"INTEL REPORT : Iraq war not the only reason for the rise in terrorism."

[jefferson_dem]

That's what the banner reads on the hideous "Fox and Fiends" morning show.

:spray: LOL! Can a spin job get any *lamer* than that?

[JHB]

1. So what'r the "other" reasons?

That insufferable smirk?

[Lasher]

3. I'm pretty sure they said global warming or the bird flu

I'm not sure which.

[grytpype]

7. The most important paragraph in the August NIE, and a challenge to Bush

From the April NIE:

"Four underlying factors are fueling the spread of the jihadist movement: (1) Entrenched grievances, such as corruption, injustice, and fear of Western domination, leading to anger, humiliation, and a sense of powerlessness; (2) the Iraq jihad; (3) the slow pace of real and sustained economic, social, and political reforms in many Muslim majority nations; and (4) pervasive anti-US sentiment among most Muslims, all of which jihadists exploit."

Three points.

1. Notice what's not on the list? State sponsorship of terrorism. But Bush's whole anti-terror policy is based on destabilizing and attacking states that are -- or imaginably might be -- sponsoring terrorism. Seems to be the wrong call according to the NIE.

2. While everyone is focused on Iraq right now, what about the other three factors? What is Bush doing to address entrenched grievances in the Muslim world, including the fear of Western domination, leading to anger, humiliation, and resentment? Where is his plan to encourage economic, social, and political reforms in Muslim nations? How will he diminish anti-US sentiment?

It's hard to see how we can make progress on any of those factors under Bush's leadership. His only plan is to attack any perceived state sponsors of terrorism, which brings me to point 3.

3. At first glance, Iraq appears to be only one of four different factors, but read closely. Iraq is a prime reason for anger, humiliation, and Western domination in the Muslim world. And under Bush, Iraq has become a corrupt and failed state in the midst of a brutal civil war, with no electricity or health services -- a dreadful failure in the economic, social, and political dimension. And of course, Iraq is a prime cause of anti-American sentiment, which has deepened all across the world, even in our allies.

The Administration should be challenged to explain how the Iraq war is helping to defeat terrorism in light of the NIE findings.

[grytpype]

2. ROFL yeah that is pretty weak, isn't it?

[90-percent]

5. other reasons

Bill Clinton going medieval on Chris Wallace ass last Sunday is a major reason for the recent increases in terrorism.

-85% jimmy

[NRaleighLiberal]

4. Yes....as in "extreme overeating not the ONLY reason for being obese!!!!

Shards of glass in the road and driving over them not the ONLY reason for your flat tire!

and other great profound works of the mindless....

[maine_raptor]

6. Other reasons:

Nuke testing during the 50's. It messed up the air and folks ain't been the same since.

Fluoride in the Water. Them Little Old Ladies was right!

Air pollution things being put in cars during the 60's. Once it gets so a fella can't do his own tune-up in his own backyard, why blowin' things up is about all that's left to life.

Rock and Roll. No comment needed.

Bill and Hillary Clinton. In any list of right thinkin' who's to blame for somethin', they just gotta be listed, ya hear?

[Dawgs]

8. At least they admit the war is part of it**

:shrug: