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Does Iraq possess weapons of mass destruction?

Topics: Iraq Middle East Politics War

Background

The primary stated reason the US Government gave for going to war with Iraq was to rid the country of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). This includes nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. These weapons were never found, and many questions were raised regarding the failure of US intelligence.

Implications

Expert Opinions

What's Your TakeOnIt?

Agree

Quote

Politician, US Vice President 2001-2008

There is no doubt that Saddam Hussein now has weapons of mass destruction.

26 Aug 2002 Source

Agree

Hillary Clinton

U.S. Senator, Democrat

In the four years since the inspectors left, intelligence reports show that Saddam Hussein has worked to rebuild his chemical and biological weapons stock, his missile delivery capability, and his nuclear program. ...if left unchecked Saddam Hussein will continue to increase [his arsenal]. Should he succeed in that endeavor he could alter the political and security landscape of the Middle East, which as we know all too well affects American security.

10 Nov 2002 Source

Agree

Colin Powell

Former U.S. Secretary of State

We know that Saddam is determined to keep his weapons of mass destruction; he's determined to make more. Given Saddam's history of aggression, given what we know of his grandiose plans, given what we know of his terrorist associations and given his determination to exact revenge on those who oppose him, should we take the risk that he will not some day use these weapons at a time and the place and in the manner of his choosing at a time when the world is in a much weaker position to respond?

05 Feb 2003 Source

Disagree

Quote

Liberal Activist Website

There is no credible evidence that Saddam Hussein's scientists are now working on nuclear weapons, even though Hussein has wanted them in the past.

04 Mar 2003 Source

Mostly Disagree

Mohamed ElBaradei

Director of International Atomic Energy Agency

We have to date found no evidence that Iraq has revived its nuclear weapons programme since the elimination of the programme in the 1990s. However, our work is steadily progressing and should be allowed to run its natural course. With our verification system now in place, barring exceptional circumstances, and provided there is sustained proactive cooperation by Iraq, we should be able within the next few months to provide credible assurance that Iraq has no nuclear weapons programme.

27 Jan 2003 Source