Reading notes

Might this unfold into something as big as I think it might?

Seymour Hersh, the trustworthy-for-decades investigative reporter who’s never at a loss for stones with which to challenge Goliath, writes in today’s New Yorker:

The January 30th election in Iraq was publicly perceived as a political triumph for George W. Bush and a vindication of his decision to overturn the regime of Saddam Hussein. … The fact that very few Sunnis, who were dominant under Saddam Hussein, chose to vote was seen within the Administration as a temporary setback. The sense of victory faded, however, amid a continued political stalemate, increased violence, and a hardening of religious divides. …

Whether the election could sustain its promise had been in question from the beginning. The Administration was confronted with a basic dilemma: The likely winner of a direct and open election would be a Shiite religious party. … As the election neared, the Administration repeatedly sought ways — including covert action — to manipulate the outcome and reduce the religious Shiite influence. Not everything went as planned.

Extensive reporting follows.

[via hoffmania]