March 24, 2003

THE MAIN FIGHT LOOMS:


US: Iraq Set To Use Chemical Weapons (CBS News, 3/24/2003)

U.S officials tell CBS News Correspondent David Martin that the Iraqis have drawn a red line on the map around Baghdad, and once American troops cross it, the Republican Guards are authorized to use chemical weapons.

ALSO: Search For Chemical Weapons (CBS News, 3/24/2003)
Forces entered battle expecting to face chemical or biological weapons but so far have seen none. But, as American troops approach Baghdad, there's speculation that Saddam Hussein may be preparing to finally use chemical weapons.

CBS News Correspondent Phil Ittner reports that Army doctors who treated some Iraqi prisoners of war, believed to be some high-ranking Iraqi officials, found Cipro pills among the Iraqis’ personal possessions.

Cipro is meant to ward off the effects of a biological attack from several toxic agents, foremost among them, anthrax.


Sandstorms and the need to bombard the Republican Guard divisions around Baghdad may delay the main battle until the weekend, but soon coalition forces will approach and surround the city. At that point the Iraqis may unleash their biological and chemical weapons. May God protect and preserve our troops. Posted by Paul Jaminet at March 24, 2003 10:40 PM
Comments

While I don't doubt that Saddam has and may use chemical weapons, the Cipro thing may be a whole lot of nothing.



As a former Peace Corps volunteer I can attest that Cipro is very helpful for anyone living in an area with inadequate sanitation.



I used it often to get rid of unwanted "houseguests".

Posted by: nordic at March 24, 2003 11:15 PM

One word.



MOAB.

Posted by: Jeff Brokaw at March 24, 2003 11:52 PM

Actually, a sandstorm might be a blessing; I don't think any chemical weapons the Iraqis have (and for tactical purposes, Anthrax is really a chemical weapon) would be effective in high wind.

Posted by: mike earl at March 25, 2003 12:13 AM

The predominant wind patterns in that region are SSW to NNE. With a windstorm the chem bombs would blow back on the enemy.

Posted by: Gideon at March 25, 2003 1:59 AM

Gideon;



I'm not sure that would be considered a problem by the Ba'ath since they can reasonably assume that any civilian casualties resulting from bad winds will be blamed on the US.

Posted by: Annoying Old Guy at March 25, 2003 1:37 PM

They say the sandstorms clog the gas mask filters in less than two hours.

Posted by: Paul Jaminet at March 25, 2003 9:01 PM
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