Suskind: Anxiety Over Wilson and Plame Led Bush Administration To Pay Iraqi ‘Hush Money’ On WMD
Suskind: Anxiety Over Wilson and Plame Led Bush Administration To Pay Iraqi ‘Hush Money’ On WMD
It’s already well-known that Amb. Joseph Wilson’s July 6, 2003 op-ed in the New York Times deeply troubled the White House. The piece, “What I Didn’t Find In Africa,” concluded that “some of the intelligence related to Iraq’s nuclear weapons program was twisted [by the Bush administration] to exaggerate the Iraqi threat.” The administration went to extraordinary lengths — including revealing the covert CIA identity of his wife, Valerie Plame — to smear Wilson.
Last night on MSNBC, Pulitzer-Prize winning author Ron Suskind revealed to Keith Olbermann more steps the administration took after Wilson’s op-ed. In 2003, the Bush administration tried to bury statements by head of Iraqi intelligence, Tahir Jalil Habbush, that Saddam Hussein had no WMD. According to former CIA agent Rob Maguire, the decision to then pay Habbush $5 million in hush money came after the run-in with Plame and Wilson:
And, you know, Joe Wilson and Valerie Plame popped up that summer. As Maguire says, “Everyone was terrified that Habbush would pop up on the screen.” That’s his quote. At that moment, they dotted the “I’s” and crossed the “T’s” on his financial arrangement of his resettlement. And they agreed to pay him $5 million.
Now, by almost any reckoning, considering what he provided and that we didn’t use him for anything else going forward, that would be considered hush money in almost any parlance.
Watch it:
To recap: In order to push the American public into war, the Bush administration not only jeopardized the safety of a covert CIA agent, but it also paid off a wanted criminal to keep its secret.
Transcript:
SUSKIND: So, in February, when Richard Dearlove, the head of British intelligence, flies over to deliver the final report to George Tenet, that`s when Tenet reads it and says to Richer, “They`re not going like this downtown.”
OLBERMANN: Which you couldn`t make it up there in a million years.
(CROSSTALK)
SUSKIND: You know, where is the screenplay?
And at that moment, the side worried about how this will look for the case for war essentially wins out. And that`s obviously the White House team.
The president, the vice president, and Condi Rice are briefed about this. At that point, the channel gets cut off with Habbush. And folks at CIA including Maguire like — lives could be at risk because you`re worried about this guy undercutting your case. That doesn`t make sense. This war rages through the administration.
But Habbush, of course, has his deal. He met, it was understood that there would be a resettlement, and off we go where Habbush becomes, in a way, the most explosive single entity — you know, certainly in terms of the U.S. government for years now. Five years they kept him in hiding.
You know, it`s interesting, Keith, all the way through this period, he`s resettled when we invade. And then, as we move forward — it`s fascinating to watch the reactions of everybody — because as it becomes clear to the world that some of the suspicions before the war that there were no WMD is now obvious.
OLBERMANN: Right.
SUSKIND: And, you know, Joe Wilson and Valerie Plame popped up that summer. As Maguire says, “Everyone was terrified that Habbush would pop up on the screen.” That`s his quote. At that moment, they dotted the “I`s” and crossed the “T`s” on his financial arrangement of his resettlement. And they agreed to pay him $5 million.
Now, by almost any reckoning, considering what he provided and that we didn`t use him for anything else going forward, that would be considered hush money in almost any parlance.
Topic Cloud
ArchivesBlog Roll
the Bush administration not only jeopardized the safety of a covert CIA agent, but it also paid off a wanted criminal to keep its secret…
I knew Cheney was a criminal, but I didn’t know he was wanted.
I don’t want him, do you? Anyone…?
August 6th, 2008 at 10:29 amWhat a group of socio-pathic nitwits ……..These last 8 years will be viewed upon by future generations of Americans as the sorriest and most dishonest and criminally negligent era of our once proud nation
August 6th, 2008 at 11:05 amNot only was the CIA operative cover blown, the whole network Plame had and anyone that ever met with her were put in jeopardy. And wasn’t Plame working on the issue of WMD’s in Iran? Strange to out such an undercover agent. Then again, this administration is extremely vindictive. And they are still shredding the Constitution. Pelosi, damn it, do you job!!!
August 6th, 2008 at 11:09 amWonder how the trolls will defend this?
August 6th, 2008 at 11:12 amIt’s just not worth having corrupt leaders. Democratic or otherwise. But to be sure, both the Dems and Republicans are world economists. Only the Republicans throw morality out the door on step one. Dems do it on step 2 as long as they think noone’s watching.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:13 amAnd yet, “impeachment is off the table!” God help us all!
