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While true the U.S. did not directly sell chemical weaponse to Iraq, we unfortunately turned a blind eye when they used chemicals against Iranians and Kurds back in the 1980s; we in fact influenced the U.N. not to actively condemn Iraq for such activity and downplayed their use to the global community, since we sided with Saddam and Iraq against Iran back in the day.
Didn't you read the post? Do you not consider the nerve gas we directly sold to Saddam, among others, to be a chemical?
Didn't you read the post? Do you not consider the nerve gas we directly sold to Saddam, among others, to be a chemical?
I was typing when you posted. Happens some times. As far as whether we directly supplied gas agents, I always like to review the sources. Looks like you pulled your excerpt from Common Dreams.Org? I try to take anything from left and right wing propaganda sites with a grain of salt.
I do believe what government officials have publicaly admitted or what official documents that have been released from that period state. That we had a "don't ask, don't tell" policy relative to chemical and other weapons with Iraq and even the Kurds during that period. Didn't bother us too much when they used it the stuff on Iranians when supplied by 3rd parties, but we did not want to get directly implicated in sending it to them because that would knock us a couple pegs off of our moral high horse.
If you could provide any more mainstream sources showing we directly selled chemical weapons I would be happy to review it.
Iraq first used chemical weapons in 1984 in its war with Iran.
As to the biological agents:
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1986. Baghdad University purchased an assortment of germs from the American Type Culture Collection, for “medical” research.
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The collection serves as a global lending library for scientists doing research to combat infectious diseases to improve global health. Overseas customers were required to obtain a Commerce Department export license for the most virulent strains. These licenses had always been a formality since these germs were intended for peaceful research only, and the courtesy was extended to all who asked for legitimate reasons. Moscow, too has a vast collection of infectious diseases.
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1988. Al-Hakam, a large biological agent production facility, goes into operation in Iraq. Botulinin toxin and Anthrax are its main are its main production. By 1991 the plant produces about 125,000 gallons of agents. After stating for years that the plant was used to produce animal feed, the Iraqis admitted in 1995 that the plant was a biological warfare production facility. The admission come only as a result of a high-level defection. The site is supervised by Dr. Taha’s staff at Muthanna State Establishment.
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In addition to producing biological warfare agents, they also conducted live-agent tests on animals. The Iraqis also later admitted they had prepared about 200 biological missiles and bombs. Still unaccounted for. Hans Branscheidt a chemical expert says (in 2003), that Iraq purchased eight mobile chemical laboratories from the Federal Republic of Germany. He says that the construction of an Iraqi research center for missile technology "became almost exclusively the work of German companies." This report is confirmed by the head of Germany's intelligence service, August Hanning.
Because we all know how many of those weapons were used against invading troops....
My only point was on the premise for going in. At this point I haven't commented on anything else. This response is irrelevant to my comments at this point.
If some folks would analyze decisions one step at a time, all the way through, I think you'd find it a little harder to second guess absolutely every decision your government made/makes.
He has,you on the other hand seem to be relying upon....
Your own ideological beliefs.
Thats right, my ideological beliefs that were born by being witness to the sights and smells of torn bodies, burnt flesh and the unique smell that blood and brain matter have when they are freshly stuck to your clothing or face.
I've seen the horror young man and it is from this that I now hold such beliefs, not from holding candlelight vigils on the courthouse steps. Iraq was clearly a war of choice, not a matter of defending our country, simple as that. Add up all the reasons given to the American people of why we needed to invade and occupy Iraq and they don't add up to a fresh steaming pile of cow chips.
My only point was on the premise for going in. At this point I haven't commented on anything else. This response is irrelevant to my comments at this point.
If some folks would analyze decisions one step at a time, all the way through, I think you'd find it a little harder to second guess absolutely every decision your government made/makes.
Yes, but apparently the PREMISE itself was wrong...
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