EXCLUSIVE: White House Warned on Iraq

EXCLUSIVE: White House Warned on Iraq

EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Intelligence Community Predicted Trouble in Post-Saddam Iraq
Officials Foresaw Dangerous 'Challenges' After Saddam's Fall

By JONATHAN KARL

May 24, 2007 —

ABC News has learned new details about what the intelligence community was telling the White House before the Iraq War about the challenges that would face the United States after the fall of Saddam Hussein.

In stark contrast to the WMD fiasco, the intelligence community was largely on target about what the United States would face in postwar Iraq.

But it's not a slam dunk. In some ways, the situation in Iraq is actually worse than the intelligence community predicted.

In January 2003, the CIA's National Intelligence Council delivered to the White House two reports predicting what the United States would face in Iraq. The reports, which until now were classified, are expected to be released by the Senate Intelligence Friday.

Officials with access to the reports read excerpts to ABC News.

The first report is titled "Principal Challenges in Post-Saddam Iraq." It paints a picture of an Iraq beset by ethnic violence and unlikely to accept democracy. Here are some highlights:

Iraq is unlikely to break apart, but it is "a deeply divided society." There is "a significant chance" that groups would "engage in violent conflict ... unless there is an occupying force to prevent them from doing so."

Neighboring states could "jockey for position ... fomenting ethnic strife inside Iraq."

"Iraq's political culture does not foster political liberalism or democracy."

"A generation of Iraqis" who have been subjected to Saddam's repression are "distrustful of surrendering or sharing power."

Al Qaeda could operate from the countryside unless there is a strong central power in Baghdad.

There would be "a heightened terrorist threat" that "after an initial spike would decline after three to five years."

The second report is titled "Regional Consequences of Regime Change in Iraq." This report warns of potential instability in the region, especially if the war were to be long and violent. It also warns that al Qaeda could exploit U.S. focus on Iraq by re-establishing its presence in Afghanistan.

This report, however, also outlines the potential regional benefits of success in Iraq. For example, it says success in Iraq "would increase the willingness of regional governments to cooperate with the U.S."

Copyright © 2007 ABC News Internet Ventures

BBC NEWS | UK | Stop and quiz powers considered

BBC NEWS | UK | Stop and quiz powers considered

Stop and quiz powers considered
The government is considering giving police officers across the UK "stop and question" powers under new anti-terror laws, says the Home Office.

The proposal, allowing police to ask people about their identity and movement, is among measures being considered by Home Secretary John Reid.

The measure is so far used only in Northern Ireland.

Police elsewhere have to have "reasonable suspicion" a crime has been committed before they can stop people.

Anyone who refuses to co-operate could be charged with obstructing the police and fined up to £5,000, according to the Sunday Times.

A Home Office spokeswoman said: "We are considering a range of measures for the Bill and 'stop and question' is one of them."

Political correspondent Norman Smith said the proposals were likely to be "hugely controversial".

'National security'

When it emerged on Thursday that three men suspected of wanting to kill UK troops had disappeared, Mr Reid criticised his political opponents and judges for stopping the use of tougher measures against terror suspects.

He promised new anti-terror measures within weeks which he said he hoped there would be "less party politics" and more about the concern "for national security".

Stopping and questioning anyone you like will backfire because people will be being criminalised
Shami Chakrabarti Director of Liberty

The Home Office would not comment on suggestions the new laws were to be rushed through before Tony Blair steps down as prime minister on 27 June.

Greater powers to remove vehicles and paperwork for inspection are also believed to be part of the measures.

Writing separately in the Daily Telegraph, Mr Blair said the disappearance of the three suspects under control orders was a symptom of a society which put civil liberties before fighting terror.

The prime minister described this as "misguided and wrong" and said prioritising a terror suspect's right to traditional civil liberties was "a dangerous misjudgement".

'Political machismo'

The Sunday Times claims police minister Tony McNulty told Mr Blair the new "stop and question" measures would be "very useful UK wide".

It quoted a letter sent to the prime minister which said the measures would be "a less intrusive power" than stop and search, which are widely seen as unpopular with the public.

However, campaign group Liberty criticised the proposals saying the police should not have powers to question people "willy-nilly".

Director Shami Chakrabarti said: "This looks like political machismo, a legacy moment.

"Stopping and questioning anyone you like will backfire because people will be being criminalised."

Jane Winter, director of British-Irish Rights Watch, told the Sunday Times the government was using "a sledgehammer to crack a nut".

