The New NIE

Today the government released its newest National Intelligence Estimate on Iraq. (The NIE represents the consensus of all our intelligence agencies.) Two conclusions stand out. First, the term "civil war"doesn't really apply to Iraq becuase it does not capture the depth and complexity of the animosity and bloodshed in that country. Second, it is doubtful that Iran's influence is having any significant impact on events in Iraq as the situation has so far deteriorated.

It seems both of these contradict key assumptions of the President, and if I am not mistaken, the idea that Iran was stirring the pot in Iraq, has been the subject of much tough talk by the White House -- the type of tough talk many viewed as laying the groundwork for war with Iran.