Critic Charges Bush Administration's "Language of Lying" Transformed into "an Orwellian Artform"

Interview with Robert Scheer, syndicated columnist and author, conducted by Scott Harris

As violence was exploding in Iraq was, the nation turned its attention to the testimony of President Bush's National Security advisor Condoleezza Rice before the Commission investigating the Sept. 11 attacks. Under oath, Dr. Rice confirmed the existence of a classified Aug. 6, 2001 Presidential Daily Briefing which was titled, "Bin Laden Determined to Strike in the U.S." Although the National Security Advisor characterized the document as historical and not warning of specific threats from al Qaeda, later declassification of the briefing paper revealed intelligence indicating that al Qaeda was active in the U.S. and making preparations for the possible hijacking of airplanes.

Meanwhile in escalating attacks on coalition forces in Iraq, insurgents battled U.S. troops in the city of Fallujah, where 600 Iraqi civilians and combatants are reported to have been killed. Armed militia groups loyal to Shiite cleric Moktada al-Sadr took over several cities after the U.S. sought the arrest of the young Muslim leader. Large numbers of American trained Iraqi police and military have refused to fight, abandoned their posts or joined the forces challenging the U.S. occupation. In the past week alone, 70 U.S. soldiers have been killed, while insurgents have kidnapped dozens of foreign workers, including at least one American truck driver. In the face of growing instability in Iraq, U.S Middle East commander General John Abizaid has asked the Pentagon for 15,000 to 20,000 more troops.

Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with syndicated columnist Robert Scheer, who is a co-author of the book, "The Five Biggest Lies Bush Told us About Iraq." Scheer assesses the truthfulness of Condoleeza Rice's testimony before the 9-11 Commission and the current military situation confronting U.S. troops in Iraq.

Syndicated columnist Robert Scheer, is co-author with Christopher Scheer and Lakshmi Choudrhy of the book, "The Five Biggest Lies Bush Told Us About Iraq," published by Seven Stories Press.

Related links:

"Check the Facts Before Rushing to War," by Howard Zinn, by Newsday/Long Island, New York, April 14, 2004

"Iraq: Exit Here By Democracy's Door," Steve Weissman, t r u t h o u t | Perspective, April 14, 2004

"The Beginning of The End," Robert Scheer, www.alternet.org, April 6, 2004

"Commission on 9/11 Criticizes Ashcroft," by Tabassum Zakaria, by Reuters, April 13, 2004

"Condi's Cover-up Caves In," by David Corn, The Nation, April 13, 2004

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