[An.American.Expatriate]

I agree with that, however, the article in question (and most of the other's I've seen) claims that the mere presence of the protective gear is "proof" that Iraq has / intends to use Chem Weapons.

I didn't know that the atropine needed to have been reported to UNMOVIC - interesting - but, even this is not "proof". Lets be serious. All of these items serve "defense" only and one could assume that Iraq has a genuine fear that the Coalition might use Chem Weapons. Therefore the existence of these items is a logical necessity. Could they be used to protect Iraqi's during an Iraqi Chem Attack - of course!

I've heard a few rumors about these barrels / drums - I would love to see a good report! I would immediately rub it in UNMOVIC's, Germany's, France's and the Dem/Lib's faces!

[Tree of Liberty]

The drum thing isn't a rumor. Rick Levanthal was debriefed by the Marines, and authorized to report it publicly. It's unknown what was in the drums, but why would they be in MOP-4 gear unless it was VERY caustic stuff?