In Condi’s speech, she did as much as possible to exaggerate the threat of Iranian nuclear weapons, particularly with regards to speed of development.

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On the Washington Post website, a transcript from CQ Wire, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/31/ar2006053100937.html, details the contents of Secretary of State Condoleezza RiceÂ’s News Conference on Iran. It bears a striking resemblance to a February 2003 speech by Colin Powell where he talked about dangers from IraqÂ’s mobile laboratories for making biological weapons. Just a few weeks after Colin PowellÂ’s speech, UN Weapons Inspectors Hans Blix and Mohamed ElBaradei reported that after extensive on the ground inspections in Iraq, they had found no weapons of mass destruction. Those reports came out approximately three weeks before we invaded Iraq.

In CondiÂ’s speech, she did as much as possible to exaggerate the threat of Iranian nuclear weapons, particularly with regards to speed of development. She said:

“The pursuit by the Iranian regime of nuclear weapons represents a direct threat to the entire international community, including to the United States and to the Persian Gulf region… The pursuit by the Iranian regime of nuclear weapons represents a direct threat to the entire international community, including to the United States and to the Persian Gulf region.”

The rest of the long winded diatribe said more of the same along with veiled threats that the US would protect its interests but is “committed to a diplomatic solution”. As Yogi Berra would say, “It’s déjà vu all over again”. Because the Bush Administration was wrong on Iraq and the UN Weapons inspectors were right, I am focused on what they have to say regarding a potential threat. Once again, they say that the Bush Administration is exaggerating the threat. As Reported by Reuters via the Indian (Chandigarh) Tribune website among others http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060601/world.htm#1 ElBaradei said “Iran does not pose an immediate nuclear threat and the world must act cautiously to avoid repeating mistakes made with Iraq and North Korea.”

Like with Iraq, ElBaradeiÂ’s team has spent a lot of time on the ground in Iran. They are intimately familiar with Iranian technology and capabilities. And AGAIN they are being ignored by the Bush administration as administration officials are on a single-minded course to justify another wrong-headed and costly war. My readers and the right wing nuts over at places like Free Republic should know and remember that I have taken a cautious approach with Iran. I have exhorted people to remember that Iran is not Iraq, and that we may in fact have reason to fear Iran and its potential development of nuclear weapons, much to the fury of my friends on the progressive left (see http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_steven_l_051209_new_cost_of_iraq_war.htm and http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_steven_l_060113_iran_3a_we_are_exactly.htm and http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_steven_l_060405_iran___are_they_invi.htm . However, I also said that my eyes and ears were squarely on the UN Weapons Inspectors who were so right on Iraq and had yet to substantively weigh in on Iran. Well, now they have, and the truth is clear. The Bush administration are trying to sell us another bridge. We paid a heavy price for the lies that lead us to buying the last one and achieved nothing. Are we going to buy again?

Authors Website: http://www.ibtimes.com/blog/steven-leser_103/bio/

Authors Bio:
A political blogger for the International Business Times, Steve Leser is a hot national political pundit. He has appeared on MSNBC's Coundown with Keith Olbermann, Comedy Central's Daily Show with Jon Stewart and Russia Today's (RT) Crosstalk with Peter Lavelle. But, Leser is most known for his work as commentator and the progressive counterpoint on the very conservative FOX News cable network. Steve Leser has been frequently featured on Your World with Neil Cavuto, Bulls & Bears, and Cashing In against such FOX notables as Neil Cavuto and Stuart Varney. Leser gave the stirring live commentary on FOX as news broke of the resignation of Sarah Palin as Governor of Alaska.

Steve Leser is in demand in New York as keynote speaker for his authority on the power and machinations of Republican think tanks, the economy, health care reform and various other political topics.

Leser is also a political organizer and has held positions within the Democratic Party including District Chair and Public Relations Chair within county organizations.