We live in a free society. Sometimes, malefactors will get through the cracks. Those responsible for national security, with their comrades in other police and intelligence services, have foiled a number of plots in the last two years, chased down the vast majority of important figures in Al Qaida, destroyed infrastructure, and tracked down financial assets. If it had not been for the anti- CIA Congresses that made it illegal for the CIA and FBI to work together, 9/11 might not have occurred. Of course, the same types are now grousing about the Patriot Act, which is probably the thing most responsible for preventing a wave of new attacks.
There is little reason to believe that Iraq disarmed itself a decade ago. There is information that they had the capabilities alleged right up to the outbreak of hostilities. According to Iraqi informants, WMD stockpiles were shipped over the borders, into surrounding countries. Kay has been able to verify shipments, but not contents. It is certainly the case that the retained virulent strains of various bacilli and viruses for use when they ramped their production back up, and that they maintained the capability further production in all areas once they got the inspectors off their backs. It is also true that there is an Iraqi connection with Al Qaida, we just do not know if there were any involvement in 9/11.
North Korea is a separate and delicate issue, due to the proximity of Seoul to the border, and the ease with which North Korea could kill millions, even with conventional weaponry. It makes sense that we are taking a diplomatic approach.......... |