August 6th, 2008 at 11:15 amCue the trolls claiming Suskind is a liar just trying to make a buck off writing books…
I figure one of two scenarios. The first one is that Suskind has an over-active imagination and has made up a fanciful story about criminal operations performed by this administration in order to justify attacking another country unprovoked. However, if this was true, it should be easy to disprove and discredit. Suskind would have to get an awful lot of details right to avoid being absolutely shredded, and very few storytellers ever get that lucky.
The second scenario is that Suskind researched his book with the help of well-placed sources whom he must keep anonymous, for obvious reasons. Unfortunately, it would make no sense for Congress to subpoena Suskind, since he would not be made to reveal his sources, and without those sources, he really doesn’t have anything of value.
I’m hoping that after January 20, we will have more ex-Bushbots stepping up.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:16 amdidn’t daddy bush once say anyone who reveals the name of a CIA op is a traitor? he must be so proud of missing chromosome offspring in the white house and all of his hooligan friends.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:17 amNo bottom to this particular cesspool. George W’s still continuing his lifelong behaviour pattern. Bluster, bluff, beat up or buy off. And it will only get worse as we get closer to the new Administration taking office. Hang on to your hats folks, its gonna be a bumpy ride.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:18 amImpeach Pelosi, Cheney and Bush and Save the Constitution!
Can anyone one say, “Consciousness of guilt”???
August 6th, 2008 at 11:19 amCan some troll please explain to me how in order to defeat the terrorists, we had to become one?
August 6th, 2008 at 11:19 amHow much will finally be enough to start proceedings against this BushCo regime?
August 6th, 2008 at 11:20 amSo, lemmie get this straight: in bushland telling the truth puts you in mortal danger and destroys your career. However, lying gets you five million.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:21 amTweedster, Raynman -
The trolls here cherry pick only those issues they are given talking points on and just ignore the others. Unless they throw out a “But, But Clinton did it too”. Otherwise, don’t hold your breath for any meaningful dialog from them.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:23 amAnd more incriminations against Bush — when does a mountain of these become sufficient evidence for a grand jury?
August 6th, 2008 at 11:24 amCongress won’t act - but do we have any court system left that will prosecute?
The courts need proof, I know, and there is not yet proof beyond a reasonable doubt (we know the repugs will fight that one to the death) but a grand jury can determine if there is enough evidence to demand a trial and then proof can be obtained. Isn’t that the usual path?
Are there no attorneys who would present this to a grand jury?
If not now, will they do so in December?
that’s awesome! i really love how our tax dollars are funding home grown terrorists….
August 6th, 2008 at 11:25 amYou nailed it McMetal. However, I fear it will be up to us to keep the memory alive because, it seems like the GOP and “librul media” are intent on pretending Bush43 never happened.
The future Reichwing mantra will have an 8 year gap between “Clinton did it” and, hopefully, “Obama did it”.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:25 amI just posted on the Thinkfast thread that when coupled to the Anthrax story that Glen Greenwald is laying out(the FBI looks to be hanging it on a lone acter), and the Plame outing this all paints a beyond disturbing portrait of the depths this administration has dragged this nation.
I don’t care if Bush has 5 months, 5 days or 5 minutes left. This should be the only thing that Congress spends it’s time on until we find out the truth.
It looks as if this administration has committed crimes of amazing proportion.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:27 amSo we add this to the list of impeachable offenses, and that makes, er, um…Someone remind me how many we’re up to now?
(Not that it mucking fatters with Pelosi being blackmailed…)
August 6th, 2008 at 11:28 ampete Says:
——————————————————————————–
You nailed it McMetal. However, I fear it will be up to us to keep the memory alive because, it seems like the GOP and “librul media” are intent on pretending Bush43 never happened.
The future Reichwing mantra will have an 8 year gap between “Clinton did it” and, hopefully, “Obama did it”.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:25 am
There is a $10 trillion dollar debt to keep reminding everyone …………………
August 6th, 2008 at 11:28 amTheRadicalRightisRadicallyWrong.
When the centerpiece of an administration is invading the WRONG EFFING COUNTRY, the “petty” crimes will naturally follow.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:30 amThese authors really need to coordinate better. I’m not even halfway through The Dark Side and already I’m like two books behind.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:31 amgeneral betrayus is making millionaries out of the people in iraq who used to be killing our soldiers. does THIS incident come as any surprise? maybe to someone…
August 6th, 2008 at 11:31 am(Not that it mucking fatters with Pelosi being blackmailed…)
If she’s capable of being blackmailed, then she’s a no-good hag to begin with, forget her “stonewalling”, she’s a pile of shit in a face-lifted bag of skin.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:35 amMCMetal Says:
What a group of socio-pathic nitwits ……..These last 8 years will be viewed upon by future generations of Americans as the sorriest and most dishonest and criminally negligent era of our once proud nation
And sadly, McM, our children and our childrens’ children will be calling us complicit, sitting by and allowing “our” government to commit these crimes, again and again.
