Iraqi Official: Iraq's WMD Secreted in Syria

[igloo]

Iraq's WMD Secreted in Syria, Sada Says

By IRA STOLL - Staff Reporter of the Sun

January 26, 2006

The man who served as the no. 2 official in Saddam Hussein's air force says Iraq moved weapons of mass destruction into Syria before the war by loading the weapons into civilian aircraft in which the passenger seats were removed.

The Iraqi general, Georges Sada, makes the charges in a new book, "Saddam's Secrets," released this week. He detailed the transfers in an interview yesterday with The New York Sun.

"There are weapons of mass destruction gone out from Iraq to Syria, and they must be found and returned to safe hands," Mr. Sada said. "I am confident they were taken over."

Mr. Sada's comments come just more than a month after Israel's top general during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Moshe Yaalon, told the Sun that Saddam "transferred the chemical agents from Iraq to Syria."

Democrats have made the absence of stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq a theme in their criticism of the Bush administration's decision to go to war in 2003. And President Bush himself has conceded much of the point; in a televised prime-time address to Americans last month, he said, "It is true that many nations believed that Saddam had weapons of mass destruction. But much of the intelligence turned out to be wrong."

Said Mr. Bush, "We did not find those weapons."

The discovery of the weapons in Syria could alter the American political debate on the Iraq war. And even the accusations that they are there could step up international pressure on the government in Damascus. That government, led by Bashar Assad, is already facing a U.N. investigation over its alleged role in the assassination of a former prime minister of Lebanon. The Bush administration has criticized Syria for its support of terrorism and its failure to cooperate with the U.N. investigation.

The State Department recently granted visas for self-proclaimed opponents of Mr. Assad to attend a "Syrian National Council" meeting in Washington scheduled for this weekend, even though the attendees include communists, Baathists, and members of the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood group to the exclusion of other, more mainstream groups.

Mr. Sada, 65, told the Sun that the pilots of the two airliners that transported the weapons of mass destruction to Syria from Iraq approached him in the middle of 2004, after Saddam was captured by American troops.

"I know them very well. They are very good friends of mine. We trust each other. We are friends as pilots," Mr. Sada said of the two pilots. He declined to disclose their names, saying they are concerned for their safety. But he said they are now employed by other airlines outside Iraq.

The pilots told Mr. Sada that two Iraqi Airways Boeings were converted to cargo planes by removing the seats, Mr. Sada said. Then Special Republican Guard brigades loaded materials onto the planes, he said, including "yellow barrels with skull and crossbones on each barrel." The pilots said there was also a ground convoy of trucks.

The flights - 56 in total, Mr. Sada said - attracted little notice because they were thought to be civilian flights providing relief from Iraq to Syria, which had suffered a flood after a dam collapse in June of 2002.

"Saddam realized, this time, the Americans are coming," Mr. Sada said. "They handed over the weapons of mass destruction to the Syrians."

Mr. Sada said that the Iraqi official responsible for transferring the weapons was a cousin of Saddam Hussein named Ali Hussein al-Majid, known as "Chemical Ali." The Syrian official responsible for receiving them was a cousin of Bashar Assad who is known variously as General Abu Ali, Abu Himma, or Zulhimawe.

Short of discovering the weapons in Syria, those seeking to validate Mr. Sada's claim independently will face difficulty. His book contains a foreword by a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, David Eberly, who was a prisoner of war in Iraq during the first Gulf War and who vouches for Mr. Sada, who once held him captive, as "an honest and honorable man."

In his visit to the Sun yesterday, Mr. Sada was accompanied by Terry Law, the president of a Tulsa, Oklahoma based Christian humanitarian organization called World Compassion. Mr. Law said he has known Mr. Sada since 2002, lived in his house in Iraq and had Mr. Sada as a guest in his home in America. "Do I believe this man? Yes," Mr. Law said. "It's been solid down the line and everything checked out."

Said Mr. Law, "This is not a publicity hound. This is a man who wants peace putting his family on the line."

Mr. Sada acknowledged that the disclosures about transfers of weapons of mass destruction are "a very delicate issue." He said he was afraid for his family. "I am sure the terrorists will not like it. The Saddamists will not like it," he said.

