TOP SECRET: Non-Iranian Eyes Only

ABC News’ The Blotter reports that an OFFAL authorization of covert operations aimed at the Iranian government marks a defeat for the vice president who favors military action:

“Vice President Cheney helped to lead the side favoring a military strike,” said former CIA official Riedel, “but I think they have come to the conclusion that a military strike has more downsides than upsides.” [This and all subsequent quotations, ABC News: Bush Authorizes New Covert Action Against Iran]

However, Your Montag might ask, which is more provocative:

• a covert, top secret, “nonlethal” black operation of intelligence collection, non-proliferation activity and a “coordinated campaign of propaganda, disinformation and manipulation of Iran’s currency and international financial transactions.”? or…
• the revelation of such a (“covert,” “top secret,”) operation.

Hmmm…

Let’s play Find the Leak!

Who are these ‘anonymous sources’ of whom ABC News’ The Blotter speaks?

Possible suspects:

• The CIA — No way. — A CIA spokesperson said, “As a matter of course, we do not comment on allegations of covert activity.”
• The Administration — Of course not! — A National Security Council spokesperson, Gordon Johndroe, said, “The White House does not comment on intelligence matters.”
• The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and other key congressional leaders — Guilty! — Congress members occasionally disagree with the president. Therefore, they want the terrorists to win. Therefore, they undermine this peaceful, nonlethal, plan to defeat terrorism in all of it’s forms!

And what consequence will this irresponsible love of terror bring?

“And this covert action is now being escalated by the new U.S. directive, and that can very quickly lead to Iranian retaliation and a cycle of escalation can follow,” Nasr said.

Looks like we may need the VP’s military strike plans after all!