Tenet Says Analysts Never Painted Iraq as Imminent Threat "The question being asked about Iraq in the starkest terms is, were we right or were we wrong? In the intelligence business, you are almost never completely wrong or completely right... Let me be clear. Analysts differed on several important aspects of these programs, and those debates were spelled out in the estimate. They never said there was an imminent threat. Rather, they painted an objective assessment for our policymakers of a brutal dictator who was continuing his efforts to deceive and build programs that might constantly surprise us and threaten our interests. No one told us what to say or how to say it." CIA Director George Tenet in a speach at Georgetown University.
Ayatolla Al-Sistani Escape Assassination Attempt While visiting supporters in Najaf, gunmen openned fire. Al-Sistani was not injured. It is not clear who was behind the attack.
Guard denies attempt on Al-Sistani's life Al-Sistani's bodyguard, Abu Mohammed, is quoted by AP as saying, "There's no truth to this news. His eminence is in very good health and hasn't been subjected to any assassination attempts. ... He hasn't been out and hasn't changed his place. There has been no gunfire."
Bush creates Panel to Investigate Intelligence It is bi-partisan and they call it independent, but President Bush named those who will participate and instructed them to submit their report in March of 2005, well after the election.
4-Star US General Attacked in Fallujah The top-ranked U.S. general in the Middle East, Gen. John Abizaid, escaped unharmed. Gen. Swannack was also in the convoy. The attack consisted of rocket-propelled grenades and light arms fire from building roof tops.
UN Envoy warns of Civil War in Iraq Lakhdar Brahimi said elections before June 30 would be difficult, and warned Iraqis to be wary of the risks of civil war as they compete for power.
US Seals Saddam's Hole The U.S. Army has sealed the underground bunker where Saddam Hussein was found in an attempt to prevent it from becoming a tourist attraction.
US to Allow Red-Cross to visit Saddam No date is set.
Rebels launch major assult on Falluja police station Attackers freed dozens of prisoners and killed 22 soldiers, going methodically from room to room throwing grenades. Four attackers were killed, 3 of them are said to have had Lebanese passports.
Ayatolla Sistani agrees to delay elections According to an aid, the Ayatolla agreed to an interim government so long as elections are held before Oct. 1 2004.
Red Cross visits Saddam in Custody Delegates of the international Red Cross visits "to track and monitor the conditions of detention and treatment of the detainee." They also give the detainee the opportunity to send a letter to his family, which Saddam did.
Bremer warns elections could take 15 months Paul Bremer said the absence of election laws, voters lists and reliable census data were obstacles to a quick election. Ayatolla Sistani wants an UN resolution to guarantee an election by Oct 1 2004.
