Page 1 of 3
Iraq war has increased terror risk, fed report says.
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 1:51 pm
by Arlos
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- A classified intelligence report concludes that the Iraq war has worsened the terrorist threat to the United States, U.S. officials told CNN Sunday.
Some intelligence officials have said as much in the past, but the newly revealed document is the first formal report on global trends in terrorism by the National Intelligence Estimate, which is put out by the National Intelligence Council.
The White House Sunday said a New York Times report on the document "is not representative of the complete document."
Beyond that, the White House said it does not comment on classified documents.
Intelligence officials told CNN the report, completed five months ago, said the war and the insurgency are the main recruiting vehicles for new Islamic extremists.
The extremists communicate through various Islamic Web sites and share an ideology with al Qaeda, the officials said.
The document has not been shared with senators because it is classified, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tennessee, told ABC's "This Week."
Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, told CBS' "Face the Nation" that, while he knows nothing about the report, it would not be surprising if the Iraq war was a rallying point for terrorists.
Funny, I've been saying it woudl do this all along. Nice to know the fed's own statistics back it up. Further proof of the insanity and stupidity of the war in Iraq: it has made us LESS safe.
-Arlos
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 2:05 pm
by Gidan
Insert comment about CNN liberal bias.
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 5:09 pm
by Narrock
Typical CNN yellow-journalism. Nothing new here.
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 5:40 pm
by Diekan
How is it bias when the GOVERNMENT'S DOCUMENTS prove it?
It's YOUR right wing, full of lies and shit, republican government... THEY are the ones saying this...
Tell me again 'bout this is all just made up liberal junk... I'm all eyes.
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 6:10 pm
by Harrison
This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.
Seriously, this isn't even worth bringing up.
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 6:45 pm
by Minrott
Ok, well Iraq made us less safe because Iran is still there. So lets take Iran down. Ok, well Iraq and Iran wars have made us less safe because Syria is still there, so let's take Syria down. Ok, well Iraq, Iran, and Syria wars have made us less safe, so let's take Egypt down. Ok, well Iraq, Iran, Syrai, and Egypt wars have made us less safe so lets take North Korea down. Wait. They're not muslim. Oh, Turkey! Fucking Turkey. Lets take Turkey down.
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 6:52 pm
by Tossica
Mmmm... turkey. Thanksgiving soon!
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 7:24 pm
by Narrock
Diekan wrote:How is it bias when the GOVERNMENT'S DOCUMENTS prove it?
It's YOUR right wing, full of lies and shit, republican government... THEY are the ones saying this...
Tell me again 'bout this is all just made up liberal junk... I'm all eyes.
lol just keep believing in CNN and living in your pretentious world. I swear, sometimes I think you are Alice in Wonderland after she stepped through the looking glass.
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 7:42 pm
by Diekan
Dude are you wearing blinders? This is not something CNN just made up out of the blue. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT CAME DIRECTLY FROM OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT FILES.
Talk about Alice in Wonderland... Jesus. George Bush could come out tomorrow on national TV and say "Hey I'm raging lunatic that likes to sling his own shit at people" - and you STILL wouldn't believe it... it'd be all "made up left wing attack propaganda"
LOL - talk about blind. Seriously.
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 7:50 pm
by Yamori
Iraq is a big flaming fraudulent failure.
Shocku! 
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 8:10 pm
by Arlos
Uh, Mindia, this isn't just a CNN report, it's being reported around the world.
Remember also, this is not a document generated by CNN, the New York Times or anyone else. This is a document generated by the GOVERNMENT'S own spy agencies that is saying this. The news agencies are just reporting what the document SAYS. CNN isn't saying "Iraq makes terror threat worse", they're saying "National Intelligence Estimate from US Intelligence agencies says that Iraq makes terror threat worse". HUGE difference. The document exists, and does indeed say that. You can't dismiss the conclusions based just on who reported about it.
In any case, how about a BBC article? Are you going to accuse them of yellow journalism and favoring the Democrats? Remember, the BBC News service is only the single most respected nes agency in the entire world, bar none.
The BBC wrote:The New York Times newspaper has published what it says are the findings of a classified US intelligence paper on the effects of the Iraq war.
The document reportedly blames the three-year-old conflict for increasing the threat of terrorism and helping fuel Islamic radicalism worldwide.
However, a White House spokesman said the newspaper report was "not representative of the entire document".
The paper has not seen the report, but spoke to people familiar with it.
