Rumsfeld and his centurions seemed to love him, while some old hands in the CIA and other bits of the career intelligence corps saw him as a liar and poseur.
This, at least, is how I recall the way the debate was framed.
So now it may be that in the wake of invasion, with Chalabi's usefulness as a puppet in question, the naysayers are being heard more clearly.
Alternatively, it may be that the Rumsfeld strategic services arm of BuschCo may have arrived at a novel (if still boneheaded) decision: unlike previous 'proxy' arrangements - the preferred method from Imperial Rome down through the tenure of the Shah in Iran - in which locals did Washington's bidding, we will, after commititing our own forces to the effort, rule it ourselves.
After all, who has the cajones to say no (other than the Iraqi people, whose wrath will take time to bring an expelling pressure to bear upon the US).
We can imagine Chalabi, after all those years of being wined and dined by the War Plan Iraq steering commitee, finally making his way to Baghdad like an Armani clad Mark Antony into Egypt: the moment at last, now everyone will know that I'm a great and benevolent man, a giant who will lead "my people" into the modern age. Don't worry, Rumsfeld said, about those agency hacks who bad mouth you; they're part of the 'old Washington'. You're our guy, yesiree.
But then the plan changes;
********
Dear Achmed:
Sorry, but your services are not needed. Upon reflection, we realize Paul Bremer, that "one man IMF" will be much more effective at accomplishing our goals. And, he looks like us (always helpful).
Now don't get all henny penny on me; stay in that palace we blasted open for you and your guys, enjoy rich sauces and fine meals and pipe down.
Rumsfeld
*******
So, of course he's now sounding unhappy. Even a puppet can get the blues, or, not see himself as a puppet at all.
Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, another employee, Mr. Karzai also finds himself treated like a Walmart worker.
Of all the empires, this recently revealed one is surely the most keystone cop-like. Still bloody of course.
We are not privy to meetings and so forth so this is all just not-so-pleasant conjecture.
DRM
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