Finally, despite damage inflicted by Operation DESERT FOX strikes, Iraq has not forgone its missile and WMD programs and continues to resist the reintroduction of United Nations arms inspectors.While Iraq's WMD capabilities were degraded under UN supervision and set back by Coalition strikes, some capabilities remain and others could quickly be regenerated. Despite claims that WMD efforts have ceased, Iraq probably is continuing clandestine nuclear research, retains stocks of chemical and biological munitions, and is concealing extended-range SCUD missiles, possibly equipped with CBW payloads. Even if Baghdad reversed its course and surrendered all WMD capabilities, it retains the scientific, technical, and industrial infrastructure to replace agents and munitions within weeks or months.
A special concern is the absence of a UN inspection and monitoring presence, which until December 1998 had been paramount to preventing large-scale resumption of prohibited weapons programs.A new disarmament regime must be reintroduced into Iraq as soon as possible and allowed to carry out the mandates dictated by the post-Gulf War UN resolutions. The Iraqi regime's high regard for WMD and long-range missiles is our best indicator that a peaceful regime under Saddam Hussein is unlikely.Clearly, the proliferation of advanced weapons and associated technology is reaching alarming proportions in the Central Region and impacting both our regional relationships and the execution of our mission.
I remain deeply concerned that extremists may turn to WMD in an effort to make more sensational political statements and overcome improved U.S. defenses against conventional attack. There is evidence that some elements in our region are exploring rudimentary chemical and biological warfare capabilities. Detecting plans for a specific WMD attack is extremely difficult, making it likely such an event would occur without warning.
Iraq remains the most significant near-term threat to U.S. interests in the Arabian Gulf region. This is primarily due to its large conventional military force, pursuit of WMD, oppressive treatment of Iraqi citizens, refusal to comply with United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR), persistent threats to enforcement of the No Fly Zones (NFZ), and continued efforts to violate UN Security Council sanctions through oil smuggling. On December 17, 1999, the United Nations Security Council passed United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1284. This resolution authorizes the replacement of the United Nations Special Commission on Monitoring with the United Nations Monitoring, Verification, and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC).
Iraq's conventional military force continues to pose a threat to our regional partners who do not individually possess the capability to deter or stop an Iraqi invasion without U.S. assistance. Saddam's air and air defense forces have repeatedly attempted to challenge the Coalition's air patrols in the Northern and Southern NFZ during the past year. Iraqi conventional air defense forces have been degraded as a result of Coalition responses to Iraqi attacks, in addition to the slow decline resulting from UN sanctions. Despite setbacks and problems, Iraq persists in its deliberate attempts to shoot down Coalition aircraft. Because of these attempts, we must continue to give our pilots the ability to respond effectively against these unprovoked attacks. Current Rules of Engagement are fully adequate to enable them to do that.
Iraq continues a pattern of selective compliance with UN sanctions. Past behavior indicates that Saddam Hussein abides by international obligations only when he perceives them to be in his personal best interest. I believe that Iraq is likely to remain a significant threat to the region for the foreseeable future.
Zinni Testimony to the Armed Services Committee
He's also an opportunist currently trying to sell a book that has no basis in fact. Savor that one...
From Zinni's sworn testimony as to the facts, a few months before Bush was elected:
" Clearly, the proliferation of advanced weapons and associated technology is reaching alarming proportions......"
"...... Detecting plans for a specific WMD attack is extremely difficult, making it likely such an event would occur without warning.
That is a great nugget that should be passed on to Sean Hannity.
WOW, is that an eye opener. Someone ought to send a copy of that to Clancy.
Egads! This is unbelievable. Does 60 minutes have a copy of this speech, er rather do they care?
I suppose this is the ONLY place we'll see this, sickening.
Rav, how about posting this as an article on it's own?