The C.I.A. first began looking into reports that Iraq was seeking uranium from Niger in October 2001, much earlier than previously disclosed.

Both agencies continued to publish assessments that Iraq may have been seeking uranium from Africa.

It was a particular concern given the fake documents that emerged several years ago purporting to show that Saddam Hussein had sought uranium from Niger.

In the article, Mr. Wilson accused the administration of manufacturing reports that Mr. Hussein had sought uranium in Africa.

The document refers to the Niger reports, and to reports that Iraq sought uranium in Somalia and Congo.

The report also concluded, in regards the so-called Niger uranium forgeries, that the report Saddam's government was seeking uranium in Africa appeared "well-founded".

Following that, the Pentagon requests an authoritative judgement from the National Intelligence Council as to whether or not Iraq had sought uranium from Niger.

CIA continued to mention, with the backing of British Intelligence, that Iraq have sought uranium in Niger.

Somalia and Congo were also cited as places where Iraq might be seeking uranium.

Did Saddam seek uranium from Africa, evidence of his continuing illegal interest in a nuclear weapon?