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Could This Be They? (WMDs, that is)
10/01/2003

Iraq Daily links to an AP-bylined report in the Hindustan Times that offers the following everything-changing news:

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.

Instapundit reader Dexter Van Zile may officially be the first person on record calling the report bogus. Of course, the presumption ought to be skepticism, but I find myself wondering how many people will refuse to believe the report in any case, simply because it undermines an article of recent political faith that Bush lied. (Hey, maybe Karl Rove called in a favor from the Hindustan Times in an attempt to pull the spotlight from Joey Wilson.)

Glenn Reynolds might even be justified in suggesting that "bogus" may be "the most likely answer." However, I'd point out what this report is: a bulletin dated a day in advance (our time) talking about another news source's reportage.

Once again, we'll see. But my advice to anybody who hadn't made up their minds even before the report had been made is this: don't commit yourself emotionally either way.

Posted by Justin Katz @ 10:02 PM EST

6 comments

I can't help but get emotionally attached to news like this. Everytime I hear a "breaking story" that WMD's have been found or Saddam has been captured, my heart quickens a few beats. Let just one of these stories turn out to be true, and election 2004 is over before it starts. The only thing to be decided will be whether the GOP can gain a filibuster-proof Senate.

Scott Elliott @ 10/01/2003 10:45 PM EST

While I'm skeptical of reports like this, it is listed as an AP report, which makes me hopeful that its legit. I have to side with Scott on this one, I hope its true and if it is, that we hear who that unnamed European country is.

Hey, I can hope, can't I?

American Scribbler @ 10/02/2003 02:38 AM EST

"However, I'd point out what this report is: a bulletin dated a day in advance (our time) talking about another news source's reportage."

Please,elaborate.

chinditz @ 10/02/2003 03:29 AM EST

Sometimes I hear of a big drug bust that nets $60 million worth of cocaine. That may mean something to drug traffickers and DEA agents, but I would prefer to hear how many pounds of cocaine was intercepted.

Who is the world knows how much chemical / biologicial weapons constitutes $60 million worth?

Greg V. @ 10/02/2003 12:26 PM EST

Chinditz,

My point with that comment was merely that the story wasn't even first-hand reportage. It was a they said they said they said sort of thing, so it's too early even to speculate about whether the actual report might be bogus.

----------------

Greg V.,

Who in the world knows how much chemical / biologicial weapons constitutes $60 million worth?

The French? (Kidding... kidding...)

Justin Katz @ 10/02/2003 12:29 PM EST

WindsOfChange & Instapundit say the news disappeared from Kuwait news agency, it did not.

http://www.kuna.net.kw/story.asp?dsno=561241

Headlines, Briefings of Kuwaiti dailies published Wednesday, Oct 1, 2003
...
Al-Seyassah
===========
-- Security bodies foiled attempts to smuggle chemical materials and biological war heads from Iraq via Kuwait, worth 60 million dollars, investigations ongoing to unveil smugglers

Wei Wang @ 10/03/2003 08:25 AM EST