Ron
Peacock
Wooster, OH (PN)
The
subject of Iraqi Weapons of Mass Destruction continues to be muddled
by many. The argument ranges from the absurd claim that Iraq never
possessed WMD's to the fact that we have not yet found WMD's.
The mainstream media has been little help since they have
chosen to misrepresent the findings of The
911 Commision Report and the recent 'Duelfer
Report', knowing full-well that the majority of their
readers will never bother to read the actual documents.
The international community knew and The Pavo News has
previously stated, "The existence of (Iraqi) WMD's was
first confirmed by the stench of 5,000 gassed and rotting corpses
in
Halabja, Iraq.", and we will also add, Iraq used WMD's
during the Iraq - Iran war. So, if you are from the "Iraq
never had WMD's" school, get off my damn website, put
your head back in the sand and enjoy another viewing of 'Fahrenheit
911'.
OK! Now that we have dispensed of the Mooreons, let us
continue.
In
the real world, it has long been known that Iraq possessed, produced
and used WMD's. The object of concern was the documentation of
WMD stockpiles and the verification of WMD disposal under the
terms of the 1991 Cease-Fire Agreement and United Nations
Resolution 687. Saddam Hussein's 12 year breach of
Resolution 687 and 16 subsequent resolutions, led to
the US backed enforcement of the final Resolution
1441. During Iraq's 12 year period of non-cooperation,
all major world powers, and indeed Saddam himself, confirmed the
Iraqi's possession and development of WMD's (some
background info here).
Since the liberation of Iraq, we have only found sarin nerve agent
and mustard gas, used in IED's (improvised explosive device)
on two
separate occasions. So, technically, we have found WMD's,
but certainly not the stockpiles that were once present in Iraq.
The only question that remains is: "Where have all the WMD's
gone?"
The Duelfer
Report did not bring to light any new findings on WMD's other
than: "Saddam sought to sustain the requisite knowledge
base to restart the (chemical weapons) program eventually and,
to the extent it did not threaten the Iraqi efforts to get out
from under sanctions, to sustain the inherent capability to produce
such weapons as circumstances permitted in the future."
and "Saddam did not abandon his nuclear ambitions. . .
. Those around Saddam seemed quite convinced that once sanctions
were ended, and all other things being equal, Saddam would renew
his efforts in this field." On the other hand, the report
denounces the United Nations handling of sanctions and the corrupt
Oil-for-Food program. All this only reinforces the decision by
President Bush to end the regime of Saddam Hussein.
Astonishingly, in an Oct 1st letter
to the United Nations, the IAEA has reported a "widespread
and apparently systematic dismantlement that has taken place at
sites previously relevant to Iraq's nuclear program"
under the government of Saddam Hussein. Aside from this reports
obvious attempt to deflect attention from the Oil-for-Food scandal,
the United Nations is admitting Saddam had a nuclear program,
dual-use equipment with weapons-making applications and even that
"raw 'yellowcake' uranium, apparently from Iraq, was found
in Rotterdam last December." This is not what Kofi Annan
is publicly saying to the US media.
All things considered, there can be no rational doubt Iraq had
WMD's or that the US was justified in that assumption and the
ensuing enforcement of Resolution
1441. Again, the question that needs answering is: where are
the WMD's and what role did the United Nations, Syria, France,
Russia, China or Germany play in their disappearance, if any?
Other sources for consideration:
"If Saddam rejects peace and we have to use force, our
purpose is clear. We want to seriously diminish the threat posed
by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program."
President Clinton, Feb. 17, 1998.
"Iraq is a long way from [here], but what happens there
matters a great deal here. For the risks that the leaders of a
rogue state will use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons against
us or our allies is the greatest security threat we face."
Madeline Albright, Feb 18, 1998.
"Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the development of
weapons of mass destruction technology which is a threat to countries
in the region and he has made a mockery of the weapons inspection
process."
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D, CA), Dec. 16, 1998.
"There is no doubt that . Saddam Hussein has reinvigorated
his weapons programs. Reports indicate that biological, chemical
and nuclear programs continue apace and may be back to pre-Gulf
War status. In addition, Saddam continues to redefine delivery
systems and is doubtless using the cover of a licit missile program
to develop longer-range missiles that will threaten the United
States and our allies."
Letter to President Bush, Signed by Sen. Bob Graham (D, FL,)
and others, Dec, 5, 2001.
"We know that he has stored secret supplies of biological
and chemical weapons throughout his country."
Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002.
"We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is seeking
and developing weapons of mass destruction."
Sen. Ted Kennedy (D, MA), Sept. 27, 2002.
"In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence
reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical
and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability,
and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary
to terrorists, including al Qaeda members. It is clear, however,
that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase
his capacity to wage biological and chemical warfare, and will
keep trying to develop nuclear weapons."
Sen. Hillary Clinton (D, NY), Oct 10, 2002.
"We are in possession of what I think to be compelling
evidence that Saddam Hussein has, and has had for a number of
years, a developing capacity for the production and storage of
weapons of mass destruction. "[W]ithout question, we need
to disarm Saddam Hussein. He is a brutal, murderous dictator,
leading an oppressive regime ... He presents a particularly grievous
threat because he is so consistently prone to miscalculation.
And now he has continued deceit and his consistent grasp for weapons
of mass destruction ... So the threat of Saddam Hussein with weapons
of mass destruction is real ... "
Sen. John F. Kerry (D, MA), Jan. 23. 2003.
CIA: Iraq's
Weapons of Mass Destruction Programs - Oct. 2002
THE SECURITY COUNCIL, 27 JANUARY 2003: AN
UPDATE ON INSPECTION - UNMOVIC, Dr. Hans Blix