Official: Al Qaeda chemical expert 'likely killed' Jul 30, 2008
"Since 1999, he has distributed training manuals that contain instructions for making chemical and biological weapons," according to the U.S. Rewards for Justice program. "Some of these training manuals were recovered by U.S. forces in Afghanistan.". (CNN -- International)
Good cop, bad cop: Pakistan reels Jul 30, 2008
According to some reports, Umar, an Egyptian, was a chemical and biological weapons expert with a US State Department bounty of US$5 million on his head. US Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Admiral Mike Mullen warned recently during a visit to Pakistan that if Pakistan did not deliver in the battle against militants, American forces would take matters into their own hands. (Asia Times Online)
Uganda: Museveni Aide 'Bought Chemical, Bio Weapons' Jul 30, 2008
A Danish national appeared before a London court on Monday on charges of transferring chemical and biological weapons to Mr Ananias Tumukunde, an aide to President Museveni who has been in the custody of British authorities for several weeks on charges of money laundering ... Prosecution says Mr Tobiasen "on the 15th day of January 2008 transferred criminal property, namely Chemical and Biological weapons" ... Chemical and biological weapons are considered weapons of mass destruction. (allAfrica.com)
Talks to Resume Soon, Says Mbeki Jul 30, 2008
A Danish national appeared before a London court on Monday on charges of transferring chemical and biological weapons to Mr Ananias Tumukunde, an aide to President Museveni who has been in the custody of British authorities for several weeks on charges of money laundering. Mr Niels Jrgen Tobiasen, 55, who appeared before the Southwark Crown Court for a pre-trial hearing, is a director in a Copenhagen-based firm that supplies sophisticated software and hardware to armed forces in the United... (allAfrica.com)
U.S. air strike lays bare Pakistan's border weakness Jul 30, 2008
The attack, believed to have killed a top al-Qaeda chemical and biological weapons expert, came as Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani arrived in Washington in an effort to reassure Americans of his country's efforts to eradicate the militants based in Pakistan, who are believed to be feeding the rising insurgency in Afghanistan. While U.S. President George W. Bush praised Pakistan as a "strong ally and a vibrant democracy," yesterday's military strikes - the latest in a rash of such... (Globe and Mail -- International)
Obama and McCain as neo-neocons Jul 30, 2008
The unilateral airstrike by an unmanned drone allegedly killed Al Qaeda's leading expert on chemical and biological weapons, Abu Khabab al-Masri. The result may be difficult to argue against but this US violation of Pakistani sovereignty was criticized by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani and perhaps most Pakistanis who cherish their recent return to full democracy. (Christian Science Monitor)
Al Qaeda's Mad Scientist May Be Dead Jul 29, 2008
One of al Qaeda's top chemical and biological weapons experts was targeted in an air strike by a CIA pilotless drone in a remote Pakistani border region, but officials could not say for sure whether the wanted man had been killed, a senior Western security official told CBS News Monday night ... Al-Masri, an Egyptian national, became notorious for developing chemical and biological weapons for al Qaeda ... The Western security official, who spoke to CBS News on condition of anonymity, said... (CBS News)
Officials: Al Qaeda's Mad Scientist Killed Jul 29, 2008
One of al Qaeda's top chemical and biological weapons experts was killed in an air strike by a CIA pilotless drone in a remote Pakistani border region, senior Pakistani intelligence officials told CBS News Tuesday morning ... Al-Masri, an Egyptian national, became notorious for developing chemical and biological weapons for al Qaeda ... The Western security official, who spoke to CBS News on condition of anonymity, said al-Masri's animal experiments were filmed and used by al Qaeda to train new... (CBS News -- Iraq)
Report: Top Al Qaeda Target Killed in Missile Strike Jul 29, 2008
Intelligence officials are investigating reports that Al Qaeda's top expert on chemical and biological weapons was among six people killed Monday in a missile strike on Pakistan's tribal areas ... U.S. officials told FOX News that al-Masri was a key trainer and expert in chemical and biological weapons, likely to have operational knowledge of a liquid explosive bomb plot thwarted two years ago. (Fox News)
Egyptian militant had $5m bounty on his head Jul 29, 2008
PESHAWAR: A top Al Qaeda chemical and biological weapons expert was reportedly killed in a suspected United States missile strike in the Tribal Areas on Monday, security officials said. Egyptian militant Midhat Mursi al-Sayid Umar, also known as Abu Khabab al-Masri, had a $5 million bounty on his head and allegedly ran terrorist training camps in Afghanistan. (Daily Times, Pakistan)
Ignorance is no excuse Jul 29, 2008
Tony Blair says he did not know that Saddam was incapable of firing long-range chemical and biological weapons. Well, somebody did. (Yahoo News -- Hutton Report)
Al-Qaeda weapons expert killed Jul 29, 2008
Security officials in Pakistan were seeking confirmation today that a top al-Qaeda expert on chemical and biological weapons had been killed in a suspected US missile strike ... "Since 1999, he has distributed training manuals that contain instructions for making chemical and biological weapons.". (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Iraq commentary ridiculous Jul 29, 2008
