Peter Bergen, one of the world’s experts on terrorism, quoted by Barbara Boxer at Condaleeza Rice’s confirmation hearing (and isn’t it nice to know that Congress has given up the phony “advice and consent” language?):

“What we have done in Iraq is what bin Laden could not have hoped for in his wildest dreams: We invaded an oil-rich Muslim nation in the heart of the Middle East, the very type of imperial adventure bin Laden has long predicted was the U.S.’s long-term goal in the region. We deposed the secular socialist Saddam, whom bin Laden has long despised, ignited Sunni and Shi’a fundamentalist fervor in Iraq, and have now provoked a defensive jihad that has galvanized jihad- minded Muslims around the world. It’s hard to imagine a set of policies better designed to sabotage the war on terror.” This conclusion was reiterated last Thursday by the National Intelligence Council, the CIA director’s think tank, which released a report saying that Iraq has replaced Afghanistan as the training ground for the next generation of professionalized terrorists.

That’s your own administration’s CIA. NIC chairman Robert Hutchings said Iraq is, quote, “a magnet for international terrorist activity.” Peter Bergen, quoted by Barbara Boxer at Condoleeza Rice’s confirmation hearings (January 2005).

Thanks to Chepooka for this quote, but ever more astounding information is available here.

Meanwhile, I’ve been enjoying the look on Condi’s face during the confirmation hearings. Bush has his smirk, but it can’t touch Condi’s sneer. She knows this is just so much bullshit she has to endure before she gets what she wants.

She knows Americans don’t give a flying f*ck.

UPDATE: Even more of the Boxer-Rice dialog is available at “What Is Today”.