Conyers Investigating Suskind Allegations

By Ryan Grim

(The Politico)  Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.) is taking very seriously allegations made in Ron Suskind’s new book, The Way of the World, that the administration forged documents to create the impression of a link between al Qaeda and Iraq in order to justify the invasion. Conyers posted letters to six current and former administration officials today, asking them to contact his committee staff as part of an investigation into the allegations. Those on the receiving end of the Conyers requests:

I. Lewis “Scooter” Libber -- who is referred to as "Lewis I. Libby" in Conyers' letter -- was chief of staff to Vice President Cheney. Suskind alleges that the order for the forgery was initiated in the vice president’s office.

George Tenet, then-head of the CIA.

Rob Richer, former CIA deputy director of clandestine operations and chief of the Near East Division. Suskind alleges Richer was tasked by tenet to produce the letter.

John Maguire was allegedly briefed by Richer and told to execute the letter and disseminate it in Baghdad.

A.B. “Buzzy” Krongard was said to have “expressed concern” about the letter.

John Hannah, assistant to the vice present for National Security Affairs, got a letter by virtue of his employment with the vice president.