Keith wrote on Jul 27, 2008 11:41 PM:" While I think that the "Mission Accomplished" banner was never attached directly to Bush, I do believe that he had a mission accomplished attitude. I honestly think that Bush, not the puppet masters pulling his strings, thought that there would be parades in Baghdad in his honor.Rumsfeld supported Saddam and gave/sold "ILLEGAL" chemical and biological weapons to him to use against Iran. (We have the receipts) Keep that in mind when it seems that Iran is a... (Sioux City Journal)
Qaeda Bomb Maker Dead? Jul 29, 2008
It says that since 1999, Umar has distributed training manuals with recipes for crude chemical and biological weapons. According to experts on Islamic extremists, Umar is believed to have trained the suicide bombers who killed 17 U.S. sailors on the USS Cole in Yemen in 2000. (CBS News -- World)
* Rice pays visit to New Zealand, faces protesters Jul 27, 2008
Instead, they pointed to a broad array of shared interests and pro-jects, particularly in stopping the transport of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons on the high seas and engagement with the island nations of the South Pacific, especially Fiji, where a military government has been in place since a December 2006 coup. Earlier this month, Fijis military ruler postponed elections promised for next March, saying the timetable was unachievable because much-needed electoral reforms cannot be... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
TRENTONIAN EDITORIAL: Iraq no threat? Jul 22, 2008
- "We have discovered dozens of WMD-related program activities and significant amounts of equipment that Iraq concealed from the United Nations during the inspections that began in 2002....A clandestine network of laboratories...contained equipment...suitable for chemical and biological weapons research." ... Al Gore back then: "Remember...(Saddam) is a man who has used poison gas on his own people and on his neighbors repeatedly. He's trying to get ballistic missiles, nuclear weapons, chemical... (The Trentonian, NJ)
Iran-US: A study in misperceptions Jul 16, 2008
Remember, this is the same US that has not upheld the international rule of law, that allows the provision of banned chemical and biological weapons to client countries, that reserves the right to overthrow regimes, invades countries that pose no threat, that does not follow the Geneva Convention and that has been belligerent toward Iran for many years. Is it really so difficult to understand why Iranians feel insecure and blame the West for much of their suffering. (Asia Times Online)
43 Nations to Seek WMD-Free Middle East Jul 14, 2008
The countries committed to "consider practical steps to prevent the proliferation" of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their delivery systems. It was unclear, however, how the signatories who included Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Syrian President Bashar Assad would enforce the pledge. (Fox News)
Why does gas cost so much? Jul 3, 2008
"Hillary Clinton: "In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock. His missile-delivery capability, his nuclear program. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Obama Met Privately With Colin Powell At His Office... Jul 2, 2008
Hotline On Call: On Call Exclusive: Obama Met Privately With Powell At His Office. On Call Exclusive: Obama Met Privately With Powell At His Office. (The Drudge Report)
Obama Veepstakes Jul 1, 2008
Nunn could be very helpful to Obama on foreign affairs, due to his work with Russia in dismantling nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. Despite his appeal, others factors may be too much for liberals to accept. (Human Events Online)
It's hard to know what to believe after review of Ben Stein's movie Jun 18, 2008
"So, you're sitting there as president, you're reeling in the aftermath of this, so, yeah, you want to go get bin Laden and do Afghanistan and all that. But you also have to say, well, my first responsibility now is to try everything possible to make sure that this terrorist network and other terrorist networks cannot reach chemical and biological weapons or small amounts of fissile material. I've got to do that. That's why I supported the Iraq thing." " chester wrote on Jun 17, 2008 9:01 PM:"... (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
ONE-CLICK NUCLEAR SHOPPING Jun 17, 2008
"These predators of the 21st century," as Clinton called them, "will be all the more lethal if we allow them to build arsenals of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. We simply cannot allow this to happen.". The prime example in Clinton's mind was Saddam Hussein's Iraq. (New York Post -- Opinions)
Another view Jun 13, 2008
But other claims weren t supported, including those about ties between Saddam Hussein and al-Qaeda, and Iraq s plans to attack the United States with chemical and biological weapons using drone aircraft. Releasing the report now, in the middle of an election year, obviously makes a political impact. (Montana Standard, MT)
Tackling Five Modern Myths Created by Liberals Jun 13, 2008
"In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary to terrorists, including Al Qaeda members, though there is apparently no evidence of his involvement in the terrible events of September 11, 2001. It is clear, however, that if left unchecked, Saddam Hussein will continue to increase his... (Townhall.com)
Case for war was built on 'cynical manipulation' Jun 12, 2008