Nancy, still can’t find that impeachment table?
PEACE
August 6th, 2008 at 11:35 amRemember this statement, from an article Suskind did in a 2004 New York Times Magazine?
The aide said that guys like me were “in what we call the reality-based community,” which he defined as people who “believe that solutions emerge from your judicious study of discernible reality.” … “That’s not the way the world really works anymore,” he continued. “We’re an empire now, and when we act, we create our own reality. And while you’re studying that reality—judiciously, as you will—we’ll act again, creating other new realities, which you can study too, and that’s how things will sort out. We’re history’s actors…and you, all of you, will be left to just study what we do.”
I continue to want to know just who that GW aide is. It’s obvious the Bush administration “created their own reality” about the need to invade Iraq…and no doubt, many other events. And I believe, including 911 and the Anthrax attacks
August 6th, 2008 at 11:37 amAbsolutely right, Bozo.
He’ll never admit it in public, but Poppy Bush is without doubt deeply, deeply disappointed in Junior. But then I suspect he always knew he would be.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:37 amTypical right wing response: I just don’t believe it.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:37 amLiberalVoter Says:
“And wasn’t Plame working on the issue of WMD’s in Iran? Strange to out such an undercover agent.”
I’ve always had the feeling, and I don’t know if anyone else has addressed this, as far as the motive for outing Wilson being 2-pronged.
1- Vindictiveness, as you stated and
2- to remove someone who knows the truth and was potentially not afraid to share it regarding Iran’s capabilities… so that they could more easily push for a war with Iran.
I don’t think her particular area of expertise was overlooked by the Administration before outing her… especially as they were purportedly so concerned with WMD’s in the region.
Luckily cooler heads have (so far) prevailed regarding Iran.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:40 amTo recap: In order to push the American public into war, the Bush administration not only jeopardized the safety of a covert CIA agent, but it also paid off a wanted criminal to keep its secret.
Exactly what does this criminal have to do to get impeached and thrown in prison?
http://progressiveworldreview.com
August 6th, 2008 at 11:41 amralph the wonder llama Says:
“He’ll never admit it in public, but Poppy Bush is without doubt deeply, deeply disappointed in Junior. But then I suspect he always knew he would be.”
And the Waaahhpublicans had such high hopes for dumbya, with George HW for his father AND George Washington for his mother. That should have been a grand slam home run with that breeding.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:41 am666lattes. I fully agree. Sorry I was not more clear in my post and thank you for hitting it on the head.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:42 amralph the wonder llama Says:
——————————————————————————–
He’ll never admit it in public, but Poppy Bush is without doubt deeply, deeply disappointed in Junior.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:37 am
What the hell does he think we feel about his sorry , stupid off-spring ?
The hell with the whole diseased Shrub family tree ; it isn’t as if they had to rely on Chimpy to succeed to generate some financial security for themselves.
They’ve been wealthy for years , and all due to doing business with Hitler and the Nazis ; how anyone can say with a straight face that this family is patriotic/are patriots , needs to be beaten with a tire iron……
August 6th, 2008 at 11:47 amIs it finally time these criminals are prosecuted ?!?
August 6th, 2008 at 11:50 amABSO-FECKIN’-LUTELY.
Paul W Says:
Exactly what does this criminal have to do to get impeached and thrown in prison?
Haven’t you heard? Impeachment is only for getting caught getting a blow job now. =/
August 6th, 2008 at 11:52 amIf I were Suskind, I’d hire a security detail & keep looking over my shoulder…
August 6th, 2008 at 11:55 amCWITMFN?
Cheers,
August 6th, 2008 at 11:58 amWayne said:
Haven’t you heard? Impeachment is only for getting caught getting a blow job now. =/
Where is Monica Lewinsky when you need her?
http://progressiveworldreview.com
August 6th, 2008 at 11:59 ammisshusseinmolly Says:
The second scenario is that Suskind researched his book with the help of well-placed sources whom he must keep anonymous, for obvious reasons.
Susskind told Keith on Countdown last night that all his sources are documented and he has recorded their conversations with him. Several of his sources are trying to backtrack right now. I wonder if they deny they told him something if that releases him from his confidentiality agreement? I would love to see Suskind release his taped conversations with these people.
