July 2001-2003: Joe T’s Theory on Aluminum Tubes Plays Significant Role in White House Allegations Against Saddam Hussein

Joe T. maintains his claim that the 7075-T6 aluminum tubes imported by Iraq but intercepted by the US in Jordan (see July 2001) were meant to be used as rotors in centrifuges. Joe T.‘s theory becomes one of the most important components of the Bush administration’s argument that Saddam Hussein is pursuing the development of nuclear weapons. Despite significant criticisms of his theory from prominent experts in the field (see August 17, 2001) (see September 23, 2002) (see December 2002), Joe T. receives an award for exceptional performance from the CIA for his analysis of the intercepted aluminum tubes. [Washington Post, 8/10/2003 Sources: Unnamed US intelligence, US administration, and/or UN inspectors]