February 12, 2007
by Steve Hammons

In recent years, and in current investigations, much been written and discussed about alleged "mistakes" made prior to the invasion of Iraq, the occupation of Iraq, the so-called "War on Terror," the attempted capture of Osama bin Laden, the dramatic increase in war spending and even the 9/11 attacks.

While some have claimed that intelligence mistakes and other kinds of mistakes were made, and that these accidental errors led to problematic outcomes, others have suggested that the apparent failures or blunders were actually part of larger and hidden plans.

Some combination of mistakes and planned outcomes might also be in play.

In examining important events and developments over the last few years, these differing views seem to emerge as something worth considering carefully.

The claims that mistakes could actually be part of well-thought-out planning can be explored by addressing the following topics which are typically used as the major examples of various "mistake theories" and "plan theories:"

- Invasion of Iraq

- Occupation of Iraq

- War on Terror

- Capture of Osama bin Laden

- Dramatically increased war spending

- 9/11 attacks

Below are just some of the theories about whether these recent developments were either based on mistakes or on plans. And, as mentioned, some combination of the two could be considered.

INVASION OF IRAQ

Mistake theory:

Our intelligence services believed that weapons of mass destruction existed in Iraq and reported it to political leaders who felt this was an unreasonable risk. Good intelligence officers mistakenly indicated Iraq was cooperating with Islamic terrorists threatening the U.S.

Plan theory:

There was ample evidence that there were no significant WMDs in Iraq that would pose a serious threat to the United States and no meaningful link between Iraq and Islamic terrorists. The WMD threat and claims of an Iraq-terrorist link were just convenient ways to make a case for invasion. The real reasons had more to do with securing Iraq's oil supply, establishing permanent bases there, boosting defense spending, protecting allies in the region and gaining political advantage.

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OCCUPATION OF IRAQ

Mistake theory:

Despite recommendations by seasoned military leaders and others, U.S. troop levels were not sufficient for smooth occupation and establishment of peace and order in Iraq. Disbanding the Iraqi army, allowing chaos in the streets and other mistakes resulted in a significant ongoing insurgency, near-civil war and deaths and injuries to U.S. troops and Iraqi civilians.

Plan theory:

If the goal was actually to stay in Iraq indefinitely, it might have been counterproductive to establish order, a working government, some measure of social cohesion and peace. If all had gone smoothly in the post-invasion occupation, many would call for U.S. forces to leave Iraq, mission accomplished. The turmoil and violence there actually provide a rationale for U.S. troops to stay in Iraq indefinitely.

WAR ON TERROR

Mistake theory:

Dehumanizing torture at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo, war crimes and atrocities allegedly committed by U.S. personnel, inadvertent "collateral damage" of death and injury to Iraq civilians including women and children, and other factors have made more people worldwide hostile toward the U.S. This has created more potential terrorists and increased the resolve of terrorists and enemies.

Plan theory:

Creating a never-ending threat of terrorism, and amplifying and expanding the hostility to the U.S. create continued opportunity for increased war spending, military intervention and political advantage.

CAPTURE OF OSAMA BIN LADEN

Mistake theory:

After the successful CIA and Army Special Forces-led invasion of Afghanistan, U.S. forces and leaders missed an opportunity to capture bin Laden in Tora Bora due to mistaken tactical decisions.

Plan theory:

U.S. leaders might not have wanted to capture bin Laden. His family is associated with powerful business and political connections in the U.S.

DRAMATICALLY INCREASED WAR SPENDING

Mistake theory:

The billions of spending on the Iraq War, related war expenditures and other unrelated spending has been a mistake by leaders that will cause future severe difficulties for the U.S.

Plan theory:

The hundreds of billions spent on war will enrich those who are politically connected. In addition, the tremendous overspending helps "Starve the Beast." The Starve the Beast view is that if U.S. social safety net programs like Social Security cannot be defeated politically, then by simply creating significant financial stresses on the U.S. Government in future years, these programs can be curtailed or eliminated due to future fiscal limitations.

9/11 ATTACKS

Mistake theory:

Our intelligence and law enforcement services and those of our allies failed to understand, detect and prevent the 9/11 planning and attacks.

Plan theory:

The attacks were predicted by our own and allied intelligence and law enforcement services and were, at a minimum, allowed to happen. The motivation was to create "A New Pearl Harbor" that would facilitate other agendas such as invading Iraq and establishing permanent bases there, boosting defense spending, protecting allies in the region and attaining domestic political advantage.

CONSPIRACY THEORIES

There seem to be many ideas and viewpoints about the alleged mistakes, plans and secret agendas that may be in play. It is sometimes difficult to come to a clear conclusion on many of these topics.

Only the most naïve will take events and government actions at face value, for there are often many agendas going on behind the scenes. Legitimate and not-so-legitimate factors exist on many levels.

As outlandish and far-fetched as some of the views seem, it may be worthwhile for us to consider all possibilities and to look beneath the surface for answers.

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Steve Hammons [send him email] has worked as a journalist, editor, counselor, juvenile probation peace officer, public safety urgent-response specialist, teacher, instructor and US Government researcher. He graduated from Ohio University with studies in communications/journalism, health education/psychology and pre-law. Hammons's two novels, Mission into Light and Light's Hand, tell the story of a US joint-service military and intelligence research team investigating emerging special topics. Visit the novels' home page at: www.navyseals.com/community/members/ohio52