I suppose that this story

I suppose that this story (U.S. Says Iraq Retools Rockets for Illicit Uses) illustrates that perception is affected by preconceived notions. Were I a weapons inspector in Iraq, finding hidden missiles designed to deliver chemical or biological weapons would give me pause, especially considering, as the story points out, that they were either hidden from inspectors during the prior inspection regime, or developed since 1998. However, to Blix, France, and friends, they are relatively harmless violations. This disconnect is startling.

And, really:

According to the detailed report by the inspection team, which was circulated at the United Nations during the Security Council's debate on a new resolution to authorize the use of force against Iraq, Baghdad has a long history of exploring novel approaches for chemical and biological weapons.

If the weapons are just defensive, and meant to deter the aggression of others, then keeping them secret is hardly helpful, so it makes one wonder why the Iraqi would want these weapons. It appears to me to indicate aggressive intentions. Hiding such devices hardly qualifies for innocent mistakes in inventory. If the Iraqis are simply interested in being able to defend themselves, then the logical thing to have done would have been to fully cooperate, use the monies dedicated to these chemical and bio weapons on conventional arms, and then, once the UN was fully off its back, do what they want. Instead they obfuscate and obstruct.

Posted by Steven Taylor at March 10, 2025 06:38 AM | TrackBack