Finian Cunningham: The Iran War Path Has Resumed!

You know when Western powers are getting trigger happy towards Iran again because the mainstream media propaganda machine starts cranking out lurid scare stories. The latest wheeze is based on computer-generated drawings allegedly depicting a nuclear explosion blast chamber that Iran has allegedly been using to test mini nukes. The drawings were provided exclusively to the Associated Press news agency by an unnamed official from a country tracking Iran's nuclear program, who said it proves the structure exists. Don't you just love the way unnamed sources are quoted, who go on to prove their own unverifiable claims? The AP story has since been picked up, predictably, by all and sundry Western media. Not only are the stories illustrated with computerized images of the alleged blast chamber, there are also mathematical details of chamber dimensions, design and structure. A good rule-of-thumb is that when western media and unnamed diplomats assiduously provide details on suspect installations, then it is a sure sign of desperation to convince the wider public about otherwise dubious claims. The template for this kind of "disinformation" stunt was the presentation by former US Secretary of State Colin Powell in February 2003 before the United Nations Security Council. Then, in a contrived performance that smacked of sheer theater, Powell presented audio recordings and satellite images to British Prime Minister Tony Blair's hysterical notion that Iraq had the capability of launching such weapons within 45 seconds. In sonorous tones, Powell declared to the world: "My colleagues, every statement I make today is backed up by sources, SOLID SOURCES.