You really must be desperate if you find Kay's statement encouraging. Remember the context: The sweeping and concrete claims by Bush and his minions that Iraq had vast stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons, and an active nuclear weapon program. Review Powell's testimony to the UN to get grounded in reality. Kay's findings already debunk the Bush Regime's prewar propaganda.

Kay says very clearly that Iraq did not have chemical, biological, or nuclear programs. He throws Bush partisans a bone when he recounts queries by Saddam and Usay about how long it would take to start up such programs, which is certainly a two-edged sword: While it's evidence of a theoretical capability to have those programs sometime in the future, it clearly rules out their actual existence. They wouldn't have asked about starting up the programs if they already existed.

Kay's statement is aligned with the Bush request for another $600 million to keep the ISG roaming at random around Iraq past the November 2004 elections. It's full of excuses for their failure to vindicate Bush, and promises to make a determined effort to run out the clock if they can just get another $600 million.

Yeah, I'm sure it's a waste of time and money. It's political, aimed at salvaging some of the Bush Regime's lost credibility.