Iraq planning to use Chemical Weapons

AFP via Google news | 3/28/03

[jerseygirl]

Iraq preparing to use chemical weapons: US Qatar, March 28 The US military said on Friday it had gathered fresh evidence that the Iraqi regime of Saddam Hussein has issued "first orders" for the use of chemical weapons.

"We have seen indications through a variety of sources and reporting means that first orders have been given that at a certain point chemical weapons might be used," General Vincent Brooks told a briefing at allied command in Qatar.

"We have seen chemical protective equipment in a number of areas south of where we thought that red line might be."

Brooks said he had not seen "anything saying that an order has been given to fire" chemical weapons at invading allied troops.

But he said evidence gathered from the battlefield in the first week of the campaign backed up earlier intelligence that the Iraqi regime was preparing to use chemical weapons if coalition forces advanced beyond a certain point.

"As we add the additional evidence that we find on the battlefield, again we begin to take that very seriously ... " he said.

US and British forces have discovered large supplies of chemical protective suits and gas masks in captured Iraqi military stores.

Allied officials have said their biggest fear is a possible chemical or biological attack despite warnings to Iraqi commanders to refuse any such orders or face war crimes charges.

Iraqi Information Minister Mohammed Said al-Sahhaf on Friday dismissed US suggestions that the discovery of protective clothing against chemical weapons meant that Iraq possessed such arms, saying they were normal precautions for any army.

"In war, the combattant expects the enemy to use anything at all," he said, adding that Iraq did not rule out the coalition resorting to "stupidities" due to "demoralisation caused by their defeat."

©AFP 2000.

[smith288]

This is the ump-teenth time I have seen an article like this

[xJones]

With the prevailing winds blowing toward Baghdad, that's just a threat.

[NavyCaptain]

I have a proposal. If Saddam uses WMD - Chemical Weapons - then the US can use one - nuclear type - not to big on Tikrit, Saddam's home. That would be tit-for-tat! We could follow it with a "what city is next?"

[jerseygirl]

Sure hope so! Sorry about duplicate info- (thought there was some new info in here)

[NetValue]

Fox News Channel just reported that there is a report saying that the Iraqis between the Coalition Forces and the Iraqi forces are dumping onto the ground the contents of 50 gal drums while wearing chem protection suits. Oh boy. Here we go.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

[xJones]

Wait, the white stuff on the ground is different. That is bad news, you have to be very careful.

[Uncle Miltie]

Hmmmm. If CW are used, what tactics should we employ? I can think of a few options:

1) CHARGE and kill anything that moves. If we reach the batteries doing the firing while mixing it up with their troops, they will kill far more of their own, and we will take out the source. If that means a headlong charge into Baghdad, perhaps we can outrun the chemicals, and bloody everyone along the way.

2) Withdraw beyond range of CW delivery systems, and bomb the bejesus out of them for a few weeks.

3) Stick with the battle plan and execute it in MOPP gear. This would seem to be rough on our troops. And, I would not like to bet lots of their lives on the perfection of the government contractor that built the suits.

Any thoughts on best tactics?

[jerseygirl]

I have NO military background. To me, your second option seems the safest. Another option might be to ensure that if they were tempted to launch their chemicals, their own troops would be exposed as well. However, since they are said to be willing to commit suicide for Saddam, their behavior might not be rational.

[shadowman99]

That can't happen. They keep saying over at DUh that Saddam doesn't have chem weapons. So how can they be unloading these drums on the front lines?

Chewbacca is a wookie and he lives with ewoks! It doesn't make sense, so you must acquit.

[KnutCase]

Option #2 gets my vote....and make them BIG bombs....no pussyfootin'

[jerseygirl]

Don't the people at DU read the NY Times?

[Paleo Conservative]

Any thoughts on best tactics?

If they use chemical weapons Nuke Tikrit! That's where the families of the highest ranking officers live.

[shadowman99]

Are you series? They WRITE the NY Times!

[jerseygirl]

:) And they would doubt their own story?

[Orlando]

We need to tell the World press including the arabs.
To tell the people of Baghdad to LEAVE the CITY AT ONCE!!
SADDAM IS PLANING TO USE WMD...Tell them that Hwy 1 the one that leads to Syria WON'T BE BOMBED by any planes...etc

---

WE NEED TO GET THE PEOPLE OUT OF BAGHDAD. I know this plan won't get 100% of the people out, ok but...maybe 20-25%+ MIGHT LISTEN !!!! This way when SADDAM SS people USE WMD
and millions die, We can CYA ourself...by saying we told you..over & over to GET OUT..

[Orlando]

We NEED TO REMIND THE PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD, especialy
HERE , Because the PEOPLE (NOT ALL) HAVE FORGOTTEN about 911......

Why we fight....911

[Paleo Conservative]

We need to tell the World press including the arabs. To tell the people of Baghdad to LEAVE the CITY AT ONCE!!

I wouldn't be surprised if Saddam's thugs are preventing evacuation.