As he points out, the report confirms that prewar statements concerning Iraq's nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programs were "generally substantiated by intelligence information." Unfortunately, that information just turned out to be "tragically, catastrophically wrong," Hiatt writes. In other words, how were the Bush administration and other war advocates including Hiatt himself supposed to have known that before the war. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
An intelligence postmortem Jun 10, 2008
Local Search Site Search. THIS STORY HAS BEEN FORMATTED FOR EASY PRINTING. (Boston Globe)
84 comments Jun 10, 2008
"In 1998, the United States also changed its underlying policy toward Iraq from containment to regime change and began to examine options to effect such a change, including support for Iraqi opposition leaders within the country and abroad. In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. He has also given aid, comfort, and sanctuary... (Human Events Online)
Bush, Cheney and the truth about the war Jun 7, 2008
The report confirms one serious intelligence failure: Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and other administration officials were told that Iraq still had chemical and biological weapons and did not learn that these reports were wrong until after the invasion ... The report said Bush was justified in saying that intelligence analysts believed Iraq had chemical and biological weapons. (International Herald Tribune -- Technology)
Bush accused of beating up the case for war Jun 7, 2008
The report largely exonerates officials for some prewar assertions, including claims that Baghdad had stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons and was pursuing a nuclear bomb. Although those were proven to be wildly inaccurate, they were largely consistent with US intelligence at the time. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Senate Report on Prewar Intelligence Jun 7, 2008
Claims that airstrikes on their own would not be sufficient to destroy purported chemical and biological weapons in Iraq were unsubtantiated. Most statements that supported the theory that Hussein had access to or the capacity to build chemical, biological, or even nuclear weapons did not take into account the disagreements between intelligence agencies as to the credibility of the WMD allegations. (Time.com)
Senate panel: Bush exaggerated Iraq intel Jun 6, 2008
Statements by Bush, Cheney and other top officials that Saddam had stockpiled chemical and biological weapons in violation of U.N. resolutions were "generally substantiated" by what turned out to be erroneous U.S. intelligence analyses, the report said. However, while intelligence reports also "generally substantiated" their claims that Iraq had secretly restarted a nuclear weapons program, the committee said, Bush and other officials failed to disclose that the State Department disputed that... (AZCentral)
Al Qaeda link to Iraq exaggerated, Senate panel says Jun 6, 2008
Many of the White House's claims about Iraq's work on chemical and biological weapons, and its alleged pursuit of nuclear capabilities, were consistent with intelligence reporting available to government officials at the time, even though that intelligence was later shown to be wildly off-base. But statements suggesting that Iraq and al Qaeda had forged a partnership were not substantiated by the underlying intelligence, the report concluded. (San Francisco Chronicle)
• Senate Intelligence Committee rebukes Bush, Cheney on prewar claims Jun 6, 2008
The report largely exonerates Bush administration officials for some of their prewar assertions, including claims that Baghdad had stockpiles of illegal chemical and biological weapons and was pursuing a nuclear bomb ... The idea that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein had provided chemical and biological weapons training to Al Qaeda hinged on intelligence from a source who soon was discredited. (Q13.com, WA)
Winning the war's game of numbers Jun 2, 2008
The pretext of the war, of course, was Saddam's alleged chemical and biological weapons, and the SAS was given the task of finding them and Scud missiles that could fire them into Israel and spread the Iraqi conflict throughout the Middle East. The weapons of mass destruction did not exist, and no intact Scud missiles were found or fired. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Post a comment May 29, 2008
THEY MUST BE BANNED AND ALL EXISTING STOCKS DESTROYED. They are on a par with chemical and biological weapons designed just to destroy ... THEY MUST BE BANNED AND ALL EXISTING STOCKS DESTROYED. They are on a par with chemical and biological weapons designed just to destroy. (International Herald Tribune)
Bush needs our support May 23, 2008
NANCY PELOSI: "Saddam Hussein certainly has chemical and biological weapons. There's no question about that. (MEET THE PRESS, 2002) HOWARD DEAN: "There's no question that Saddam Hussein is a threat to the United States and to our allies. If Saddam persists in thumbing his nose at the inspectors, then we're clearly going to have to do something about it. (Rockingham Daily Journal, NC)
CLUSTER BOMBS May 20, 2008
Reuters AlertNet - UN calls for cluster bomb ban at global gathering. Tue, 07:08 20 May 2008 GMT. (AlertNet)
Iran's 'bomb' and dud intelligence Apr 23, 2008
There was a stack of evidence that strongly suggested that Iraq retained no significant CBW (chemical and biological weapons) ability after the first Gulf war in 1991. No WMD or the means to deliver them. (Asia Times Online)
