They are called 'The Searchers'. But what are they looking for?

[DoYouEverWonder]

Independent.co.uk


21 September 2003

Some 1,400 British and American experts are supposedly scouring Iraq to prove what Tony Blair and George Bush claimed before the war - that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction which posed an imminent threat to the world. But most of the Iraq Survey Group, the body created by the victorious coalition to replace the UN weapons inspectors, is not even in Iraq at the moment.

And only a small fraction of the ISG is actually assigned to looking for WMD. The site inspections group, known to colleagues as "the searchers", has 200 personnel, but that includes back-up staff, translators and drivers. Even the searchers do very little work on visiting suspect sites. "That was what the 75th Expeditionary Force were doing, and they don't need to replay that task," said a source in Baghdad. Another joked: "They have spent their time doing their laundry and napping."

The ISG engaged in a flurry of activity when it first came into Iraq in late June and early July, conducting a full range of interviews with Iraqis previously involved in Saddam's weapons programmes, for example. But the inspectors have failed to contact many of those they did not take into custody at the time, such as a nuclear scientist who was interviewed by the ISG early on and has heard nothing since.

In Washington, meanwhile, officials claim that former weapons scientists may have to be given immunity from prosecution to "overcome their fear" of the former regime. The hope is that scientists who say that Saddam's regime destroyed its WMD more than a decade ago might change their tune once they have immunity. But last week their view received powerful support from Hans Blix, the former chief weapons inspector. Dr Blix, who has become ever more outspoken since his retirement in the summer, said he now believes it is almost certain that Iraq got rid of its illegal weapons immediately after the first Gulf War. He condemned British and American "spin" on WMD, saying: "We know that advertisers will advertise a refrigerator in terms they do not quite believe in, but you expect governments to be more serious and have more credibility."

Just when you think you couldn't be outraged more than you already are, there's another report that is even more unbelievable regarding the antics of this misadministration.

I get the feeling this is going to be a bad week for W & Blair. Can't wait for W to fall on his face at the UN.

[wtmusic]

1. What are they looking for? That's the easy part

A reason

[asjr]

5. searchers

The ones who planted the evidence have forgotten where they hid it. They are now using a Ouija Board trying to find out. The Master Plan has failed. But nevermind, it will all go away. The whole world knows that this administration lied and lied. There are any number of reasons this WH in its entirety should be impeached and no one is beginning the proceedings, or rather following up on it. The most corrupt administration in history is getting away with ruining the entire world and will continue to do so. They just keep on the campaign trail--that is their major obective right now. I wonder what planet we have been beamed up to. There is so much more damage that can be done before 2004. I am tired of putting up with this crap! Let's all make plans to picket the WH. Thousands upon thousands marching with our signs and telling those people to get out of our house 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I am pissed!

[DoYouEverWonder]

6. It's way past the time

to remove W & Co from office. Going to WAR for political and financial gain is a high crime. W & Co should be warming a prison bench not running/ruining the country.

[wtmusic]

8. I wonder if Smirk cheated

when he played Ouija as a kid.

Nah, I don't wonder.

[Nottingham]

2. If we keep Looking then we can still say they are there Hiding!

Imaginary friends! Easter Bunny is still on the lose!

[Jack Rabbit]

3. Perhaps they should look for Natalie Wood?

At least she was a real person.

[Whoa_Nelly]

4. WTF

former weapons scientists may have to be given immunity from prosecution to "overcome their fear" of the former regime.

...and just HOW are these poor scared scientists going to be shown THE WAY to "overcome their fear"?

Let's see...
Possible Psychological Methods

Keep in dark enclosure for months

Use cattle prods at any given moment

Hold up pictures of their loved ones, offer words of "encouragemnet", and then slash the photos, perhaps burn them

Hold secret tribunals that seem to be only innocent fact-gathering interviews

Cover heads, tie hands and feet, and play loud rock music for days at a time

Use halogen spotlights directed at them for days at a time while not allowing them to sleep

Play a monotous monologue that keeps repeating the words. "You are liberated. You are free. The Americans have liberated you. You are free."

etc....

:puke: and :grr:

[SharonAnn]

7. A Clue!

They're looking for a clue for The Clueless One.