Jerry,

It could be all those things. If I had to make some bet I wouldn’t place the bet on some “conspiracy” or spy theory. I’d place it on some sort of “trifecta” spread of the things you described: turf wars, NIH, Ivy League political theology.

The matter of “motive” for Wilson/Plame is really a tough one though. Is there anyone alive who’s mom hasn’t said to them, “Oh, what a tangled web…” or “just tell the truth because once you start lying you have to keep lying to protect the first lie”.

Can they really be stupid enough to believe they could keep this from collapsing? I suspect that there is BIG element of people who are finishing out government careers (Plame, Wilson, Clark) who realize there is BIG money to be made on the Moonbat Books, Rubber Chicken Speakers, Convention Keynotes and Sidebars, and Hollywood COcktail Parties and Polemic Films circuit.

But back to wild-eyed conspiracies… if the Saudis or Mullahs have purchased any organizations in the US lock, stock, and barrel, I propose the MSM as the most likely candidates. Cheaper, more bang for the buck. Lets not forget that Saddam was playing that game rather gleefully. I don’t for a moment think Ol’ Spider Hole was the sharpest knife in the ME drawer. If it occurred to him to buy journalists it sure as hell has occurred to the Saudis and mullahs – and they have more money.