The BBC's defence correspondent Rob Watson says this is not the first time the US intelligence community has said that the war in Iraq has made the problem of Islamist extremism worse.
Indeed it had warned that might happen even before the US-led invasion in 2003.
Many have been inspired by al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden
But, our correspondent says, this latest finding, known as a National Intelligence Estimate, is the most comprehensive report yet, based on the considered analysis of all 16 of the US intelligence agencies.
According to the New York Times, which has spoken to officials who have either read it, or been involved in drafting it, the report says the invasion and occupation of Iraq has spawned a new generation of Islamic radicalism that has spread across the globe.
It also warns that Islamic militants who have fought in Iraq could foment radicalism and violence when they return to their home countries, much as returning Jihadis did after the war against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan in the 1980s.
Al-Qaeda threat
It reportedly concludes that, while al-Qaeda may have been weakened since the 11 September 2001 attacks, the radical Islamic movement worldwide has strengthened with the formation of new groups and cells who are inspired by Osama Bin Laden, but not under his direct control.
-Arlos
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 8:14 pm
by Diekan
arlos wrote:Uh, Mindia, this isn't just a CNN report, it's being reported around the world.
Remember also, this is not a document generated by CNN, the New York Times or anyone else. This is a document generated by the GOVERNMENT'S own spy agencies that is saying this. The news agencies are just reporting what the document SAYS. CNN isn't saying "Iraq makes terror threat worse", they're saying "National Intelligence Estimate from US Intelligence agencies says that Iraq makes terror threat worse". HUGE difference. The document exists, and does indeed say that. You can't dismiss the conclusions based just on who reported about it.
In any case, how about a BBC article? Are you going to accuse them of yellow journalism and favoring the Democrats? Remember, the BBC News service is only the single most respected nes agency in the entire world, bar none.
The BBC wrote:The New York Times newspaper has published what it says are the findings of a classified US intelligence paper on the effects of the Iraq war.
The document reportedly blames the three-year-old conflict for increasing the threat of terrorism and helping fuel Islamic radicalism worldwide.
However, a White House spokesman said the newspaper report was "not representative of the entire document".
The paper has not seen the report, but spoke to people familiar with it.
The BBC's defence correspondent Rob Watson says this is not the first time the US intelligence community has said that the war in Iraq has made the problem of Islamist extremism worse.
Indeed it had warned that might happen even before the US-led invasion in 2003.
Pakistan man waving Osama Bin Laden poster
Many have been inspired by al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden
But, our correspondent says, this latest finding, known as a National Intelligence Estimate, is the most comprehensive report yet, based on the considered analysis of all 16 of the US intelligence agencies.
According to the New York Times, which has spoken to officials who have either read it, or been involved in drafting it, the report says the invasion and occupation of Iraq has spawned a new generation of Islamic radicalism that has spread across the globe.
It also warns that Islamic militants who have fought in Iraq could foment radicalism and violence when they return to their home countries, much as returning Jihadis did after the war against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan in the 1980s.
Al-Qaeda threat
It reportedly concludes that, while al-Qaeda may have been weakened since the 11 September 2001 attacks, the radical Islamic movement worldwide has strengthened with the formation of new groups and cells who are inspired by Osama Bin Laden, but not under his direct control.
-Arlos
You're wasting your time with Mindia, Arlos. In order to see reality he'd have to brush Bush's nuts to the side - and he aint willing to do that yet because Bush said he's religious.
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 8:16 pm
by Narrock
I see that Yellow-Journalism isn't just confined to CNN.
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 8:19 pm
by Arlos
How is it yellow journalism, Mindia? I am honestly curious as to how you can claim that?
They are just reporting on the existence of the document, and what it says.
They're not making anything up, so how do you claim it's yellow journalism?
-Arlos
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 8:20 pm
by Diekan
He knows it's not - he's just "running off at the mouth" to get a rise out of you.
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 8:55 pm
by Phlegm
The Democrats are going to jump all over this especially so close to the midterm election.
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 9:07 pm
by Arlos
Here, Mindia. From Fox News.
Fox News wrote: FOXNEWS.COM HOME > POLITICS
Intelligence Assessment Claims Iraq War Has Worsened Terrorist Threat
Sunday, September 24, 2006
* E-MAIL STORY
* PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION
WASHINGTON — The Iraq war has contributed to an increased threat of terrorism, according to an intelligence assessment that has not lessened the Senate majority leader's defense of the U.S.-led invasion three years ago and occupation.
