Without absolute proof, it is most logical to assume that the claim of Saddam gassing his own people is questionable, at best.

For example, we all know the risks of so-called friendly fire in a combat zone. In other cases, innocent civilians get caught in the crossfire between opposing forces. What I am suggesting to you is that there are a number of scenarios to account for the death of the Kurds beyond the claim that "Saddam gassed his own people."

You suggested using common sense. Maybe you ought to ask yourself why Saddam Hussein or his forces would feel compelled to use gas on the Kurds.

The Iraqis resorted to the use of gas against the Iranians only when the latter's human wave assaults threatened to overwhelm the Iraqi defenses.

Finally, you might ask yourself why the media - without absolute proof of its authenticity - has endlessly repeated this dubious charge against the Iraqi dictator. Even more tellingly, you might ask yourself why you are so willing to believe it.

YoursTruly