This blog has been on the case of vanished and missing explosives and infrastructure from Iraq weapons sites for some time. It was worrying enough when materials disappeared during or just before the invasion. But the fact that large amounts of potentially deadly materials have been looted under the eyes of the American occupation is Exhibit A in the case for this administration’s incompetence. And, yes, “criminal negligence” is not hyperbole. In terrorist-ridden Iraq, the possibility of serious weaponry falling into the hands of the enemy and being deployed against American troops and conceivably American citizens is unforgivable. The whole point of the invasion was to prevent this kind of transfer from taking place. Yet, thanks to this administration, it may have precipitated it. Sure, we have enough troops. Sure.
THE CLINTON FACTOR: Bill Clinton is an immensely talented campaigner, as even his detractors concede. Al Gore was too proud or too close to utilize him on the campaign trail four years ago. And he will always be a divisive figure. But his heart by-pass operation surely makes his current campaign swing less complicated. Everyone wishes him well, apart from a few malicious nutcases. He will be greeted as a rock star and now with a certain degree of compassion from the Democratic base. He can appeal to black voters in a way the stiff Kerry cannot. If he’s deployed effectively this coming week, he could be the October Surprise of the Democrats.
The Dish 