' "The administrations of Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush authorized the sale to Iraq of numerous items that had both military and civilian applications, including poisonous chemicals and deadly biological viruses, such as anthrax and bubonic plague." '

The term used to describe this is called dual use. Even in the current strict sanction environment, remember that Iraq bought those ultra pure aluminun pipes [which US officals claimed were possible for fuel enrichment]. Iraqis claimed that instead they were used for missiles [though a miltary weapon, it's ok]. As far as chemicals and deadly viruses, the same thing- they have dual use. Pick a country (Peru), and all the adminstrations since Reagan and Bush could have "authorized the sale to [fill in country name- Peru] of numerous items that had both military and civilian applications, including poisonous chemicals and deadly biological viruses, such as anthrax and bubonic plague." In terms of Iraq today, there is a much more strict limitation yet countries such as Germany can still sell Iraq "items that had both military and civilian applications".

"According to former U.S. officials, the directive stated that the United States would do "whatever was necessary and legal" to prevent Iraq from losing the war with Iran."

Notice the words "neccessary and legal". Which is not the same as "neccessary or legal" or that we adopt the policy that many of our allies or enemies follow.