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Re: I guess you missed Colin Powell's presentation to the UN a few weeks ago
Davin L. — (archived)

Larry:
"He presented quite a bit of evidence that Saddam is still actively trying to get chemical and biological weapons. Powell has access to intelligence data from the CIA, DIA, NRO, NSA, NIMA, and a host of other government agencies plus those of several other nations. Where do you get your data?"

I do not contest that he has and is seeking to acquire WMD (at least non-neuclear WMD at this point). I said as much in my post. He used WMD against the Iranians 20-22 years ago. What I am trying to point out is that he has had WMD AND been in conflict with us for 12 years, and has not used them against us. He knows we would stomp him out like a bug.

As for his neighbors, he has not used WMD against them either since before the gulf war. he knows that it would leave to his death or a warcrimes trial or him otherwise loosing power.

Larry:
"Where do you get your data?"

Likely the same place you do, we just disagree about what the data points too and what is the correct conclusion to draw.

Larry

"Saddam's documented history is one of using those weapons, both against the Iranians and his own people."

This is true, and his treatment of his people is one reason I think he is scum and if he were to actually use WMD against a neighbor- even just a drop of VX or ricin, I'd be itching to see a war with him and him dead on a pike or before a warcrimes tribunal.

Recall, we were at least actively supporting him if not an ally of his during his war with Iran. I remember our stance WRT Iraq even as late as the Reagan administration. We can't, 20 years later, say that this instance is cause for the war. It makes no sense. Should, say, the mexicans attack spain because of what we did to the Native populace a few hundred years ago?

As for the training camps, we have at best limited evidence from one or possibly two individuals that such camps existed.

The most direct support Iraq has given terrorism is in funding the PKK (A kurdish terrorist group) to go fight the KDP (a Northern Iraq/Southern Turky kurdish group of very questionable repute). Interesting that this is not brought up. I guess we are more interested in painting the Iraqi Kurds in a sympathetic lig

Also, I question your single eye-witness in terms of veracity...

A quote from your piece:
"Q)And the camp has a 707 that they train on?
A)Yes, there's a real whole 707 plane, a whole real plane, standing in the middle of the training area in this camp.
Q)And they train people on how to get access to the cabin, to the crew?
A)Yes.
"

I suspect that if this was the truth, Powell would have been showing that picture all around the UN. We could easily see a 707 on the ground at a terrorist camp.

Respectfully,

Davin E. Lafon

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