But some will inevitably suspect an ulterior motive, at least in the timing of the attack.

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Friday's raids occurred just a week before new U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell tours the Persian Gulf region, and Arab diplomats say he'll have a lot of explaining to do about the timing of this attack.

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However, if the administration does have knowledge of the timing of an Israeli attack, a preemptive release from the SPR could tip its hand.

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