A private defense expert states that the United States government is examining the possibility of using nuclear weapons against specific targets in Iraq. William Arkin writes in an article for the Los Angeles Times today - Sunday - that the Bush administration may approve the use of nuclear weapons as a last resort against bunkers and depots that have been dug deep underground in Iraq and contain weapons of mass destruction. A White House official has informed Voice of America that the U.S. government reserves its right to take necessary action in all circumstances for self-defense and to protect its allies. Mr. Arkin notes that U.S. military officials have been considering the potential use of nuclear weapons against Iraq for some time. Donald Rumsfeld, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, signed a document in 2001 directing military officials to prepare plans for attacking foreign weapons of mass destruction facilities even if foreign countries do not initiate an attack on the U.S.
Defense Expert: The U.S. Government is Considering the Use of Nuclear Weapons Against Specific Targets in Iraq - 2003-01-26
A defense expert reveals that the U.S. government is contemplating the use of nuclear weapons against specific targets in Iraq, particularly against deep underground bunkers housing weapons of mass destruction. This consideration comes amidst ongoing military strategies and reflects the Bush administration's stance on national defense. The implications of such a strategy raise significant concerns about international law and regional stability.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The U.S. government is reportedly considering the use of nuclear weapons against specific targets in Iraq, particularly underground bunkers housing weapons of mass destruction. This consideration is part of broader military strategies under the Bush administration.
- The Bush administration may approve nuclear strikes as a last resort.
- Plans have been in development since at least 2001 under Donald Rumsfeld's direction.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
In 2003, the U.S. was building a case for military intervention in Iraq, citing weapons of mass destruction as a primary concern.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%