He thanked the American troops. "They liberated the country and the nation. It is a liberation force. They did a great job," he said. "We have been freed."

He said he had not shared his story until now with any American officials. "I kept everything secret in my heart," he said. But he is scheduled to meet next week in Washington with Senators Sessions and Inhofe, Republicans of, respectively, Alabama and Oklahoma. Both are members of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The book also says that on the eve of the first Gulf War, Saddam was planning to use his air force to launch a chemical weapons attack on Israel.

When, during an interview with the Sun in April 2004, Vice President Cheney was asked whether he thought that Iraqi weapons of mass destruction had been moved to Syria, Mr. Cheney replied only that he had seen such reports.

An article in the Fall 2005 Middle East Quarterly reports that in an appearance on Israel's Channel 2 on December 23, 2002, Israel's prime minister, Ariel Sharon, stated, "Chemical and biological weapons which Saddam is endeavoring to conceal have been moved from Iraq to Syria." The allegation was denied by the Syrian government at the time as "completely untrue," and it attracted scant American press attention, coming as it did on the eve of the Christmas holiday.

The Syrian ruling party and Saddam Hussein had in common the ideology of Baathism, a mixture of Nazism and Marxism.

Syria is one of only eight countries that has not signed the Chemical Weapons Convention, a treaty that obligates nations not to stockpile or use chemical weapons. Syria's chemical warfare program, apart from any weapons that may have been received from Iraq, has long been the source of concern to America, Israel, and Lebanon. In March 2004, the director of Central Intelligence, George Tenet, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee, saying, "Damascus has an active CW development and testing program that relies on foreign suppliers for key controlled chemicals suitable for producing CW."

The CIA's Iraq Survey Group acknowledged in its September 30, 2004, "Comprehensive Report," "we cannot express a firm view on the possibility that WMD elements were relocated out of Iraq prior to the war. Reports of such actions exist, but we have not yet been able to investigate this possibility thoroughly."

Mr. Sada is an unusual figure for an Iraqi general as he is a Christian and was not a member of the Baath Party. He now directs the Iraq operations of the Christian humanitarian organization, World Compassion.

[igloo]

No comments?--I guess too much time spent figuring out how the Bush administration was behind 9/11, because that is believable, but not how a brutal dictator with a brutal WMD track record with a long history of deception, in the Middle East, could ever do something like move WMD's out before the war....nah, that is not even remotely believeable as a joing Bush-Sharon conspiracy to blow up the Pentagon as a precursor to taking over the ME for oil, Haliburton, and more land for ISrael...

[drlogic]

No comments?--I guess too much time spent figuring out how the Bush administration was behind 9/11, because that is believable, but not how a brutal dictator with a brutal WMD track record with a long history of deception, in the Middle East, could ever do something like move WMD's out before the war....nah, that is not even remotely believeable as a joing Bush-Sharon conspiracy to blow up the Pentagon as a precursor to taking over the ME for oil, Haliburton, and more land for ISrael...

well put,,,,that pretty much sums up the critics and the island they've marooned themselves on.

[igloo]

well put,,,,that pretty much sums up the critics and the island they've marooned themselves on.

yup

[ou812]

Well the excerpts of a book written by No. 2 is enough for me. Course it would help if this could be attested to by actual weapons inspectors. Until such time that it's substantiated do you really want to use this as an argueing point?

I thought that was a tactic of the left-wing to argue using baseless claims,

[igloo]

Well the excerpts of a book written by No. 2 is enough for me. Course it would help if this could be attested to by actual weapons inspectors. Until such time that it's substantiated do you really want to use this as an argueing point?

I thought that was a tactic of the left-wing to argue using baseless claims,

I think the point is that the left/hate Bush/hate America crowd would put more weight and credibility into the most ridiculous consipracy theories when they are levied against the U.S. and Bush (hint--you) versus even giving some thought or pause into something like this--whereas a ruthless dictator with a track record of murder, torture, slaughter, terror, lies and deception would get the benefit of the doubt --

...or would get a response like "Well the excerpts of a book written by No. 2 is enough for me. Course it would help if this could be attested to by actual weapons inspectors. Until such time that it's substantiated do you really want to use this as an argueing point?

I think you proved the point! Thanks...

