(Washington Times) - The Pentagon is circulating a detailed assessment of Baghdad´s nuclear, biological and chemical weapons programs. The military also is working on a document that purportedly will show links among the al Qaeda terrorist organization and Iraq. The Pentagon briefing makes it clear that Iraq has the ability to use chemical weapons in battle. Sources declined to disclose the latest intelligence estimate on how close Saddam is to owning nuclear weapons. Outside analysts have said Saddam may be two years away. Sen. Thad Cochran, Mississippi Republican, attended the Pentagon briefing; he said he was not convinced that Iraq´s weapons programs justify a U.S. invasion. Washington-based Iraq Watch, a private research group, estimates that Iraq has scores of aerial bombs, munitions and missile warheads capable of delivering chemical weapons. Evidence suggests the country has 157 bombs and 25 missile warheads suitable for germ agents anthrax, aflatoxin and botulinum.
2002-08-27 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive