I want to start with the milestone today of 4,000 dead in Iraq, Americans, and just what effect you think that has on the country. Your thoughts on that?

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, it obviously brings home, I think for a lot of people, the cost that's involved in the global war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. It places a special burden, obviously, on the families. We recognize, I think -- it's a reminder of the extent to which we're blessed with families who have sacrificed as they have. The President carries the biggest burden, obviously; he's the one who has to make the decision to commit young Americans. But we are fortunate to have the group of men and women, the all-volunteer force, who voluntarily put on the uniform and go in harm's way for the rest of us. You wish nobody ever lost their life, but unfortunately it's one of those things that go with living in the world we live in. Sometimes you have to commit military force, and when you do, there are casualties.

Just so we're clear here - the GREATEST burden is OBVIOUSLY borne by President Bush and not the families of the 4,000 soldiers who have died in Iraq. And after all our soldiers volunteered, so really it isn't like they didn't know what they were getting into. If they didn't want to die, clearly they shouldn't signed up in the first place. If you think about it, really it's their own fault and frankly a little selfish. I mean look at the significant burden they are putting on the President.

Here we have the Vice President comparing the decision to invade Iraq . . . to the pardon of Richard Nixon:

more:http://www.democracyarsenal.org/2008/03/you-dont-know-d.html