Is today's news related to the Thanksgiving Trip?

[Tinoire]

Poll question: Is today's news related to the Thanksgiving Trip?

I just can't shake that question this morning. Was it to discuss today's development? To make deals? He met with the Iraqi Council that day and I specifically recall photos of Chalabi in the mess-hall for the Thanksgiving meal.

Yesterday(?) there was a bizarre story posted here about Sadaam calling his wife daily. I thought it made no sense at the time but now that story keeps popping up in my head.

Anyway- I'm really curious as to what you guys think.

[Philosophy]

1. They will make it related somehow

Someone in the administration will "leak" that Bush* somehow played an integral part in the raid that netted Saddam while he was over there. Probably something like he personally looked over some top secret intelligence, and using his superior powers of military genius, figured out where Saddam was all by himself and ordered the raid at that time.

[Tinoire]

2. You're probably not too far off on that scenario

in which case I will really become ill.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

3. probably

There have been rumors of Hussein being captured for a while, and the timing makes it suspect. How could you possibly know?

[Code_Name_D]

4. What about the Iraqi tributanl

They had been touting it all week. That Iraq was going to assemble a tribunal to try for war crimes. Seaminly ignrant of the fact that they don't yet have any one to try. That news now strikes me as too coincdental. :tinfoilhat: Also note that he was saposably captured in a hole in a basment. Mean some one else already caught him and detained him in what the pressed called "a spider hole".

I also note the press going out of there way to show that this is the real Saddam. Lots of side by side photos. As if trying to head off accusations that this is a fake Saddam. :tinfoilhat:

Did the CIA capture him some time ago, and only now releace this news to the public? They have done this very thing sevral times before.

[Tinoire]

7. I have a feeling he was captured earlier also

Am wondering what deals were made in exchange for the safety of his wife and children.

This New World is so surreal.

[Gloria]

5. Maybe....just in time to quiet the stories about Chency and Halliburton

raping the country........Now, that will drop off the radar screen and they can continue to do it, no problem....

After all, we got SH.

An Egyptian caller to BBC Talking Points this AM was highly suspicious of the timing of this and how it happened. The non-Iraqi "expert", who I think came across as being rather "suspicious" himself--as a rather pro-American analyst--quickly pooh-poohed the whole idea, and accused the caller of thinking like a "typical" Egyptian...seeing things that aren't there because they've been oppressed. It was pretty insulting!

[Tinoire]

8. Yes very... Halliburton warned by Pentagon over "dirty food" to troops

Yes! And they will certainly not be forced to refund those millions to the US tax-payers now!

Pentagon warned Halliburton-KBR on "dirty" food service: report

WASHINGTON (AFP) Dec 13, 2003
The Pentagon repeatedly warned contractor Halliburton-KBR that the food it served to US troops in Iraq was "dirty," as were as the kitchens it was served in, NBC News reported Friday. Halliburton-Kellogg Brown and Root's promises to improve "have not been followed through," according to a Pentagon report that warned "serious repercussions may result" if the contractor did not clean up, the television network reported.

The Pentagon reported finding "blood all over the floor," "dirty pans," "dirty grills," "dirty salad bars" and "rotting meats ... and vegetables" in four of the military messes the company operates in Iraq, NBC said, citing Pentagon documents.

The report came as President George W. Bush fended off Pentagon reports that Halliburton-KBR overcharged 61 million dollars for gasoline it sold the military in Iraq. Dick Cheney ran Halliburton for five years until becoming vice president.

<snip>
The Pentagon found unclean conditions at four locations in Iraq, including one in Baghdad and two in Tikrit. Even the mess hall where Bush served troops their Thanksgiving dinner was dirty in August, September and October, according to NBC.

<snip>

http://www.spacewar.com/2003/031213015820.4o1y6spb.html

Note: Article states that Halliburton says they "have taken quick action to improve" :eyes:

===

GOP Nevada congressman calls for House hearings into Halliburton

Associated Press By MARTIN GRIFFITH Associated Press Writer
12/13/2003 06:20 pm

Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., called Saturday for congressional hearings of Vice President Dick Cheney's former company, calling allegations that it overcharged for fuel in Iraq"an absolute outrage."

Gibbons said he wants the House Armed Services Committee to hold hearings early next year on allegations that Halliburton Co. charged up to $61 million too much for delivering gasoline to Iraqi citizens under a no-bid contract. The company denies overcharging.

"If these allegations which were found in a Pentagon audit of government contracts is true, then it's time for Halliburton to break out its checkbook and refund American taxpayers,"Gibbons said.

Gibbons, a committee member, said he's the first Republican member of Congress to call for congressional hearings of the company. His request comes as Democrats demand further investigations.

Gibbons said he's also concerned by news reports that Halliburton may have overcharged an additional $67 million to supply cafeteria services to U.S. soldiers in Iraq.

<snip>

http://www.rgj.com/news/stories/html/2003/12/13/59115.php?sp1=rgj&sp2=News&sp3=Local%2BNews&sp5=RGJ.com&sp6=news&sp7=local_news

[CJCRANE]

6. Probably,

especialy as the "Is it a bird, is it a plane, no, it's Air Force One!" story turned out ot be completely false, causing the photo-op to backfire a bit.