Starting to make some sense...

[Preechr]

In AChimps terms, I'd suspect Chalabi has a Charisma of at least 14, and Hitchens has simply, as you've said, fallen head over heels in love with the guy, and is giving him the most benefit of any doubts possible. I'm also thinking, however, there's likely more to Hitchens' trust than we're able to see at the moment.

I think I'm gonna extend Hitch a little leeway myself here... He's too big of a cynic to go this far out on a limb.

My working theory of the moment, which is complex enough to either be brilliant or traditional enough to be obvious, is that Team Bush© has come to the understanding that the Iraqi elections will be won by whomever hates America's continued influence in Iraq the loudest. No Iraqi wants to live in another puppet-state. Watching this unfold will also prove convenient to the US President, who will be wanting to get the troops back home (or at least safely sequestered in Iraqi and Afghani fortresses) with a politically motivated quickness.

I guess I'm thinking this whole parting of the ways between Chalabi and America is yet another sham. At least, it's possible that accusing Chalabi as an Iranian spy might make him an attractive target for Iranian spy runners, which might prove a source of intelligence for us but would likely prove to be pretty stupid. I doubt Iran would trust Chalabi anymore than you or I would.