Jackson Free Press

Molly Ivins writes this week about the memo that many believe is proof that we were lied to about the Iraqi War:

I cannot let this astounding Downing Street memo go unmentioned. On May 1, the Sunday Times of London printed a secret memo that went to the defense secretary, foreign secretary, attorney general and other high officials. It is the minutes of their meeting on Iraq with Tony Blair. The memo was written by Matthew Rycroft, a Downing Street foreign policy aide. It has been confirmed as legitimate and is dated July 23, 2002. I suppose the correct cliché is "smoking gun."

"C reported on his recent talks in Washington. There was a perceptible shift in attitude. Military action was now seen as inevitable. Bush wanted to remove Saddam, through military action, justified by the conjunction of terrorism and WMD. But the intelligence and facts were being fixed around the policy. (There it is.) The NSC (National Security Council) had no patience with the U.N. route, and no enthusiasm for publishing material on the Iraqi regime's record. There was little discussion in Washington of the aftermath after military action."

After some paragraphs on tactical considerations, Rycroft reports, "No decisions had been taken, but he (British defense secretary) thought the most likely timing in U.S. minds for military action to begin was January, with the timeline beginning 30 days before the U.S. congressional elections.

Previous Commentsshow

an OUTRAGE, but you know...CLEARLY not as important to cover last week as the runaway bride. "Support our troops" indeed!

jp!

May 11 2005

I think the more accurate headline would be that we were knowingly lied to about Iraq. By officials other than Dubya. I have had no doubt since the beginning that George II was hell bent on cleaning up his daddy's unfinished business, and long time observation tells me that he has no compunction about lying.

Skyray

May 12 2005

I know, Skyray. Do you think there's really anyone out there today who doesn't know that WMD etc., were lies to justify a war Bush was determined to have? I think the only difference is between the people who think a president shouldn't lie to us and those who think it's OK as long as they agree with the reason.

ladd

May 12 2005

Yep, I think what irritates me the most is that he has so little respect for our intelligence that he would joke about the WMD at the National Press Club for National consumption

Skyray

May 12 2005

I know. That was gross.

ladd

May 12 2005