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Powell blames terror error on new system
EFL - hattip to WNDThe State Department acknowledged Thursday it was wrong in reporting terrorism declined worldwide last year, a finding that was used to boost one of President Bushâs top foreign policy claims â success in countering terror. Instead, both the number of incidents and the toll in victims increased sharply, the department said. Statements by senior administration officials claiming success were based "on the facts as we had them at the time; the facts that we had were wrong," department spokesman Richard Boucher said. The report, issued in April, said attacks had declined last year to 190, the lowest level in 34 years, and dropped 45% since 2001, Bushâs first year as president. The State Department is now working to determine the correct figures. Among the mistakes, Boucher said, was that only part of 2003 was taken into account... Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., said this week the administration had refused to address his contention that the findings were manipulated for political purposes. Waxman had written Powell asking for an explanation. Boucher said a reply to Waxman was in preparation. "We wanted to make sure that we give the congressman the best and most accurate picture of what we know and whatâs going on as we can," he said. An unlikely conspiracy to doctor gata that no one will read. Waxman is a genius - he has his nose to the ground and is on the trail. He might just find the dead squirrel I shoveled into the bushes - good eats. Posted by: Super Hose 2004-06-12 |
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