There is a report in the Israeli press that President Obama has received a new National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Iran’s nuclear program that contains “alarming new information” about the military component of Iran’s efforts. At some point in the next week or so, the U.S. may release an unclassified abstract of the Estimate. NIEs are official documents that represent the authoritative assessments of the Director of National Intelligence and the U.S. intelligence community.
According to the report, the new NIE contains new information about the progress Iran has made in its weaponization and delivery systems. I doubt the information is either “alarming” or “new,” but the new NIE, if the report is accurate, will sharply differ from a 2007 NIE that threw cold water on Israel’s international efforts to ratchet up pressure on Iran. The 2007 document said that the U.S. intelligence community believed that Iran has once had a nuclear weapons program, but believed with “high confidence” that they had given the program up in 2003. The 2007 NIE caused a major sensation: critics of the Bush Administration claimed that the President was misusing intelligence in order to go after Iran.
Most of us who were paying attention knew at the time that the 2007 NIE was flat wrong. Then, in 2009, when a previously unknown Iranian nuclear reactor was discovered, most everybody else knew that it was wrong, too.
The problem is that we are now five years removed from the 2007 NIE and little has been done (other than computer viruses and a rash of accident-prone Iranian scientists) to stop the mullahs from developing nuclear weapons. All because of one intelligence report that turned out to be woefully wrong. Let’s hope that those who insisted we slam on the brakes after the 2007 report can remember where the other pedal is.
What do you think?
2:10 pm
It really comes down to trust. Always saying, “A report” says such things, but one rarely states where such reports come from, nor can one say where such “reports” can be found to substantiate the article! I want to know specifics, so I can make an objective conclusing for myself before any action it taken!
1:19 pm
I believe Susan is right. How can you trust a Nation who’s leader is a liar and denies the Holicast all with the blessings of their so called religion.
6:48 am
There is always ananylst who gets it right makes his report embarasses the political policy makers and gets buried in a back room somewhere for making the effort to get the facts. The US military, intel, and policy makers are heavily influenced by pro-Islamic sentiment. To the extrenme now we have a President who is incapable of criticizing anything Islamic. t5hat is a drfinite source of the problem when assessing intel or risks like the military’s handling of Major Hassad. I read a critique of the Supreme Court that may soon hear proposed legislation to make it illegal to criticize Islam. Can you imagine if it was against the law to criticize Christianity in this country? The tenant of Islam that makes punishing critics of Islam unto death, is one of the criticisms of Islam and an aspect that has no doubt caused Islamic, Shariah Law nations to remain in a state of decrepitude. We don’t need it here.
1:34 am
Iran will do whatever it can which includes lieing to the world, killing anyone who gets in their way, stealing everything and anything that helps the Muslim agenda. President Obama does likewise.
8:13 am
bernie, have you ever got that right. America better wake up quick
12:13 am
US interests require reduced dependence on oil from this region. NAWAPA offers solutions to maintain food production. Resolute rail enhancement program shall reduce call on oil after hostilities..
9:49 pm
Is it just me, or does anyone else notice how much hatred is shown on the faces of Israel’s enemies shaking their fists and railing for Israel’s total destruction? Actions speak even louder than words. That, in itself, says something about Israel’s pure heart and soul. Truly a supernaturally preserved people, Israeli’s are strong and very courageous. Isaiah in the bible has prophesied Israel has a remarkable future in store for them.
5:28 pm
US need to do something to stop Iran nuclear program.
4:25 pm
Another failure for the US intelligence community.
4:21 pm
the math is simple: gain time while some US media outlet and Ron Paul affirms that it is ok for iran to have nukes; once there, Israel must accept the status quo…Later, a deal is cut with the US to sacrifice Israel, for 20 years of peace (better arsenal…)…end of US, mission accomplished, and fait accompli: Jihad reigns…
4:19 pm
we cant wait any more go all out !!!!!
3:00 pm
We need a better driver first.
2:53 pm
i HOPE AND PRAY THAT AS ALLIES AND FIRENDS BOTH THE usa AND iSRAEL, ALLIES WORK TOGETHER AND PREPARE FOR VARIOUS SCENARIOS AGAINST THE POTENTIAL EXISTENTIAL AND POLITICAL THREAT TO THE wEST, mid-east.too.
2:26 pm
Rabbi Greenberg; I find your articles most informative and fun. It may even be more humorous if the sad truth were not so real. As an American I am baffled by this administration. Thank you
2:17 pm
BLOW UP ATACK WHIT. OUR dEAR. GODIST
GOD. IS THE bEST. HÈ BLEST. USS. TODA
2:13 pm
I think there is no time to waste. I pray all those in authority here in West, and in Israel, will seek God’s will and direction in this. If God is for us. who can be against us? HALELLUJAH! God is our stronghold, our refuge, and an ever-present-help in times of trouble. I say, defend the innocent before it’s too late! Enough is enough. This news is VERY alarming. We can recieve the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding. We only need ask, and then recieve it by faith! I love you all my Judeo-Christian brethren.
2:08 pm
While this does confirm what Israel has said all along, I doubt very much whether this present US administration will do much of anything with it. They seem not to care one way or the other.
1:57 pm
One must realize that Iran is a hostile country with deep-rooted hatred for democracy. They speak with evil tounges. They cannot be trusted. There leader is Satan in my opinion. It would take an entire, new generation of iranians who desire peace to change the current danger lurking there. Scripture reminds us of Gods protection over Israel.
1:42 pm
This administration is not a friend to Israel, and it’s scary how Iran is being allowed to continue with their nuclear program. The U.S. needs to stop promoting the muslims, and stand with Israel.
1:06 pm
Obama administration has done nothing since he become
President but lye to American people as to what is going on in Iran.
12:51 pm
May GOD have mercy on us all. This buffoon has somehow succeeded in advancing the weaponization of his “peaceful” nuclear program because European and American politicians have hamstrung Israel.
12:46 pm
Israel is the only “real” Democracy in the mid-east. They are the US all weather ally. When another nation publicly announces that it’s policy is the total annihilation of Israel, a pre-emptive strike
12:31 pm
Would be interested to learn who actually authored the 2007 report and what (if any) accountability there will be for this very serious misleading report.
?Farad Zakaria?
12:14 pm
I agree with this assessment. What bothers me is that it does not take an NIE to see the truth. The West needed to wake up 5 years ago. Praying for the US and Israel at this time.