Iran code=Plame; Chalabi=Novak; Rove/Cheney(?)=???

[nixonwasbetterthanW]

Chalabi is a pawn in this. Remember that the original crime here, as in the Novak-Plame case, is the unauthorized disclosure of secret intelligence by someone with clearance who knew better than to share the information with those outside the cone of silence. The administration will divert attention to Chalabi. But what about the leaker? That person, even if drunk, as Chalabi claims, dangerously subverted U.S. policy.

What's the quote from Bush 41 about traitors?

[salin]

1. Chalabi is no passive pawn

That fact does not diminish that treasonous behaviors by the leaker. I wouldn't say Chalabi is a pawn. That diminishes the impact of the action of those who have had full access to the man's connections and long pattern of behavior and who continued to cavort with him, peddle his dubious information to sell a war... and ultimately were so "close" as to be having the types of conversations that when DRUNK (allegedly) would pass on intelligence information (to a man with KNOWN links to Iranian Intelligence) that would completetly set back intel. eforts. Chalabi is opportunistic and venal. The leaker from the Pentagon or Administration is treasonous - either intentionally (doubtful - but always possible) or due to complete stupidity.

[Beetwasher]

6. Definitely Not A Pawn

Maybe a rook, a knight or a bishop, but definitely not a pawn.

I wonder for how long Iran REALLY knew we had broken the code? Remember, this press account is more than likely NOT an accurate accounting of events. I suspect Iran knew we had broken the codes since before the war and only now decided to LET the US know they knew. Also, Chalabi's account of how he got this info may in itself be dis-info.

[PurityOfEssence]

7. Yeah, I'd say "rook" has the right flavor to it

I don't know if he's worth a 5 in the overall scheme of things, but he certainly wants to live in a castle. Whether all of his power comes from us, and he serves at our pleasure or not is yet to be seen, but he's definitely got some leverage. I must say, though: his homeys don't seem to have much use for him. (I also wonder if his nephew's going to retain control over Saddam's "trial"...)

The alternate meaning of "rook" (to cheat) fits like a glove.

[displacedtexan]

2. Excellent point, sniggles!

Who committed the actual crime?

Here's an idea: let's find out!

Isn't that what you do right after the first commercial break in "Law And Order?"

[Chovexani]

3. Heh get Lennie Brisco on the case

Or better yet, Jack Bauer. Jack don't mess around.

They'd knock this shit out in 40 min + commercials.

[starroute]

4. Scooter Libby's name has been mentioned in both cases

It doesn't necessarily follow that the person who leaked one would be the same person who leaked the other. But it's extremely interesting that both cases point towards a very similar group of names.

[ShaneGR]

5. Interesting analogy....

I'm still hopeful that grand jury is going to indict Cheney's chief of staff. Then the question is, will he make a deal and start talking?

BTW: I believe he called someone who betrayed our agents or information as "the most insideous of traitors."