[Pen-l] the next war?

[Jim Devine <jdevine03@xxxxxxxxx>]

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-fg-usiran12-2009feb12,0,1574169.story


U.S. now sees Iran as pursuing nuclear bomb
In a reversal since a 2007 report, U.S. officials expect the Islamic
Republic to reach development milestones this year.
By Greg Miller

Los Angeles Times/February 12, 2009

Reporting from Washington — Little more than a year after U.S. spy
agencies concluded that Iran had halted work on a nuclear weapon, the
Obama administration has made it clear that it believes there is no
question that Tehran is seeking the bomb.

In his news conference this week, President Obama went so far as to
describe Iran's "development of a nuclear weapon" before correcting
himself to refer to its "pursuit" of weapons capability.

Obama's nominee to serve as CIA director, Leon E. Panetta, left little
doubt about his view last week when he testified on Capitol Hill.
"From all the information I've seen," Panetta said, "I think there is
no question that they are seeking that capability."

The language reflects the extent to which senior U.S. officials now
discount a National Intelligence Estimate issued in November 2007 that
was instrumental in derailing U.S. and European efforts to pressure
Iran to shut down its nuclear program.

As the administration moves toward talks with Iran, Obama appears to
be sending a signal that the United States will not be drawn into a
debate over Iran's intent....
-- 
Jim Devine / "Segui il tuo corso, e lascia dir le genti." (Go your own
way and let people talk.) -- Karl, paraphrasing Dante.
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