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/6695685.stm

Published: 2007/05/26 23:27:19 GMT

© BBC MMVII

BBC NEWS | Americas | Dust victim is added to 9/11 toll

BBC NEWS | Americas | Dust victim is added to 9/11 toll

Dust victim is added to 9/11 toll
A US woman has been added to the list of those killed in the attack on the World Trade Center, after dying from dust generated by the towers' collapse.

New York's chief medical examiner said he was certain the dust contributed to Felicia Dunn-Jones' death from a rare lung disease five months after 9/11.

The toxic cloud contained particles of asbestos, lead, glass, and cement.

The ruling that she was the tragedy's 2,750th victim may have implications in the cases of dozens of other deaths.

Hundreds more people, including those who have helped clean up Ground Zero, say they continue to suffer from respiratory problems because of breathing in the toxins.

Homicide

Ms Dunn-Jones worked as a lawyer near the World Trade Center when suicide attackers crashed two hijacked airliners into the buildings.

After the towers collapsed, she ran through the thick clouds of dust which swept through Manhattan.

Ms Dunn-Jones developed a cough and had difficulty breathing four months later, and died on 10 February 2002.

An autopsy showed she died of sarcoidosis, a disease which produces microscopic lumps called granulomas on lungs and is often associated with exposure to environmental hazards.

In a letter made public on Wednesday, New York's chief medical examiner, Dr Charles Hirsch, said he was certain "beyond a reasonable doubt" that the dust "was contributory to her death".

Dr Hirsch said he would amend Ms Dunn-Jones's death certificate accordingly and change the manner of death from natural causes to homicide.

Her name will be added to the official list of victims from the attacks on New York.

The 9/11 death toll, not including the hijackers, also includes 184 killed when a plane flew into the Pentagon and 40 killed in a hijacked plane that crashed into the ground in Pennsylvania.

# In another development, years of legal wrangling over the insurance claim for the World Trade Center has finally ended after insurers agreed to pay a total of $4.5bn dollars to rebuild Ground Zero.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/americas/6689973.stm

Published: 2007/05/24 20:33:17 GMT

© BBC MMVII

BBC NEWS | Middle East | Iran 'uncovers US spy networks'

BBC NEWS | Middle East | Iran 'uncovers US spy networks'

Iran 'uncovers US spy networks'
Iran says it has uncovered several spy networks run by the US and its allies - the occupying forces in Iraq.

The intelligence ministry said it had "succeeded in uncovering, identifying and striking blows" at infiltrators organised by those forces.

The statement said the networks had been detected in western, south-western and central parts of Iran.

The allegations come two days before the Iran and US ambassadors meet in Baghdad to discuss the crisis in Iraq.

The statement, which was broadcast on state-run television, gave no further details.

"These spy networks were operating under the guidance of the occupiers' intelligence services and with the support of some influential Iraqi groups and factions," it said.

The White House said it did not confirm or deny allegations about intelligence matters.

"We urge Iran to play a positive role in Iraq... and stop blaming everyone else for problems they are only bringing on themselves," a White House spokeswoman is quoted as saying by the Associated Press news agency.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/middle_east/6695653.stm

Britain deports Muslim cleric to Jamaica - International Terrorism - MSNBC.com

Britain deports Muslim cleric to Jamaica - International Terrorism - MSNBC.com

Britain deports Muslim cleric to Jamaica
Government says he influenced four of the 2005 London bombings
The Associated Press
Updated: 12:39 a.m. ET May 26, 2007

KINGSTON, Jamaica - A Muslim cleric named by the British government as a key influence on one of four men who carried out the deadly London transport bombings in 2005 was deported to Jamaica Friday after being released from prison.

Abdullah el-Faisal, a Jamaican-born convert to Islam, arrived Friday evening in the capital of Kingston and was escorted to a waiting car by relatives.

Before being driven off to an undisclosed location, el-Faisal told reporters he was “very happy” to be back in his native land.

British Home Secretary John Reid said earlier that el-Faisal is barred from re-entering Britain.

“We are committed to protecting the public and have made it clear that foreign nationals who abuse our hospitality and break our laws can expect to be deported after they have served a prison sentence,” Reid said. “We will not tolerate those who seek to spread hate and fear in our communities.”

The cleric was sentenced to nine years in jail in 2003 after being convicted of incitement to murder and stirring racial hatred by urging followers to kill Hindus, Jews and Americans. Prosecutors said that in lectures and on audiotapes, the cleric also tried to recruit British youths for terrorist training.

El-Faisal had his sentence cut to seven years on appeal, and became eligible for parole after serving half his jail term. He was deported immediately upon his release.