BTW- since you are into 9/11 conspiracy theories, I suggest you read Meyssan's book...it is the Bible of 9/11 conspiracy theories...I read it, and then wiped my ass with it, so I can't offer it to you.

BTW--Israeli intelligence from before the war started made those claims, and still do---but of course, they are not to be trusted either.

[ou812]

It's convenient for you lump everyone that doesn't think along your precise wavelength as a leftist, Bush-hating, America-hating communist I know, it's frequently used defensive tactic of the neoconservative I've seen over and over.

You sound very firmly-planted in your convictions, but your rhetoric is no more convincing than that of a lefty lib. I don't classify myself as a devout follower of either party, so don't presume to call me a America-hating leftist. just because I like to formulate my own ideologies without the dogmatic influences of an associated political party like you appear to.

And if your quick to snap self, would have read what I posted in the other thread I clearly said I wasn't a conspiracy theorist, I said I looked at all the available scientific information that is currently public knowledge and much of what happened simply doesn't add up, no more no less. So stop acting so pretentious.

[igloo]

It's convenient for you lump everyone that doesn't think along your precise wavelength as a leftist, Bush-hating, America-hating communist I know, it's frequently used defensive tactic of the neoconservative I've seen over and over.

You sound very firmly-planted in your convictions, but your rhetoric is no more convincing than that of a lefty lib. I don't classify myself as a devout follower of either party, so don't presume to call me a America-hating leftist. just because I like to formulate my own ideologies without the dogmatic influences of an associated political party like you appear to.

And if your quick to snap self, would have read what I posted in the other thread I clearly said I wasn't a conspiracy theorist, I said I looked at all the available scientific information that is currently public knowledge and much of what happened simply doesn't add up, no more no less. So stop acting so pretentious.

Little sensitive about being labeled left/Bush hating......pour some cold water on your vagina and relax......and word of advice, you shouldn't be so sensitive about labels, and than throw around the "neo-con" one....little silly...

Scientific information available and made the decision that it doesn't add up......hahahahahahahahaahahaha....fucking great...

This post is the same rhetoric used by every Bush hating, blame America first, leftist as a defensive tactic that I have seen over and over and over and over.....

Get real son....I think you need to stop being pretentious with this bullshit post......"formulate my own ideologies without the dogmatic influences"...excellent!

[ghhhhhost]

this is basically igloo's idea of the way things should be in america..nice job goering

"Eliminationist rhetoric calling liberals traitors, saying we should be tried for treason, saying we support terrorism, foul-mouthed death threats. Beating up liberals on the street, attacking Arabs or people who look like them. Kidnappings and transportation to third-world countries or Guantanamo for torture"

[igloo]

this is basically igloo's idea of the way things should be in america..nice job goering

"Eliminationist rhetoric calling liberals traitors, saying we should be tried for treason, saying we support terrorism, foul-mouthed death threats. Beating up liberals on the street, attacking Arabs or people who look like them. Kidnappings and transportation to third-world countries or Guantanamo for torture"

wow.....what brilliance by schmuckboy......how original..........thanks for this contribution--print it and staple it to your ass as a badge of honor dickhead..

[drlogic]

this is basically igloo's idea of the way things should be in america..nice job goering

"Eliminationist rhetoric calling liberals traitors, saying we should be tried for treason, saying we support terrorism, foul-mouthed death threats. Beating up liberals on the street, attacking Arabs or people who look like them. Kidnappings and transportation to third-world countries or Guantanamo for torture"

The critics know who they are and know how misguided they are. Whether or not they admit it is another story?

I personally prefere to see them try to justify the unjustifiable, talk down the positive economy and acheivments made by our military and newly liberated people of Afghan and Iraq. I love to see UBL and Zawahiri quote democrat talking points......

Shall I continue? LOL

[ghhhhhost]

those people r so happy to be "liberated" that they aim to kill @ least 10 american soldiers per day...

if thats liberty..then keep me enslaved

[ou812]

Little sensitive about being labeled left/Bush hating......pour some cold water on your vagina and relax......and word of advice, you shouldn't be so sensitive about labels, and than throw around the "neo-con" one....little silly...

Scientific information available and made the decision that it doesn't add up......hahahahahahahahaahahaha....fucking great...