Pentagon helps steer military analysts behind the scenes Apr 20, 2008
The basic case became a familiar mantra: Iraq possessed chemical and biological weapons, was developing nuclear weapons, and might one day slip some to al-Qaida; an invasion would be a relatively quick and inexpensive "war of liberation.". At the Pentagon, members of Clarke's staff marveled at the way the analysts seamlessly incorporated material from talking points and briefings as if it was their own. (Houston Chronicle)
* France downplays threat Apr 10, 2008
Some of them were coming back to Europe, he said, and some of those were armed with chemical and biological weapons training. Now, as members of the cell are awaiting a verdict in their case, French and other European intelligence and law enforcement officials are saying those fears appear to be overblown. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Gazprom and Eni prepare to join forces to pipe natural gas from Libya to Europe Apr 10, 2008
Along with German and British energy companies, Eni rushed into Libya soon after Libya abandoned its nuclear, chemical and biological weapons program in 2003 and the United States lifted sanctions. Eni already holds a 50 percent stake in the Greenstream pipeline in Libya, which has an annual capacity of eight billion cubic meters, or 280 billion cubic feet. (International Herald Tribune)
Return of jihadists: Europe's fears subside Apr 8, 2008
re, then France's senior counterterrorism magistrate, later warned that Iraq was a "black hole sucking up all the elements located in Europe." Some of them were coming back to Europe, he added, and some of those were armed with chemical and biological weapons training. Now, as members of the cell are awaiting a verdict in their case, French and other European intelligence and law enforcement officials are adjusting their analysis. (International Herald Tribune)
Berlin denies it approved training for Libyan police Apr 8, 2008
Although Libya has adopted a much more pro-Western approach since its leader, Muammar el-Qaddafi, agreed to dismantle the country's nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programs in 2003, nongovernmental organizations have repeatedly criticized his human rights record. Wolfgang Bosbach, deputy parliamentary leader of Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats, said that BND Protection "had to put all its cards on the table." He said the Bundestag, or German Parliament, would never have... (International Herald Tribune)
'A less combative campaign'... Apr 7, 2008
" By the word "decision," presumably, he means to refer at once to President Bush's decision to invade Iraq, Congress's decision to authorize that policy, and his own early decision to oppose any such action. Indeed, Obama was not yet in the Senate, and the Senate had not yet voted to authorize the war, when, in a speech delivered in Chicago on October 2, 2002, he announced his view of the matter. Granting forthrightly that the Iraqi despot Saddam Hussein had "repeatedly defied UN resolutions,... (The Drudge Report)
Berlin denies Libya training role Apr 7, 2008
Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi's 2003 pledge to dismantle the country's nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programmes helped to end his international isolation. Bookmark with. (BBC News -- Europe)
* Olmert reassures Syria, Lebanon over missile drill Apr 7, 2008
Over the next few days emergency sirens will be sounded across the country and schoolchildren will practice entering shelters and protected spaces in the event of chemical and biological weapons attacks on Israel. The emergency services will also for the first time broadcast on TV tutorial videos explaining how to act during an attack. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
German police scandal over Libya Apr 5, 2008
Col Gaddafi also agreed to dismantle the country's nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programmes. Since then Libya's relations with Western powers have improved dramatically. (BBC News -- Europe)
CSUN's Model UN takes top konors Apr 5, 2008
From the Afghan viewpoint, they tackled issues such as the use of mercenaries; combating illegal arms trade; the international ban of chemical and biological weapons; Iran's nuclear activities; nuclear materials management; the non-proliferation treaty; battling the spread of illicit drugs including the country's opium trade; gender equality in the Muslim republic; developing alternative energy sources; eradicating malaria; the protection and restitution of cultural property, historic monuments... (Los Angeles Daily News)
Japan's China Weapons Cleanup Hits a Snag Mar 31, 2008
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party draws important support from organizations that downplay or deny Japanese use of chemical and biological weapons in China during the war. And there are deniers in the opposition Democratic Party of Japan, too: Jin Matsubara, a Democratic parliamentarian known for denying the killing of Chinese civilians by the Japanese Imperial Army in in 1937-1938, recently used his speaking time at a Diet session dedicated to discussing the weapons to question their very... (Time.com)
President: No job for an 'unproven, silver-tongued rookie' Mar 29, 2008
developed chemical and biological weapons. and coveted nuclear capacity. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Spit and polish for middle power Mar 28, 2008
