Gassing Iraq

[ClubMed]

Double standards at it's best, article at CounterPunch

[Chuckiechan]

What is wrong with incapacating your foe, in order to not to kill him? If Sadam uses bio weapons and our troops go into Bagdad with this contamination the civilian population is going to die. Those that don't die are going to run spreading disease throughout the Muslim world. If you can "make them sick and make them stick" you are in a better position to treat them while quarantined, even if the outcome is bleak.

Are we equally evil because we too have a biological option? How about the poor schmucks in the trenches who will be killed by the Republican Guard if the run and killed the the USA if they stay? To not consider non-lethal weapons as viable is a cruel lack of foresight.

[SpookyEddy]

Are we equally evil because we too have a biological option?

No idea, evil is a bit tricky to define. However you are equally in breach of international law. But I shouldn't worry, we in the UK are still happily developing the Trident missile program in flagrant disregard of the agreements we have signed (well actually we could possibly develop it if we never use it, threaten to use it, or deploy it in an environment it could be used - kind of pointless).

You still have plenty of chemical options though as its not illegal for you to develop them aslong as they are targetted for domestic use, something that would rather bother me if I was a US citizen, but I suspect a loophole your current administration is somewhat thankfull for

Regards

eddy

[kenyg]

when the police use tear gas, is that in violation of international law? - what about pepper spray?

[Chuckiechan]

Who is going to complain the we gave the enemy stomach aches instead of killing them? Isn't Lybia on the human rights commitee? Did they offer parachutes to the victims of Pan AM 103 before they blew it up over Locherbie?

Spare me...

[SpookyEddy]

when the police use tear gas, is that in violation of international law? - what about pepper spray?

I wouldn't think so as its not a biological agent and you are allowed to develop just about whatever chemical agents you want aslong as they are only used domestically (so police is fine).

Who is going to complain the we gave the enemy stomach aches instead of killing them?

Maybe nobody, doesn't mean they aren't illegal still though. I think the primary reason that these things are frowned upon is that even "non-lethal" chemical or biological agents end up killing people (for example in the recent Russian siege).

Did they offer parachutes to the victims of Pan AM 103 before they blew it up over Locherbie?

Not quite sure what you mean, who exactly is "they" and did they use a chemical or biological agent? I don't think libya is in Iraq either but my geography is notoriously sketchy.

Anyway, all interesting stuff and thanks for the link ClubMed.

Later

eddy

[Chuckiechan]

Lybia blew up Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. They also are in charge of the UN Human Rights comittee. If someone were to complain that the USA used biological weapons and caused needless suffering due do stomach aches Lybia is running the comittee you would complain to. So in a moral equalavance argument (I.E. Double Standard) Lybia killed with no chance of survival, while we only caused temporary sickness and rare death.

[SpookyEddy]

Lybia blew up Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland.

Is that Libya the country, general populace, the current administration, previous government or terrorists? I remember when it happened but not something I know much about.

hey also are in charge of the UN Human Rights comittee.

It is something of a worry as they have a terrible history of human rights abuse. Of course we are all ok with Turkey, who sadly also don't have a great track record. Good job they have some air bases we need

Anyway I think we were talking about bio/chem weapons and there role in the potential war with Iraq, I fear my ramblings have taken us somewhat off topic.

Regards

eddy

CM, its not double standards.

Remember its Ok for the US Government to do what it likes.

They'll say it was accidental anyway as always happens when civilians get murdered.