The classified assessment of the war's impact on terrorism came in a National Intelligence Estimate that represents a consensus view of the 16 disparate spy services inside government, an intelligence official said Sunday. The official, confirming accounts first published in Sunday's New York Times and Washington Post, spoke on condition of anonymity because the report is classified.
The report found that the war has helped create a new generation of Islamic radicalism and that the overall terrorist threat has grown since the Sept. 11 attacks.
There. The basic reporting is EXACTLY the same on Fox News as it is on CNN and on the BBC. Do you still claim the original reports are "yellow journalism"?
-Arlos
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 9:36 pm
by Minrott
Right source agreeing with left source, can not compute. I can hear him imploding from here.
Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2006 12:37 am
by Narrock
Diekan wrote:He knows it's not - he's just "running off at the mouth" to get a rise out of you.
Moi?

Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2006 7:09 am
by Evermore
arlos wrote:Here, Mindia. From Fox News.
Fox News wrote: FOXNEWS.COM HOME > POLITICS
Intelligence Assessment Claims Iraq War Has Worsened Terrorist Threat
Sunday, September 24, 2006
* E-MAIL STORY
* PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION
WASHINGTON — The Iraq war has contributed to an increased threat of terrorism, according to an intelligence assessment that has not lessened the Senate majority leader's defense of the U.S.-led invasion three years ago and occupation.
The classified assessment of the war's impact on terrorism came in a National Intelligence Estimate that represents a consensus view of the 16 disparate spy services inside government, an intelligence official said Sunday. The official, confirming accounts first published in Sunday's New York Times and Washington Post, spoke on condition of anonymity because the report is classified.
The report found that the war has helped create a new generation of Islamic radicalism and that the overall terrorist threat has grown since the Sept. 11 attacks.
There. The basic reporting is EXACTLY the same on Fox News as it is on CNN and on the BBC. Do you still claim the original reports are "yellow journalism"?
-Arlos
He needs a bush lackey like Rush Limbaugh or Ann Coulter to say this before he believes it.
Re: Iraq war has increased terror risk, fed report says.
Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2006 7:40 am
by Lyion
arlos wrote:BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- A classified intelligence report concludes that the Iraq war has worsened the terrorist threat to the United States, U.S. officials told CNN Sunday.
Some intelligence officials have said as much in the past, but the newly revealed document is the first formal report on global trends in terrorism by the National Intelligence Estimate, which is put out by the National Intelligence Council.
The White House Sunday said a New York Times report on the document "is not representative of the complete document."
Beyond that, the White House said it does not comment on classified documents.
Intelligence officials told CNN the report, completed five months ago, said the war and the insurgency are the main recruiting vehicles for new Islamic extremists.
The extremists communicate through various Islamic Web sites and share an ideology with al Qaeda, the officials said.
The document has not been shared with senators because it is classified, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tennessee, told ABC's "This Week."
Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, told CBS' "Face the Nation" that, while he knows nothing about the report, it would not be surprising if the Iraq war was a rallying point for terrorists.
Am I the only one who sees a problem with this?
Anyways, a classified intel report is just an internal op ed for an intelligence agency. This does nothing but allow for more politicizing of an overtly polemic topic.
Anyways, it's no surprise the NYT or CNN would consult an internal Clinton appointee to get a few docs. Maybe they got some of the useful ones out of Sandy Bergers pants.
Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2006 7:44 am
by Zanchief
How about you just say if you agree or disagree with the document.
Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2006 7:46 am
by Lyion
You can't handle the truth!

Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2006 7:55 am
by Zanchief
Awesome...
Posted: Mon Sep 25, 2006 8:05 am
by Lyion
This is the same document (the NIE) that said Saddam had WMDs.
I generally lean towards thinking its full of shit, although if you want specificity, I think the Iraq war has made Iraq more dangerous for Americans. I don't think it's changed anything world wide at all, so that'd be a no
The main avenue for terrorism recruiting is cash. Given Saddam handed out 25k checks via the oil for food scandal for Suicide bombers, I'd say his departing has added another void.
Hezbollah/Iran are Shi'ite and actually like the Iraq situation and are moreso fixated on Lebanon and Israel.
If anything, Iraq has provided a staging and fighting ground for terrorists to attack, instead of Wetern targets. I don't think its making more terrorists, but I do fear it's allowing years of ethnic and religious strife to bubble over in Iraq, since we have grossly mismanaged the aftermath of the Iraq invasion.