We have already successfully used this method; we initiated the Australia Group to deal with chemical and biological weapons proliferation, for example. In the more fluid politics of the post-September 11, 2001, world, this type of fleet-footed diplomacy will become an even more important element of Australia's middle-power strategy. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Protesters march on Iraq anniversary Mar 22, 2008
Bush ordered U.S. troops into Iraq on March 19, 2003, after months of warnings that then-Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein was concealing stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons and efforts to build a nuclear bomb. U.N. weapons inspectors found no sign of banned weapons before the invasion, and the CIA concluded that Iraq had dismantled its weapons programs in the 1990s. (CNN International)
U.S. made the right decision Mar 19, 2008
Yes, he has chemical and biological weapons. Wesley Clark on September 26, 2002. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
How Did I Get Iraq Wrong? Mar 18, 2008
That left chemical and biological weapons, and neither represented much of a threat. Gas had been around since (1915), and biological devices were impractical as weapons of mass destruction, although they remained profoundly scary. (Slate)
Lodi bomb squad goes through rigorous training Mar 18, 2008
The Basic HDS course includes: robotics; booby traps; commercial, improvised and military explosives; x-ray use and interpretation; electronics; chemical and biological weapons; hazardous materials; and personal protective equipment. This training is intense, and a passing grade is required on all subjects. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
EDITOR’S MAILBAG (March 7) Mar 17, 2008
It is necessary to disarm Saddam Hussein because a deadly arsenal of WMD in his hands is a real and grave threat to our national security; We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is seeking and developing WMD. How about We know Saddam has stored supplies of biological and chemical weapons throughout his country, or even this one: Intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, missile delivery capability, and he has also... (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Israel to Hold Its Largest-ever War Drill Mar 17, 2008
Based on a lesson learned in the Second Lebanon War and in preparation for Iranian nuclear bombs and enemy use of chemical and biological weapons, the Israel Police, IDF Home Front Command and other military branches, all of the country's hospitals, the Fire and Rescue Service, Magen David Adom and other rescue services will all participate in the drill. According to officials involved in the planning, sirens will blast throughout the country. (Newsmax)
Lip service being paid to environment: report Mar 7, 2008
The military is making progress in identifying chemical and biological weapons as well as unexploded ordnance in ocean dumpsites. And, as a follow-up to a 2005 recommendation of the Environmental Commissioner, the Natural Resources department is taking steps to ensure that there is adequate insurance to compensate people adversely affected by an incident at a nuclear plant. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Letters to the Editor - 3/4/2008 Mar 5, 2008
QUOTE: "I think the danger right now is that without effective inspections, without effective monitoring, Iraq can in a very short period of time measured in months, reconstitute chemical and biological weapons, long-range ballistic missiles to deliver these weapons, and even certain aspects of their developing of nuclear weapons. program." He rejected the notion of removing Saddam Husseins regime by force. Instead, he advocated a policy of diplomatic engagement, leading to gradual... (North County Times)
Zutter was ready to treat sick, wounded in Desert Storm Feb 29, 2008
That training included arms fire, and getting into and out of chemical and biological weapons protection suits, and how to fire weapons while restricted in one. The American military believes in being prepared. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Ignorance is no excuse Feb 28, 2008
Tony Blair says he did not know that Saddam was incapable of firing long-range chemical and biological weapons. Well, somebody did. (Yahoo News -- Hutton Report)
Michelle Obama, her pride and 'Beatlemania': A sign of things to come | Political Insider Feb 21, 2008
He has repeatedly defied UN resolutions, thwarted UN inspection teams, developed chemical and biological weapons, and coveted nuclear capacity. He's a bad guy. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Travel)
Disavowing the Iran NIE: Smoke Screens or Smoking Guns? Feb 20, 2008
Before we invaded Iraq, everyone knew that Iraq had chemical and biological weapons and was trying to acquire nuclear weapons. If President Bush ordered the CIA to give him bad intelligence so he could go to war, how did he convince the KGB to go along. (Human Events Online)
UK releases secret Iraq WMD file Feb 19, 2008
The 32-page document states that Iraq had stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons and could easily use them since it had done so before ... was not commissioned as part of the formal drafting process and was not used as the basis for the dossier the government subsequently published," David Miliband, the foreign secretary, said. 'Rape squads' As well as the claims about chemical and biological weapons, which were false as no such weapons were found after the invasion of Iraq, Williams'... (Aljazeera.Net)