In its official report on the attacks of July 7, 2005, Britain’s Home Office said 19-year-old Jermaine Lindsay — one of four suicide bombers who killed 52 other people — was heavily influenced by el-Faisal’s teachings.
© 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18869714/

Pentagon issues blunt warning to China - Focus on China - MSNBC.com

Pentagon issues blunt warning to China - Focus on China - MSNBC.com

Pentagon issues blunt warning to China
Report says China’s military likely to add to Beijing-Washington strains
The Associated Press
Updated: 5:14 a.m. ET May 26, 2007

WASHINGTON - The Pentagon is warning China in blunt language that despite Beijing’s massive military buildup, it lacks the power for a successful attack against rival Taiwan.

The annual report on China’s military, released Friday, is likely to add to rising tension between Washington and Beijing at a time when U.S. lawmakers are considering bills that would punish China for what they contend are predatory trade practices.

The report was released on the day the largest high-level Chinese delegation ever to visit the United States left Washington after economic meetings with frustrated lawmakers and with senior Bush administration officials yielded few results.

In the report, the Defense Department explicitly describes what would happen if China should attack Taiwan, the self-governing democratic island that Beijing claims as its own. It says China does not yet have “the military capability to accomplish with confidence its political objectives on the island, particularly when confronted with the prospect of U.S. intervention.”

An attack could severely damage China’s economy and lead to international sanctions, spur a Taiwan insurgency that could tie up the Chinese military for years, and possibly cause Beijing to lose its coveted hosting rights for the 2008 Olympics, the report said.

“Finally, China’s leaders recognize that a conflict over Taiwan involving the United States would give rise to a long-term hostile relationship between the two nations — a result that would not be in China’s interests,” the report said.

Michael Pillsbury, a former Pentagon official who now serves as an adviser on China issues, called the Taiwan language the “most blunt warning in any U.S. document in history to China of the really bad things that will happen if they attack Taiwan.”

The Chinese Embassy did not return messages Friday seeking comment on the Pentagon report. But China has reacted angrily to previous reports and has insisted that its multibillion-dollar military buildup is defensive.

No breakthrough in economic meetings
The report comes after high-level U.S.-China economic meetings this week failed to reach any breakthrough on the countries’ biggest economic dispute: China’s currency, which American manufacturers say is undervalued by as much as 40 percent. That makes Chinese products cheaper for Americans and U.S. goods more expensive in China.

The Pentagon report also said the People’s Liberation Army has been acquiring better missiles, submarines and aircraft and should more fully explain the purpose of a military buildup that has led some to view China as a threat. It noted, however, that “the PLA remains untested in modern warfare.”

Loren Thompson, a defense analyst with the Lexington Institute, said China’s military still is relatively modest, despite the country’s huge population and booming economy.

“There really isn’t much in China’s military programs that would lead you to the conclusion that they want to do anything beyond being influential in East Asia,” he said.

If the Bush administration were truly worried about the possibility of a Chinese military challenge, he said, it would be rethinking the vibrant trade ties between the countries, which it has yet to do.

“If China was really a threat, would we be moving our factories there at the rate of one a day?” he asked. “During the Cold War, nobody in America ever proposed building television sets or cars in Russia.”

© 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18875239/

Customs workers say they were told to lie - U.S. Security - MSNBC.com

Customs workers say they were told to lie - U.S. Security - MSNBC.com

Customs workers say they were told to lie
Six claim they were ordered to file false inspection reports at airport
The Associated Press
Updated: 10:05 p.m. ET May 26, 2007

ORLANDO, Fla. - Six customs inspectors have told federal officials that superiors instructed them to enter false data indicating airline passengers had been stopped and inspected for plant and animal contraband.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers allege that in 2005, supervisors at Orlando Sanford International Airport told them to falsify information typically gathered during direct interviews and inspections of international passengers or crew members, according to a report by the U.S. Office of Special Counsel.

“This would falsely reflect that the passenger or crew member had been stopped, interviewed and bags inspected in connection with a suspicion of possessing contraband or engaging in unlawful activity,” the report stated.

The six officers were agricultural specialists, employed to detect and stop introduction of animal and plant pests into the United States.

The inspectors told the Special Counsel’s office that they were instructed to enter the false data because the airport was busy.

The whistle-blowers allege that when questioned about the practice, supervisors said that “things were done differently in Sanford.”

One agent entered the information without ever receiving any security clearance or training, according to the Special Counsel’s office documents.

Customs and Border Protection spokesman Zachary Mann declined to discuss the case when contacted by The Associated Press on Saturday, but said the agency takes all allegations of wrongdoing seriously.

© 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18886391/
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