A Pilgrim’s Digression

The New York Times is now reporting that early tests indicate the chemicals found in Iraq are nerve gas and mustard gas, though more extensive tests here in the states will have to be done to determine the truth of the matter. The story is here:

U.S. Finds Barrels That May Hold Chemical Arms

I have no doubt, whether it is true or not, no one will be convinced who is not already convinced. People will say that the U.S. military planted those WMDs themselves (probably from our very own cache of prohibited weapons!).

Still, it is important for Bush to be able to prove that this war was not undertaken under the pretense of an outright lie. And yet suppose it is discovered that these chemicals are indeed chemical weapons. Why didn’t Saddam use them? Certainly he had nothing to lose. The answer commonly given to that question is, “Well, he has his historical legacy and reputation to think of.” To which I have to laugh and say, “What reputation? What legacy? The man’s reputation is as a beast, so by using these weapons he would only be confirming what people already think of him.”

Personally, I think the ferociousness of the way the Iraqis have fought this war only proves the worst of Saddam and his minions. I understand that the media has a vested interest in making the enemy appear as bestial and evil as possible, but the worst even the Iraqi media can say about us is that sometimes our bombs go astray and hit a civilian target. The Iraqis have stopped only at using weapons of mass destruction; few other gross atrocities have been beyond them. There was a story in the press last week about a group of soldiers forcing Iraqi women at gunpoint across a bridge in order to defend themselves from American fire. The Iraqis were going to attempt to blow the bridge with the women as cover. One woman was killed, another wounded in the ensuing firefight.

The Pentagon is reporting that something like 2000 Iraqi soldiers were killed this weekend in battles in and around Baghdad. So far, I think only four deaths have been reported on the American side. The Pentagon is not saying how many Iraqi soldiers have been killed in the war thus far, for obvious reasons. Some people would find it shocking, maybe a little uncomfortable.

I saw a picture today of an American marine sitting in camp, reading his Bible; he had written the words “Kill ‘em all!” in magic marker across his helmet.