While I agree that Saddam's WMD program was destroyed, and much of his nerve gas agent was impotent, let's not confuse facts and fiction.
Mustard gas would make a highly effective terrorist weapon. While it is true that WWI-era versions were dispersed with a heavy aersol, modern versions are lighter and have less of a tendency to sink.
Mustard gas would be an effective weapon, especially if used more than once, because:
1) It is lethal only in a small percentage of cases, mostly when inhaled or when skin exposure is great. However, it causes tremendous suffering, is much like being burned alive, and has long term health effects. Soldiers exposed to MG in WWI suffered effects for the rest of their lives.
2) Skin contact does not cause immediate symptoms, yet will cause dramatic blisters in a matter of hours. Once people know what it does, simply the fear of exposure, especially given that skin exposure is undetectable, would cause panic.
3) People coming in contact with the contaminated area, including clothing of those effected, can suffer the same symptoms as the initial victims, meaning that first responders are at extreme risk.
So, MG would be effective in creating terror, and thus would be a prime terrorist weapon. |
