[TheConservator]

I saw those reports. I think characterizing this as "backpedaling" is a little strong.

They are being cautious. What they don't want is to trumpet this as the smoking gun, and then have to come back later at admit that they were wrong. Think of how the press would play that.

Also, one commentator made a good point--one of the reasons the Iraqis may not have used chem weapons yet is that the instant they do, their "plausible deniability" is gone. Therefore, for the US to completely expose this now might have the effect of encouraging Iraqi use of chemical weapons.

FWIW, if I were Saddam, I would be saving my chemical weapons and their delivery systems (remember, there has been no sign whatsoever of an Iraqi air force to date) for mass use at what I perceived to be the critical moment. That might well be the looming battle at Karabala.

I also have the impression that battle may be coming on faster than people realize. I think it has already started (see the thread about the battle between the Apaches and the T-72s). And the ground contact looks to start soon (maybe tomorrow, maybe the next day).

And, if I were Saddam, I would coordinate any big terror strike in the US so that it happened at about the same time. Therefore, I predict we see code red in the next 24-48 hours.

Just some semi-informed speculation.

[meisterbrewer]

Good points, all of them. I think from a PR perspective, the Pentagon wants to keep from saying anything definitive until there is independent proof. Otherwise they might give the other side a chance to develop their "excuses" and, of course, the anti-US groups would follow blindly along. Best to keep from saying anything either way until hard proof is in hand.

I used "backpedaling" because that was what all the reporters were using.

[CatOwner]

Okay, my use of the word backpedeling seems a little extreme (although I swear I heard it on the News report). I would say that catching an Iraqi General in the area was very important.

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

There was a chemical expert on Fox who said that if it is a chemical factory, we don't want to go charging in willy-nilly. There may be contamination or who-knows-what in there. Gen. David Hunt is saying we have a special task force to go in (probably in HazMat suits). I don't think Iraq has a very vigilant OSHA agency to protect their scientists and workers.

[cherry_bomb88]

Well said from a lawyer. Lawyers are so good at turning something that can be said in two sentences into 5 pages! hehehe, just teasing.....very well stated! :o)