Very weird happenings....The WaPo is reporting:
A major U.S. intelligence review has projected that Iran is about a decade away from manufacturing the key ingredient for a nuclear weapon, roughly doubling the previous estimate of five years, according to government sources with firsthand knowledge of the new analysis.
The carefully hedged assessments, which represent consensus among U.S. intelligence agencies, contrast with forceful public statements by the White House. Administration officials have asserted, but have not offered proof, that Tehran is moving determinedly toward a nuclear arsenal."
LINK
Diane points out below that Hans Blix has recently made similar statements.
MORE BELOW
From the NY Times, Negroponte is also supposedly putting in new controls to prevent further WMD frauds like Bush has sponsored on Iraq and Iran (and possibly North Korea, imho).
"The most remarkable aspect of last week's Congressional testimony on the new procedures by Mr. Negroponte's deputy, Gen. Michael Hayden, was the acknowledgment that analysts were often prohibited from examining the nature and reliability of sources used by their own and other intelligence agencies.
That kind of bureaucratic blinkering should not happen again. Under Mr. Negroponte's new orders, all of the agencies he oversees are required to share any doubts about intelligence sources with the analysts and agencies who produce the official National Intelligence Estimates."
LINKI don't know if
John Negroponte, associated with Central American death squads in the 80's, is somebody I want to trust, but at least the guy is a career diplomatic pro, who is doesn't cast every problem as part of the worldwide nuclear arms race. And these sound like important changes to rein in the neocon cowboys. After the Iraqi horse is stolen, of course. But at least we haven't yet invaded Iran or North Korea based on the kind of intel that touted Niger and recently confused dumpsters for nuclear test observation stands.
This whole thing sounds like there has been some sort of major upheaval. The dreaded "FLIP-FLOP" that the Bushies try to avoid at all costs..."No, I can't think of any mistakes I've made...." We shall see who comes out on top....DOD, CIA, Rummy, Dickey...Negroponte seems to be disciplining the little brats...he does know the techniques, I can assure you of that.... of course, as Shockwave points out, the biggest brat, distorter of intel, and loudest touter of Iran nukes has just fled to the UN through a recess appointment.
JOHN NEGROPONTE, LOOKING DISGUSTED WITH THE STATE OF THE INTEL