[jveritas]

I do not think that Iraq will be allowed a defensive Chemical unit if the international weapons inspection team knew about its existence. The reason is that the US and UN resolutions were very clear that Iraq must absolutely have no relation to anthing related to Chemical weapons defensively or offensively. This Chemical Platoon unit was active without the knowledge of the Weapon inspectors.

[BlueStateDepression]

This unit is as smoking as a gun can be when the context of 687 is applied.

"Iraq must "unconditionally accept" the destruction, removal or rendering harmless "under international supervision" of all "chemical and biological weapons and all stocks of agents and all related subsystems and components and all research, development, support and manufacturing facilities."

"Iraq must declare fully its weapons of mass destruction programs"

and from resolution 707:

"Iraq must make a full, final and complete disclosure of all aspects of its weapons of mass destruction and missile programs.

"Iraq must allow UN and IAEA inspectors immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access. Iraq must cease attempts to conceal or move weapons of mass destruction, and related materials and facilities.

Me thinks where there is smoke there is fire.....and today, to still claim no smoke would qualify as wishful thinking.