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Last update - 11:13 24/04/2008 The Timing / Conspiracy theories abound By Yossi Melman Tags: Israel, Ben-Ami Kadish  Why now? That's what everyone is asking after Tuesday's arrest and indictment of Ben-Ami Kadish. That's the key question, to which there is no clear answer and which is grist for the mill of rumors, guesses and theories, including conspiracy theories. The explanations can be divided into two categories. The first can be called the rational-bureaucratic camp. The FBI, the CIA and the Department of Defense believed after the Pollard affair that Israel had another agent in the U.S., even more senior than Pollard, whose identity was never revealed. Advertisement This assessment was reinforced by details uncovered during Pollard's interrogation, according to which his handlers had given him very precise details - including catalog numbers - about the documents he was to download from U.S. intelligence community computers. The investigators concluded that the second Israeli agent had the access and security clearance needed to provide Pollard with this information. FBI agents' obsession to find this "super mole" motivated them to keep open the Pollard & Company file for a quarter of a century. It could also be that new information surfaced enabling them to get their hands on Kadish, even though he is at most a relatively low-level spy. Another possibility is that this information came from a phone conversation intercepted by the National Security Agency, as a result of which Kadish was monitored until the discovery of definitive, incriminating evidence - his call last month to his handler, Yossi Yagur. Federal prosecutors hinted as much in news briefings when they noted that the investigation began in 2004. According to the second, "conspiratorial" category, supporters believe that a hidden motive and not chance is behind the decision - 23 years after the fact - to investigate an 80-something man for crimes, some of which are beyond the statute of limitations. One possible motive, they suggest, is a desire to undermine President George Bush's planned visit to Israel next month. Another theory is the upcoming trial of two AIPAC officials, also for espionage; while the most important hypothesis being floated is that it is an attempt to prevent Bush's possible pardoning of Pollard before the end of his presidential term. In any event, even though the real damage to Israeli-U.S. governmental relations will be limited, the affair will clearly bolster those groups and organizations that believe Israel receives preferential treatment from Washington. They maintain that Israel is traitorous and is biting the American hand that feeds it. Related articles: Kiss on the cheek, knife in the back U.S. to demand Jerusalem acknowledge Kadish was an Israeli agent Ex-prosecutor: Israel lied about extent of anti-U.S. spying in '80s Bookmark to del.icio.us   JDate wins the 'Oscars' The leading Jewish dating Web site is an official honoree of the Webby Awards. 'Worse than Nazi camp' A Libyan envoy to the UN says the situation in Gaza is worse than in concentration camps.   1.   Israel receives preferential treatment from Washington? 11:25  |  Natallie Durson 24/04/08   2.   Kadish a traitor 12:47  |  Scott G 24/04/08   3.   More conspiracy theories - 12:51  |  dana 24/04/08   4.   Did Israelis Leak New Spy Info to Thwart War? 13:09  |  antiwar 24/04/08   5.   ARREST AMERICAN SPIES IN ISRAEL,CONVICT THEM,EXCHANGE FOR POLLARD 13:49  |  VOICE)))))))))) 24/04/08   6.   Arrest Americans... 14:20  |  Scott G 24/04/08   7.   VOICE)))))))))) you are an idiot...US could put siege in place 14:28  |  get a clue 24/04/08   8.   Preferential treatment? 15:33  |  Nechama 24/04/08   9.   Low level spy? 15:44  |  Miriam 24/04/08   10.   reason and treason 19:56  |  Dr. E 24/04/08   11.   DUH!!! 22:25  |  Glodberg 24/04/08   12.   to Dr. E 22:31  |  Goldberg 24/04/08

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