Bush Meets With Congress

Bush met with Democratic leaders Wednestday, in an attempt to soften the damage from the very public accusations flying in the last few days. Immediately after the meeting, House Minority Leader [redacted] Gephardt used his press conference to highlight the Democratic domestic agenda, and Bush reiterated his agenda for Iraq. Bush said that the debate between parties is "deliberate, civil and thorough," and also says that he's close to an agreement on the draft resolution against Iraq.

Iraq Trained Al Qaeda

After some inspecific hints from Secretary Rumsfeld and President Bush, National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice has announced on PBS's "The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer" that there is specific and documented evidence that Iraq helped train al Qaeda. "This is a story that is unfolding, and it is getting clear, and we're learning more. ... When the picture is clear, we'll make full disclosure about it," Rice said. She was also careful to not draw any connection between Hussein and September 11th: "we don't want to push this too far." This information apparently came from Al Qaeda detainees, and was released about two months ago. It's getting another hearing this week, for obvious reasons.

Training the Iraqi Opposition

The LA Times has a story on efforts by the Bush Administration to get congressional approval for the training of 10,000 members of the Iraqi opposition to help with the looming war. The quoted officials emphasized that this is not a Bay of Pigs-style militia, but rather "support staff" that will assist with the change in regime. The 1998 Iraq Liberation Act provided $97 million for efforts like this, and only $800,000 has been spent. Once Bush formally announces plans for this money, Congress has 15 days to oppose it. Iraqi opposition leaders are predictably delighted about Bush's plans.

Gore, Carter on Iraq

Al Gore made a speech on Monday attacking the Bush Administration's policy on Iraq. Gore suggests that unilateral action on Iraq is damaging the war against Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda. Most useful Gore soundbite:

"Great nations persevere and then prevail, they do not jump from one unfinished task to another. We should remain focused on the war against terrorism."
Less play for Former President Jimmy Carter, who also came out against the resolution: "It is a radical departure from traditions that have shaped our nation's policy by Democratic and Republican presidents for more than 50 years."

Arab League: Verify

Amr "An attack on Iraq will open the gates of Hell" Moussa, head of the Arab League, through the Jersusalem Post, insists that the UN place inspectors in Iraq to verify the American claims about Iraqi weapons programs. He stops short of endorsing military action, though. He claims that ongoing problems, like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are already destabilizing the region.