I have been researching weapons of mass destruction (WMD), trying to understand the phenomenon and to learn why we observe the things we do. Where did they come from, and where have they gone? Here I chronicle my ongoing quest to track down the elusive weapons of mass destruction.
Much has been made of documentary evidence that Saddam was trying to buy uranium from Africa, in order to further the Iraqi nuclear weapons of mass destruction project. Some claim that the evidence is a forgery. Through extensive research, I have obtained the never-before-released text of the African document, and publish it for you now!
Lagos, Nigeria.
Attention: The President/CEODear Sir,
Confidential Business Proposal
Having consulted with my colleagues and based on the information gathered from the Nigerian Chambers Of Commerce And Industry, I have the privilege to request your assistance to transfer the sum of 47 metric tons (103,400 pounds US measure) of unprocessed uranium 238 to your country. The above sum resulted from a contract, executed, commissioned and paid for about five (5) years ago by a foreign contractor. This action was however intentional and since then the material has been in a suspense account at The Central Bank Of Nigeria Apex Bank Bulk Materials Storage Facility.
We are now ready to transfer the material overseas and that is where you come in. It is important to inform you that as civil servants, we are forbidden to operate a foreign country; that is why we require your assistance. The total sum will be shared as follows: 70% for us, 25% for you and 5% for local and international expenses incidental to the transfer.
The transfer is risk free on both sides. I am an accountant with the Nigerian National and Uranium Mining and Petroleum Corporation (NNUMPC). If you find this proposal acceptable, we shall require the following documents:
(a) your banker's name, telephone, account and fax numbers.
(b) your private telephone and fax numbers — for confidentiality and easy communication.
(c) your letter-headed paper stamped and signed.
Alternatively we will furnish you with the text of what to type into your letter-headed paper, along with a breakdown explaining, comprehensively what we require of you. The business will take us thirty (30) working days to accomplish.
Please reply urgently.
Best regards
Howgul Abul Arhu
There is now increasing evidence that Saddam enticed the United States to attack Iraq. Saddam, knowing full well that the US would make extensive use of depleted uranium bullets and munitions believed that after the US conquered Iraq, the uranium could be gathered and employed to build nuclear weapons of mass destruction in secret underground bomb factories. The nuclear weapons could then be used to drive the US out of Iraq and make Iraq the undisputed power in the region.
It was the threat of Weapons of Mass Destruction that lead the United States into war with Iraq. However, through historical research I have learned that this is not the first time that elusive WMDs have precipitated war. My research continues, but here is the first results:
On February 15, 1898, an attack by Spanish weapons of mass destruction destroyed the American battleship Maine in Havana Harbor and helped propel the United States into a war with Spain. For further details, see this article from the Smithsonian Magazine. Further investigation found that the WMDs had escaped without a trace.
In 1964 an attack by Vietnamese weapons of mass destruction in the Gulf of Tonkin lead Congress to authorize a full-scale military operation in Vietnam. See this statement by President Johnson and subsequent Congressional resolution. Further investigation found that the WMDs had again escaped without a trace!
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