"The search for WMD continues", 2002, EPA PHOTO POOL JASSIM MOHAMMED
THE ROAD TO EXPELLING HUSSEIN'S GRIP OVER IRAQ
- THE THREAT OF WEAPONS OF MASS DISTRUCTION -
The U.N. started to investigate Iraq after passing SCR (Security
Council Resolution) 687 in 1991 which forced Iraq to “destroy all of its chemical, biological and nuclear weapons capability as well as missiles with a range of more than 150 kilometers and to allow verification by inspectors.” Although Iraq accepted this decision, when the U.N. started investigations, Iraqis shot at inspectors trying to prevent them from checking vehicles that were rumored to contain nuclear equipment.
Later that year, Iraq admitted to doing biowarfare research but for “defensive purposes” alone. The U.N. wanted more information from Iraq when these statements came out so SCR 707 was passed to have them reveal any other restricted weapons and weapons plans. Iraq stayed very closed off after these passed, blocking U.N. helicopters from even flying over.
Documents on Iraq’s nuclear weapons program were found in late September, but Iraqi officials reacted by trapping the inspectors on the site where the information was found for 4 days straight. These interactions got shadier after SCR 715 was passed, aiming to have “ongoing monitoring and verification in Iraq.” They did not want to conform to this. The next year, Iraqi officials reveal that they destroyed 89 missiles and chemical weapons the previous summer without informing the U.N. yet again destroying trust and breaking SCR 687. As time passed, The United Nations Special Commission started destroying materials for chemical weapons, and eventually, after more cover-ups on Iraq’s part, they destroy hidden missile parts, bioweapon facilities, and more.
“Chemical Munitions Stored at Taji”, February 5, 2003, U.S. Department of State
“Sanitization of Ammunition depot at Taji”, February 5, 2003, U.S. Department of State
These photos show that there were security and decontamination vehicles at certain sites that would be used
in the case “something went wrong.” Just a month later, these same sites are cleared early without U.N.
approval before they even got there, breaking SCR 687.
Colin L. Powell speaking at the UN Iraq Emergency Summit, February 5, 2003
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Montes, Abiud. Freedom Over Fear. Photograph. Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq, May 2003
Interview with Abiud Montes, Master Gunnery Sergeant USMC, Retired
