New theory on why Bush and Cheney continue to put forth the talking point, or lie, that al Qaeda and Saddam Hussein had longstanding ties. It may be because Australian Prime Minister John Howard is now getting mega heat for the 9/11 Commission's statements that there is no evidence of a link. Unlike British PM Tony Blair, who used Iraq's supposed WMD program as justification for the war, Howard sold the war to the Aussies on the idea that Iraq was linked to al Qaeda. Australia is a primary ally in the coaltion and this news may be enough to sink Howard's chances for his party to maintain control in the general election.

Perhaps it's time for the President to hold a press conference and educate the rest of us. I'll play fair and allow Cheney to participate so Bush has a little help. Then they can explain to the whole world specifically what these ties are.

The tragic part of all this continues to be that by creating these smokescreens, they are only making matters worse. An honorable President would pursue the truth and then use the facts to properly pursue a real war on terrorism.