Note to Doug et al: the word "partnership" to describe the purported realtionship between Bin Laden and Saddam was used by Colin Powell, not Bin Laden. I mean, come on. The spinmeisters are in full gear today and they'll earn their outrageous fees if they can make a convincing case out of an uncorroborated statement by an egomaniacal fugitive with his own clear agenda.

Here's a good one: U.S. plans don't include Iraq occupation, a Salon.com article which goes on to explain just how much planning the U.S. is doing for Iraq's future, in such a manner that I don't know what they could call it but an occupation. Here's a real knee-slapper contained in the article:

"CIA Director George J. Tenet told the Senate Intelligence Committee that prospects for stability in Iraq will be increased by rapid repair of critical infrastructure, delivery of food and the quick creation of a multiethnic coalition government that includes Sunnis, Shias and Kurds."

Yup. Want to get your country fixed up quick? Call the CIA! They have a plan! They'll make everybody be friends and play nice, and send in milk and cookies. Sheeee-it.

W-O