There is plenty one could say about the New York Times‘ October 19 report on allegations of Iranian training of Iraq insurgents. The Times points out up front that the information is derived from “accounts given to American interrogators by captured Iraqi fighters.” Under what circumstances were the Iraqis interrogated? The paper doesn’t say.
The Times goes on to note (emphasis added):
Now, more than 80 pages of newly declassified intelligence documents for the first time describe in detail an elaborate network used by Iraqis to gain entry into Iran and train under Iranian supervision. They offer the most comprehensive account to date to support American claims about Iranian efforts to build a proxy force in Iraq. Those claims have become highly politicized, with Bush administration critics charging that accounts of Iranian involvement have been exaggerated.
Yesâ┚¬”Âintelligence is “politicized” when critics question it– not when the White House or U.S. intelligence float these stories to reporters.
