December 28, 2002
WHOSE SIDE ARE THEY ON?
Iraqi scientist gives 'key information' (BBC, 27 December, 2002)UN weapons inspectors have said a key Iraqi scientist has given them details of a military programme that could be a "possible prelude to a clandestine nuclear programme".UN spokesman Hiro Ueki said the information was obtained when International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors interviewed a "metallurgist from a high visibility state company".
In his daily report on inspections, Mr Ueki said that the scientist "provided technical details of a military programme".
The scientist in question has denied he gave such information.
Are they trying to get his family killed to get any other potentially co-operative witnesses to shut up? Posted by Orrin Judd at December 28, 2002 6:06 AM
Mr. Judd;
There are several possible explanations.
1) Yes. The UN doesn't want weapons found any more than Saddam.
2) They're that naive that it doesn't occur to them that Saddam would execute this guy for talking.
3) No, but if that's the price that must be paid for some good PR, so be it.
4) He didn't talk, but the UN is telling other scientists that if they don't, the UN will announce they did. Ok, that requires an implausible level of intelligence and ruthlessness by the UN.
Re: Annoying Old Guy's possiblility #4:
Wouldn't that be a brilliant way to leak whatever intel the CIA et al. have gathered? As you say, I doubt the inspectors are that cunning or ruthless, but you never know...