Reply #25: The key here is that a sympathetic battalion commander was sent

[ShimokitaJer]

to a site where they thought WMDs would be. I believe the administration genuinely believed (despite all available intelligence) that WMDs would be found and when they were, they wanted to have someone on the ground to spin things the right way for them. And even if they didn't find WMDs, they got exactly what they wanted: a commander to say his company found weapons that Blix never would have. Too bad they turned out to be nothing. So I agree with #2 and 2A.

I also tend to agree with #4, though I do think it's possible he acted on his own with this one. There is no doubt in my mind that he was orchestrating a political campaign, but he seems like the kind of glory hound who might do so on his own, without prompting from his superiors.

I think you might also add a #5. When he saw the scandal brewing, he took responsibility for it (either on his own initiative or with prompting), knowing it could still be painted as the work of a "noble Army commander" attempting to act in the best interest of his troops.