This post is the same rhetoric used by every Bush hating, blame America first, leftist as a defensive tactic that I have seen over and over and over and over.....

Get real son....I think you need to stop being pretentious with this bullshit post......"formulate my own ideologies without the dogmatic influences"...excellent!

See, your problem is you label everyone that has a problem with the Administration as a hater of America. There's a very clear distinction there that you seem to convenienty ignore over and over.

BTW, I can't take serious anyone that refuses to debate without spewing insult ridden diatribes, it kinda takes away from your credibility so grow up.

[ghhhhhost]

wow.....what brilliance by schmuckboy......how original..........thanks for this contribution--print it and staple it to your ass as a badge of honor dickhead..

congratulations...resorting to name calling really helps me see ur side of the argument

[bigpoppanils]

It's convenient for you lump everyone that doesn't think along your precise wavelength as a leftist, Bush-hating, America-hating communist I know, it's frequently used defensive tactic of the neoconservative I've seen over and over.

You sound very firmly-planted in your convictions, but your rhetoric is no more convincing than that of a lefty lib. I don't classify myself as a devout follower of either party, so don't presume to call me a America-hating leftist. just because I like to formulate my own ideologies without the dogmatic influences of an associated political party like you appear to.

And if your quick to snap self, would have read what I posted in the other thread I clearly said I wasn't a conspiracy theorist, I said I looked at all the available scientific information that is currently public knowledge and much of what happened simply doesn't add up, no more no less. So stop acting so pretentious.

this needs to be reposted to drive the point home.

[igloo]

See, your problem is you label everyone that has a problem with the Administration as a hater of America. There's a very clear distinction there that you seem to convenienty ignore over and over.

BTW, I can't take serious anyone that refuses to debate without spewing insult ridden diatribes, it kinda takes away from your credibility so grow up.

Son, please STFU....I do not label everyone who disagrees with Bush as a hater of America, far from it douchebag.....if someone is spewing anti-American bullshit, than I will call you out on it...if someone is spewing anti-Bush shit without merit, I will call you out on it....spare me your crying about labels jerkoff.....

ANd I can't take someone serious who subscribes to bullshit conspiracy theories (ooopps, my mistake-scientific evidence ), yet quickly diminishes or discounts one because it may be pro-Bush or pro-U.S.....like you conveniently did to prove my point....nice job retard.

And trust me shitstain...I am not worried about what you think about my "credibility"....I am secure in my ability to spewopinions with merit...I think you are the little insecure bitch..

Now stop yor crying bigfoot

[drlogic]

those people r so happy to be "liberated" that they aim to kill @ least 10 american soldiers per day...

if thats liberty..then keep me enslaved

Thankfully, it's because of people exactly the opposite of you that we landed on the moon and explored space.

You enjoy the liberty you have INSPITE of yourself!

[igloo]

this needs to be reposted to drive the point home.

And of course, the obligatory bigpoops post when igloo is having it out with someone........"ooohhh..oooh, look igloo is brawling with someone, here is my chance to jump in and get a one-liner in, because on my own, igloo is too rough on me......."

DO you ever tire of being so lame....

[ou812]

I know Nils, but it doesn't really seem to matter.

And igloo, thank you for re-affirming my statement. :aight:

[igloo]

I know Nils, but it doesn't really seem to matter.

And igloo, thank you for re-affirming my statement. :aight:

No problem jerkoff (oops a curse)...and thanks for being so predictable and validating my original statement. Schmuck

[ou812]

No problem jerkoff (oops a curse)...and thanks for being so predictable and validating my original statement. Schmuck

Ditto

[drlogic]

Ditto

it takes more guts to be friends!

[bigpoppanils]

DO you ever tire of being so lame....

do you ever tire of reposting arguments?

[drlogic]

do the bush haters ever tire of being so consistently wrong?

being wrong never stopped the bush haters...they just keep tripping over the same rock. Even when the other side tells them "watch out for that rock".....they only tend to trip harder.

give 'em hell igloo....i missed all this bullshit...........want some good laughs,,,lets watch the actions and facial expression from the demz tonight at the SOTU address......I think the demz will have that "i just bit into a lemon" face.........like they always do!.....

[igloo]

do you ever tire of reposting arguments?

:laugh: ...jesus, just STFU already