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Terror Networks & Islam
Islamists debate Zark's possible use of chemical weapons
2005-09-16
A recent discussion amongst members of a password-protected al-Qaeda affiliated forums concerns the purported possession of a chemical laboratory and weapons by al-Qaeda in Iraq, and the possibilities having such weapons of mass destruction has upon the organization’s challenge to the “arrogant West” and their future plans for their use. The author opening the discussion alleges that it was said at one point that al-Qaeda in Iraq developed a chemical lab in al-Mosul, northern Iraq, though it was a point of contention whether WMDs were developed. Following the Victorious Army Group’s alleged deployment of chemical rockets, the author believes this is an indication that the organization had the power to create some “very effective tools” and is preparing for a prolonged war with the West.
I'd guess that the use of chem weapons by the bad guyz will significantly shorten the war. It will go far toward removing our civilized inhibitions about killing the bastards on the spot when we capture them. It will probably cause a spike in Europe's testosterone levels, perhaps lasting as long as a month. It will shorten our troops' tempers — a chem suit and gas mask in Iraqi heat isn't going to be a comfy thing — which will cause fewer prisoners to actually be taken. Yeah. Using chem weapons is a pretty brilliant idea, alright.
The author questions if events in Tal Afar provoked the use of chemical weapons, and then asks if al-Qaeda in Iraq is preparing such weapon for use outside of Iraq, possibly against “underground railways in America.”
That'd be even more brilliant. Then we can have Halabja-style pictures of the Metro in Washington. Even some leftists will join the chorus demanding heads on pikes, to include Salafist princes. If the devices are planted by domestically-raised scum, like the Brit bus booms were, we could well be looking at mass deportations, maybe even mob lynchings.
Members respond that al-Qaeda in Iraq has always possessed such capabilities, one member prefacing his opinion on a need for good preparation to include weapons of mass destruction, and videos in Afghanistan showing experiments with chemical weapons, as well as the “Brazilian Muslim” who was caught with a radiation bomb. Another member believes that the mujahideen will use these weapons to “eliminate the Americans not only from Iraq, but also from the entire Islamic world.”
And end up causing their own elimination from the entire world.
Posted by:Dan Darling

#7  "Dr. Stephen Hatfill is STILL a person of interest, and one day we'll get him"
Posted by: The FBI   2005-09-16 20:02  

#6  We treated the Anthrax attacks as such because it was perpetrated by a domestic actor, an employee of a DoD contractor in Maryland, a South African. He's still the prime suspect. He had motive, opportunity, and expertise.

Not that Al Qaeda couldn't do the same, but the Anthrax attacks aren't the same as this.

Chemical weapons are a different beast than bio as well, and much much easier to produce.

Thus, why he has chem weapons. And you bet your sweet ass it was Saddam's intent for Zarq and his kind to get ahold of Iraq's remaining toys of this sort. Not that they couldn't happen upon some of Saddam's "destroyeed anthrax" tonnage.

EP
Posted by: ElvisHasLeftTheBuilding   2005-09-16 17:48  

#5  And what do these morons think would be the US response to the use of WMD?

Ignoring it, hoping the story goes away, and trying to find a domestic scapegoat to blame it on.

You doubt me? That's how we responded to the anthrax letters.
Posted by: Robert Crawford   2005-09-16 14:25  

#4  3dc,
I believe our new nuclear doctrine mandates the use of nukes to combat WMD attacks.

Uh, oh! Look out allah.
Posted by: Graviter Gluns1970   2005-09-16 08:22  

#3  Further reinforcing the association between Saddam and the Islamists.
Posted by: Bright Pebbles   2005-09-16 05:34  

#2  3dc -- let's not have to find out.
Posted by: Captain America   2005-09-16 02:48  

#1  And what do these morons think would be the US response to the use of WMD?
Posted by: 3dc   2005-09-16 00:40  

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