October 17, 2004 pavo news graphic A personal perspective
  Ronald E. Peacock Jr. - Editor
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Weapons of Mass Destruction
Dispelling the Myth

Ron Peacock
Wooster, OH (PN)


Saddam's WMD victimsThe 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 Saddam's WMD victimsin 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.


Another WMD victimIn 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

 


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