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Filename:029pgv.91d

How do you evaluate Iraq's nuclear, chemical, and biological 
capability . . .?




(U) Iraq has a formidable chemical weapons capability.  It has 
more battlefield experience using chemical weapons than any other 
country in the world.  In addition to inflicting Iran with 
significant numbers of chemical casualties during the Iran-Iraq 
War, Saddam authorized use of these weapons against his own
Kurdish population.  Iraq has the capability to deliver its 
arsenal of nerve and blister agents to virtually any depth of the 
tactical battlefield.  Saddam' chemical delivery means include 
artillery, rockets, aircraft, and missiles.

(U) Some of Iraq's chemical weapons are better suited for use as 
terror weapons against civilian population centers.  This is 
especially true of his missile systems which are relatively 
inaccurate.  Iraq's missiles are not considered a significant 
threat to military point targets.  Aircraft, commonly used during 
the Iran-Iraq War to deliver chemical agent, would have to 
overcome the superior air defense systems of coalition forces to 
become a viable delivery option.  In spite of these mitigating 
factors, Iraq's chemical weapons pose a threat to the coalition, 
if timely protective measures are not taken prior to an attack.

(U) Iraq is also developing biological weapons and working 
diligently to obtain a nuclear capability.  Like chemical weapons, 
Iraq's biological agents are well suited for use against civilian 
or military population centers.

[   (b)(6)   ]

 



 

 

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