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10/24/2004: "Iraqi Nuke Triggers missing"

Via Drudge, a New York Times article about missing explosives from the Al Qaqaa (For Democrats, "Qaqaa" scrabble score: 23) bunker complex. Missing are HMX and RDX explosives, suitable for blowing up airplanes, buildings, and initiating nuclear reactions. The New York Times article implies that we lost these deadly weapons because of our rush to war and careless treatment thereafter.

First, much of this was lost during the Clinton era. Second, we don't know how much of it was destroyed. Third, there was a lot to do, it was impossible to lock don the entire country overnight. Fourth, what was Saddam doing with this stuff anyway?

And finally, why now? The Times notes that "on Sunday an Iraqi employee of The New York Times who made a furtive visit to the site saw looters tearing out metal fixtures." Note the dog that did not bark; there seem to be no more explosives there. This is not a breaking story. It seems that the biased old grey lady is resurrecting a news story to try to discredit our policy in Iraq just before an election.
Addendum----------------------------------------------------------
As usual on matters Iraq, Jason Van Steenwyk has a great post.