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Iraqi rockets sent to Syria for use by Hezbollah
Some of the equipment transferred from Iraq to Syria in recent weeks was apparently earmarked for Hezbollah in Lebanon, to be used in opening a northern front against Israel in the event of an American offensive in Iraq. Wishful thinking on Sammy's part The shipments contained Iraqi rockets with a range of 100 to 150 kilometers, and possibly also various items that Iraq wanted to hide in Lebanon. In an interview with Channel Two television on Monday, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon spoke of the possibility that Saddam Hussein had had chemical and biological weapons smuggled to Syria in order to hide them from United Nations weapons inspectors. Syria would be treading on very thin ice if this is true Hezbollah has received rockets from Syria before. But the previous shipments contained Fatah and Tsumud rockets, whose range is no greater than 70 kilometers. Iraq's efforts to hide weapons are focused primarily on weapons of mass destruction, such as chemical or biological weapons. The discovery of such weapons in Iraq would provide the United States with a justification for military action and toppling Saddam Hussein's regime. But at the same time that it is hiding its unconventional weapons, there are reports that Iraq has been trying to increase the number of Scud missiles at its disposal. It is known, for instance, that the missile cargo captured two weeks ago on a ship bound for Yemen from North Korea was in fact destined for Iraq. The Americans released the ship after Yemen promised to keep the missiles itself, apparently to ensure Yemen's cooperation in the struggle against Al-Qaida. Very interesting. I thought that we gave up that cargo of Scuds a little too easy. If this is true, President Bush is more devious than even I have given him credit for. Importing long range missles is a clear violation of the U.N. sanctions and would give us a go-to-war-free card. We must be on a timetable that they don't want to advance. This also would explain why N. Korea was so pissed and said we were pirates. If they had sold them to Yemen, why get so upset? If they were on the way to Iraq, and we grabbed them and gave them to Yemen, the N.K. might not be able to cash that check from Saddam. In addition, the Syrians at one point tried to find Scud missiles for Iraq. Given the Scuds' range, they were obviously meant to be used against Israel in case of war, rather than against other states in the region like Saudi Arabia. The Syrian aid to Iraq - in making military purchases and apparently also in hiding equipment - raises questions regarding President Bashar Assad's willingness to jeopardize his relations with the United States. On one hand, Damascus is making an effort to help Washington with information about Al-Qaida, but on the other, Baghdad is exerting economic pressure on it. In addition to helping Iraq, Assad also takes a risk by sheltering and aiding terrorist organizations like Islamic Jihad and Hamas, hiding behind the claim that they only operate information offices in his country. Must be having some sleepless nights in Syria these days. Posted by: Steve 2002-12-26 |
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