TPM (Josh Marshall) talks about the Spy Story

[Cush]

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/week_2004_08_22.php#003364

However, I strongly suspect that as this story develops the bigger deal will be less the alleged recipient of the information, Israel, than the country that is the subject of the information, Iran.

I don't mean to imply that it's an either/or. It can very much be both. But the reportage thus far has understated the degree to which this is an Iran story -- it grows out of the simmering and unresolved administration battle over policy toward Iran.

[Kagemusha]

1. I've had the feeling lots of people are keeping cards to the vest

We're just not hearing the full story by any means.

And I don't buy that sob story that Franklin was just trying to save Jewish lives and deserves a medal like Schindler.

[nostamj]

2. is this ***THE*** story he's been hinting at

the 'tectonic plate shifting' one?

I have a piece coming out on the subject which will, hopefully, be appearing later today in The Washington Monthly.


a HUGE stinkbomb that will impact the elephant parade in NYC?

[FreakinDJ]

3. This Story needs more publicity

I agree it should be Earth Shattering

That is why i started this thread here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x2275170

[Rose Siding]

4. The War With Iran is coming

God I hope that's not true. The thought is chilling.

[rocktivity]

5. Um...why is Israel spying on the U.S. in the first place?

Aren't we allies? Don't we give them money? Why wouldn't we share information with them?

:headbang:
rocknation

[Rose Siding]

6. Interesting update from JMM's associate, Laura Rozen

(doesn't answer your question, but indicates *maybe* more interest on Israel's part in obtaining the information, than on Franklin's part in sharing it with them)

http://www.warandpiece.com/blogdirs/001068.html

Key Update: Here's my latest thought on this: As I understand, Franklin wasn't motivated to pass the information to Aipac to give it to the Israelis. He wanted our own government to act. He wanted to get it to the NSC and the White House.

I'm not joking. From what I understand from my sources, Franklin was desperately trying to get the US government to act on this intelligence. Aipac was just a tool for getting influence in Washington and the White House.

Go read the post below for all the background to this.

[KittyWampus]

8. Israeli Intel. Tried To Get US To Stop Iranians Going Into Iraq After War

and US ignored this good advice.

Doesn't make sense to me... unless the NeoCons, for some reason, WANTED an Iranian backed insurgency in post-war Iraq.

The only reason the Neo-Cons would have for wanting mayhem would be to have an excuse for attacking Iran.

They would want to claim there was no way to stop the Iranians from entering Iraq.

[Eloriel]

7. Because...

to some people, there's no such thing as "enough" -- not enough money, not enough power, not enough control, etc.

[allemand]

9. Could this also be the reason why Powell now stays in Washington?

The "simmering and unresolved administration battle over policy toward Iran", e.g. Powell versus Douglas Feith.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=782832&mesg_id=783237&page=

[Dudley_DUright]

10. Thanks

I was wondering when Josh was going to weigh in with a comment.