Not Exactly a Consensus Judgment

Nobody thinks that Iran is not assisting the Shia in Iraq.

The important thing to consider is whether the level of Iranian help is really making any real difference in the situation. The Iraq NIE says no.

Which brings us to the real issue. Does Iran's actions vis á vis Iraq constitute a casus belli? (It doesn't.)

With so much official U.S. buildup about the purported evidence of Iranian influence in Iraq, the briefing was also notable for what was not said or shown. The officials offered no evidence to substantiate allegations that the "highest levels" of the Iranian government had sanctioned support for attacks against U.S. troops. Also, the military briefers were not joined by U.S. diplomats or representatives of the CIA or the office of the Director of National Intelligence.

The delay in getting around to presenting yesterday's previously announced briefing and the absence of representatives of the other Country Team components strongly indicates an institutional battle over the extent of the Iranian "meddling" (Orwellian U.S. usage) in Iraq.