Word: caseys
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...quell the furor over the Iran arms scandal, if only temporarily. But Iranscam offered only more grim tidings: continued inertia and infighting at the White House, increased squabbling between the Administration and Capitol Hill over how to clear up the mess, questions about the health of CIA Director William Casey and the emotional stability of Lieut. Colonel Oliver North, and a wave of Yuletide firings at the National Security Council. While the scandal progressed, seemingly with a momentum of its own, Reagan grew more and more isolated. "It is really sad watching this," sighed a White House confidant...
...present aides flounder about contradicting one another or refusing to divulge what they know. As a result, there are still as many unanswered questions as there were seven weeks ago. As the crisis festers, a vacuum is developing within the Administration. A replacement may have to be found for Casey. Spokesman Larry Speakes and Cabinet Secretary Al Kingon are leaving. Domestic Policy Adviser Jack Svahn has departed. If Regan goes, so will most of his assistants. Staffers are wondering who will replace these men, but a more compelling question is, Who can help make those selections...
McFarlane discussed the Iranian overture with Shultz, Weinberger and Casey -- ironically, at about the time when Reagan, in a July 8 speech, was listing Iran as being first among a "confederation of terrorist states." In mid-July McFarlane, accompanied by Shultz, broached Kimche's ideas to Reagan in Bethesda Naval Hospital, where the President was recuperating from colon surgery. Reagan saw the dangers of an arms-for-hostages swap, but also appreciated the value of new contact with Iran. He bought the idea that arms shipments would be intended to strengthen a group that might eventually be able to wean...
What did happen was that Reagan signed the Jan. 17 intelligence finding authorizing arms sales from U.S. stockpiles. CIA officials say Casey took the lead in pressing for the finding to make sure the agency had authority to assist what had become an NSC operation. Reagan at the same time ordered Casey not to tell Congress. Poindexter and North held a series of secret meetings with Iranians...
...there. During three days of talks the American quartet met only officials who appeared to have little constituency or influence. McFarlane returned to the U.S., made a negative report to the NSC and once more believed the Iranian connection was broken. At about the same time, Shultz has said, Casey and Poindexter told him the operation had been "stood down...