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Book Details How a Curveball Spun Into a War

Iraqi defector lied on WMDs, but CIA was a willing dupe

By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 16, 2007 1:05 PM CDT

(Newser) – An Iraqi defector codenamed Curveball, a primary source behind the WMD intelligence that inspired the invasion, is the subject of a new book that bears his handle, but  the CIA is the most guilty party in author Bob Drogin's account.  Analysts “twisted” and “magnified” the low-level engineer's stories beyond recognition, Drogin tells Salon.

The tales weren’t true to begin with; Curveball artfully invented state secrets to gain entry to  Germany. Yet he wasn’t vetted by the US, even as his fabrications became essential. Drogin calls it “the worst intelligence failure in American history.” He’s careful to decry the notion of the administration as a war-crazed cabal, arguing that it was internal CIA failure that blew Curveball out of proportion.

Iraqi Officials Present Documents For U.N. Inspection
Iraqi Officials Present Documents For U.N. Inspection   (Getty Images)
Colin Powell in his appearance before the UN, making the case that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. Powell told Curveball author Bob Drogin that Curveball's eyewitness accounts were the most credible part of his case.
Colin Powell in his appearance before the UN, making the case that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. Powell told "Curveball" author Bob Drogin that Curveball's "eyewitness" accounts were the most...   (Getty Images)
Anti Trident Protest Takes Place On Westminster Bridge
Anti Trident Protest Takes Place On Westminster Bridge   (Getty Images)
Blix Briefs U.N. Security Council On Iraq
Blix Briefs U.N. Security Council On Iraq   (Getty Images)
BAYJI, IRAQ -- A mobile laboratory and numerous missiles were found by U.S. forces near Bayji on Saturday, April 26, 2003, along with 14 barrels of chemicals that may contain a deadly mixture of cyclo
BAYJI, IRAQ -- A mobile laboratory and numerous missiles were found by U.S. forces near Bayji on Saturday, April 26, 2003, along with 14 barrels of chemicals that may contain a deadly mixture of cyclo   (KRT Photos)
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