May 18, 2004
Jumpin Jack Flash
It was gas gas gas...
A roadside explosive device that detonated in Iraq on Saturday did contain the components for sarin gas, according to DoD tests.
Another explosive device found earlier had remnants of mustard gas. All seem to be old devices, predating the first Gulf War. Part of the justification for the war was to prevent such devices from finding their way into the hands of terrorists, though that is now where we seem to be finding them.
Which of course presents a problem for the Bush Administration, who for the longest time have been browbeaten by opponents decrying the abscence of WMD in Iraq. Emergence of a WMD threat may vindicate their concern, but present a new problem and new criticism. To be honest, it's best to face such weapons with troops in Iraq with MOPP gear than in US cities with saran wrap and Michael Jackson surgical masks.
Time will tell if the terorrists knew what they had, or simply stumbled into possession of munitions that Saddam had collected like baseball cards.
Posted by MEC2 at May 18, 2004 08:25 PM