Case Not Closed: Iraq’s WMD Stockpiles

The American Thinker ^ | April 2nd, 2004 | Douglas Hanson

[GraniteStateConservative]

In his recent testimony, Dr. Kay pronounced that there are no large stockpiles of WMD. This is a pretty bold assertion considering that actual surveys of sites we were familiar with were haphazard and uncoordinated. Also, according to his own interim report published in October of 2003, the ISG had not even searched 120 of the 130 known ammo storage points, much less any underground sites. In addition to these known sites, “neighborhood” arms caches are discovered all the time in Iraq. It is entirely possible that WMD stockpiles were moved out of Iraq, or that they were dispersed in Baghdad neighborhoods and throughout Iraq. All of this may even have been accomplished while the unfocused search operations were ongoing.

What I've read indicates that not only have we not found stockpiles, but there is no evidence to suggest that they had them-- no paperwork, no witnesses, etc. That includes these theories. There is no evidence to support these theories. Now, that still doesn't mean they aren't there or were there, but moved, but the statements Kay have made are stronger assertions than just saying we haven't found them. He doesn't expect to find them. It would shock him to find them because he's seen nothing to suggest they were there.

[dixiechick2000]

Very nice article. I like this Hanson guy.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

It would shock him to find them because he's seen nothing to suggest they were there.

Seems to me he was in a big hurry to say that, when he really had not seen very much!

[Richard Axtell]

For political reasons, the Democrats and other opponents of the war have seized on Kay's statements, distorted and/or exaggerated his conclusions, and used them to attack Bush and his doctrine. This article gives us a glimpse into what may have been an inadequately managed WMD search. Perhaps Kay after all is not the ultimate authority on the existence of stockpiles of WMDs in Iraq. Kay showed none of the arrogance and partisanship of Dick Clarke, but he may not be much more effective in long run. Clarke magnified his mistakes and miscalculations with his shear petulance and transparent mendacity. Kay may have just been a well meaning man, or technocrat, in beyond his depth. He gave up too soon and too easily, perhaps aware that the task was beyond his organizational capacity. So, perhaps the game is yet afoot, Watson, eh?

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

I agree!

The entrenched bureaucrats are really trying to sabotage what Bush is trying to do!

[justshutupandtakeit]

Thanks for posting this. I will have to read it carefully later.

[RandallFlagg]

Dittos.

[jonrick46]

I can imagine a tactic where we actually do know where the WVD's are and we are using it as if it were a bait to see who is involved and where are they taking it.

[Just mythoughts]

"His reason for leaving was they pulled some of his resources, troops were needed for other more pressing issues."


Yes, I believe he also made it sound like he wasn't able to do the job the way he wanted to do it, so he quit. What came across to me was his "independence" to function was removed from him. His interim report has been the "Bible" for the claim that there were no WMD's in Iraq.

This article gives another perspective about his method and brings in to question what he claims.

[Just mythoughts]

"Her question was designed to set the stage for establishing that (should the wmd turn up) that they would have been found sooner had Bush done his job properly.

My take is that Kay may soon be deployed to Kerry's potential benefit."


I tend to agree there does seemed to be the attempt with these books of supposed "insiders" to assist JFKerry's or whom ever the liberal candidate will be in November.

There is no doubt what Clarke's book deal was about, Clarke making money, and an invitation to the terrorists of the world, US is the same as pre-9/11, President Bush tooooo obsessed with Iraq to protect this nation.

Woodward, Wilson, and bjclinton to round out the year with their books. Kay may well have his "announced" book ready before Clinton gets his finished.

[Joee]

I really don't see the fuss over not finding any to date. The critical criteria is we looked and will continue to seek, where ever they may be even in Iran or Syria, etc. The effort to find them, in itself, is good news. We have turned up all kinds of materials as a result, and there is plenty left to find. Not to mention the "bad guys" sent "West" in the process.

[prairiebreeze]

bump for later read