August 6th, 2008 at 12:00 pmPaul W Says:
——————————————————————————–
Wayne said:
Haven’t you heard? Impeachment is only for getting caught getting a blow job now. =/
Where is Monica Lewinsky when you need her?
http://progressiveworldreview.com
August 6th, 2008 at 11:59 am
On her knees ?
August 6th, 2008 at 12:01 pmWilson’s op-ed piece, ‘What I Didn’t Find in Africa’, is now…
‘What I Can’t Find in America’.
-Truth in Government
-Honest Politicians
-Compassionate Conservatism
-Fiscal Conservatism
-New Republican ideas that benefit American citizens
-Corporate Taxes
-Offshore Tax Penalties
-Liberty & Justice for ALL
-Free Speech
-Freedom from being spied upon
-Iraq War budget
-Windfall Profit Tax
-Free Markets
-Big Pharma regulation
-Big Oil regulation
-Big Insurance regulation
-Intelligent or Honest President
August 6th, 2008 at 12:04 pm#hussein toasterhead Says:
These authors really need to coordinate better. I’m not even halfway through The Dark Side and already I’m like two books behind.
Can you imagine what it is going to be like once Bush is out of office and no longer in a position to hurt the people in his Administration who are “in the know”? There’s going to be a tidal wave of books outing the Bush Crime Family. I read somewhere that several Bush Administration figures are already talking to publishers privately.
August 6th, 2008 at 12:05 pm#TheRadicalRightisRadicallyWrong Says:
I don’t care if Bush has 5 months, 5 days or 5 minutes left. This should be the only thing that Congress spends it’s time on until we find out the truth.
What I am hoping is that on November 3 Congress will announce commencement of impeachment proceedings against Cheney & Bush. Once they have won the Whitehouse and Congress the Democrats will no longer have an excuse for not impeaching them.
August 6th, 2008 at 12:08 pmralph the wonder llama Says:
“He’ll never admit it in public, but Poppy Bush is without doubt deeply, deeply disappointed in Junior. But then I suspect he always knew he would be.”
If Poppie really were that upset, he’s still got the CIA-connections to have the problem ‘cleaned up.’
August 6th, 2008 at 12:08 pmI think, if they’re under impeachment, they CANNOT–by statue–issue pardons…
Which would explain why, if you think about it, Pelosi’s keeping it OFF the table…
August 6th, 2008 at 12:10 pmfuuk me runnin: “…by statute…” of course
August 6th, 2008 at 12:11 pmWorst.
President.
EVER.
August 6th, 2008 at 12:14 pmI don’t doubt that Poppy could be that ruthless, but he knows he’d never get another Happy Ending from Babs the rest of his days.
August 6th, 2008 at 12:18 pmI wonder if Bush can have one of those custom rubber stamps made at Office Max that reads “Pardon”? This would save him so much time signing all those officials pardons he is going to have to issue. He better get started now since he only has a few months left.
Perhaps someone could have a Pardon stamp made up and sent to the White House?
August 6th, 2008 at 12:23 pmLet’s see. When you have sex with a woman in office, that’s an impeachable offense. When you F our country and the entire world, impeachment is off the table.
August 6th, 2008 at 1:13 pmThe alleged crimes keep piling up. Can’t someone dig up a picture of him getting a BJ from Condi and just get it over with?
Can’t someone dig up a picture of him getting a BJ from Condi and just get it over with?
More likely to find a photo of Shrub sucking-off Cheney.
August 6th, 2008 at 1:19 pm911 was an Inside Job
Investigate
August 6th, 2008 at 1:22 pmImpeach
Convict
and provide some of that good old Contard Torture, then the Death penality - Texas Style.
Bilbo,
I’d like to see them start the investigation immediately upon their return from the break! Hell, the Repugs are still there doing political theater, they should get a headstart on it and convene a grand jury and a special prosecutor to show their patriotism goes beyond flag pins!
Oh what am I saying… they can’t be bothered by all of this blatant illegallity, there’s no tawdry sex angle.
August 6th, 2008 at 1:54 pmThe entire Bush’s criminal administration should be handcuffed, tried and executed for WAR CRIMES! Millions of inocent people are dead because of their lies. Millions have been displaced because of their crimes. The US’s image abroad is a dark one. The economy is in shatters. Impunity is the law of the land. Civil rights and workers rights have been diminished by these crooks and their corporations. HAGUE 2009!
August 6th, 2008 at 4:00 pmAugust 6th, 2008 at 4:02 pm