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November 15, 2005
FBI whistleblower criticizes Bush administration during visit
An FBI whistle-blower and 2nd congressional district candidate discussed her role in the intelligence community and greater foreign policy concerns last week.
Coleen Rowley began by discussing the implications of domestic decisions following 9/11. After the Twin Towers fell, Rowley said people in government were unable to admit error and forged ahead in policy blindly. She criticized the Bush administration for its continued aggressive behavior in reaction to terrorism.
Rowley used an example from a popular 1950’s television show to further her position. In “The Andy Griffith Show,” Andy Griffith plays a wise sheriff. Griffith used tact and caution with effective results. Andy’s bumbling partner, Barney Fife, was eager to be aggressive and use his gun. Rowley implied that the Bush administration embodied this mentality after 9/11 in several ways. She said the FBI was reckless in its detainment of over 1,000 people in the months following 9/11, and that the Iraq war was in no way related to the war on terror.
Transitioning from intelligence issues to the war in Iraq, Rowley said that the war in Iraq has actually made Americans less safe for several reasons.
“The invasion was used as a recruiting tool for new terrorists,” Rowley said. The reason so many
insurgents are difficult to identify, Rowley explained, was because they have no prior terrorist background.
Rowley said many suicide bombers and other insurgents are young adults and have been newly radicalized by the invasion of Iraq. She also said that many new Jihad groups similar to Al-Qaeda are springing up throughout the Middle East. These organizations are difficult to monitor because of their decentralized nature.
The last policy area Rowley discussed was her “withdrawal-plus” plan for Iraq. This calls for a phased withdrawal of U.S. troops in an increasingly defensive posture. Withdrawal would not have a specific time frame, but would be enacted swiftly. Rowley said she wanted a “peace envoy” to communicate with the people of Iraq and insurgents still fighting U.S. troops. This envoy would attempt to dispel myths the Iraqi people might have about U.S. intentions. Rowley promoted the liberal arts philosophy. Rowley said studying in France broadened her worldview. This later helped her look at policy with a critical eyeča skill that has now made her famous.
Posted by msveum at November 15, 2005 11:56 AM
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