HOME | POLITICS | SPORTS | LIFE | SCI/TECH | OPEDS | HELPFUL TIPS
|
Oct 3, 2003 I came across the following story on the Internet today (October 2, 2004); it ran in the Hindustan Times online (www.hindustantimes.com): Kuwait foils smuggling of chemicals, bio warheads from Iraq Associated Press Kuwait City, October 2 Kuwaiti security authorities have foiled an attempt to smuggle $60 million worth of chemical weapons and biological warheads from Iraq to an unnamed European country, a Kuwaiti newspaper said on Wednesday. The pro-Government Al-Siyassah, quoting an unnamed security source, said the suspects had been watched by security since they arrived in Kuwait and were arrested "in due time." It did not say when or how the smugglers entered Kuwait or when they were arrested. The paper said the smugglers might have had accomplices inside Kuwait. It said Interior Minister Sheik Nawwaf Al Ahmed Al Sabah would hand over the smuggled weapons to an FBI agent at a news conference, but did not say when. Government officials could not be immediately reached for comment. Iraqi Interior Minister Nouri Al-Badran met on Tuesday with Sheik Nawwaf and discussed cooperation between the two countries in security matters. His visit is the first by an Iraqi interior minister to Kuwait since 1990. www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_399454,00050004.htm *** I am curious about this news release as I have heard absolutely nothing relating to it in the American press. I am curious as to when the news conference will be to turn over the weapons to the FBI – in a day or two, or some time down the road? These weapons that the Kuwait security authorities have found appear to be weapons of mass destruction, at least they are described as such. Putting chemical weapons and biological warheads together is scary stuff. Why haven’t we heard more about this issue? Will the FBI come out with a statement on it? I would expect something of such a serious nature would make the headlines of the major newspapers and television news shows, but I could find nothing on this today outside of the report from Hindustan Times (which ran an Associated Press tag with the story). The Drudge Report did have the item this morning, but has pulled it by late afternoon. Why? What is going on here? Will we hear more in coming days? Have the Kuwait security forces been able to find what has eluded the United Nations and United States inspection teams? What type of chemicals are in the chemical weapons? How does the Kuwait security authorities know that the value of the weapons is $60 million? Did they come with a bill of lading? It will be interesting to see what becomes of this story and issue in coming days, especially in light of the current testimony on Capitol Hill concerning weapons of mass destruction. It is of some concern that one of those allegedly involved in the smuggling had help inside Kuwait. Concerning the turning over of the biological warheads and chemical weapons, are FBI agents on their way to Kuwait at this very moment? Will a larger press release be provided to clear up the issue? This story calls for many answers and hopefully in the near future the answers will be given. It appears the main Kuwait contact is Interior Minister Skeik Nawwaf Al Ahmed Al Sabah. Will he be presenting more details on what occurred and who has been detained? Will the smugglers detained be turned over to the United Nations or the United States? What is the nationality of the smugglers – are they from Iraq? The article claims the weapons came in from Iraq, but no nationality of the smugglers is given. Take a look in news sources in the coming days to see what becomes of this issue in Kuwait, and what bearing it has on the search for weapons of mass destruction. ------------ About the author: Dwayne Hines currently has 12 books selling in major bookstores and writes for major magazines such as Physical and FitnessRX. Email Dwayne Hines: dhines@3dinet.com Comment on this column in the forum. Tell a friend about this site! ------------ |
||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
