As reported here, a recently released report by the National Ground Intelligence Center, a Defense Department intelligence unit, states that since 2003, 500 chemical weapons munitions have been found in Iraq. While not the huge stockpile that many people expected, and while a 'mere' 500 chemical weapons munitions doesn't seem all that significant, the fact that any have been found is definitely significant. (The declassified document is at this link. Note - it is a .pdf document, and that Adobe Reader is required to read it. Go here to download Adobe Reader if needed.)
Why is this finding of chemical weapon munitions significant? Because it shows that Saddam was actively pursuing weapons of mass destruction, and that he was in violation of these specific UN Security Council Resolutions:
- UNSCR 687 - April 3, 1991
Iraq must "unconditionally accept" the destruction, removal or rendering harmless "under international supervision" of all "chemical and biological weapons and all stocks of agents and all related subsystems and components and all research, development, support and manufacturing facilities."
- UNSCR 707 - August 15, 1991
Iraq must make a full, final and complete disclosure of all aspects of its weapons of mass destruction and missile programs.
- UNSCR 1154 - March 2, 1998
Iraq must cooperate fully with UN and IAEA weapons inspectors and allow immediate, unconditional and unrestricted access, and notes that any violation would have the "severest consequences for Iraq."
- UNSCR 1441 - November 8, 2002
...immediate and complete disarmament of Iraq and its prohibited weapons.
Just a reminder, folks - violation of any one of these resolutions (let alone all of these) carried with it the consequence of possible military action against Iraq, pre-approved by the UN Security Council, which is exactly what happened.
Still think the war in Iraq is "illegal" and "unjustified"? Think again, folks (and that includes you, too, Koffi!).
Hat Tip: Hollie-is-Right
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