WMD / ISG Update
This is CNN:Duelfer is testifying Tuesday behind closed doors before the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence committees. His comments contrast with those of his predecessor, David Kay, who has said he does not expect that any weapons of mass destruction will be found in Iraq.
In prepared testimony, Duelfer said fear of retribution is still a significant stumbling block as the Iraq Survey Group he heads seeks information from Iraqi managers, scientists and engineers.
"Many perceive a grave risk in speaking with us. On one hand, there is a fear of prosecution or arrest. On the other, there is a fear [that] former regime supporters will exact retribution. This is, in part, why we do not yet fully understand the central issue of regime intentions," Duelfer said.
Duelfer, who is a special adviser to CIA Director George Tenet, said he is providing only a status report -- not a preliminary assessment of findings, which will come later.
Like Kay, Duelfer said that the regime was in "clear" violation of several U.N. resolutions banning WMD programs in Iraq, including the ban on certain biological research and the ban on deploying missiles or unmanned aerial vehicles with a range of more than 93 miles (150 kilometers).
Matt's Chat
The Iraq Survey Group is STILL hearing reports about weapons caches from credible sources. A piece of information that makes sense to me as to why we haven't found weapons stockpiles is that it appears Iraq was using "Just In Time" production methods. Interesting.Mark's Remarks
Also, remember, David Kay was NOT searching for weapons. He was conducting INTERVIEWS. He was not out there searching, rather he was interviewing people to lead him to caches of weapons. At least this guy does not simply go--"well, no one would talk, ergo there are no weapons, we all failed." That is the fallacy of Dr. Kay's summation. This gentleman is out there to find the truth, and to continue the search and mission until there is absolutely not a shadow of a doubt.
In my opinion, it is not were there any weapons, but rather, where did they go? Just think on that for a while, folks.......
