From a captured Iraqi position John Simpson of the BBC reported further evidence that Iraqi forces have at least been preparing for chemical warfare. This included the discovery of stocks of protective atropine and a document listing the duties of an officer in training troops in the use of chemical weapons. In a posting several weeks ago, BC reported on a Radio France International interview with a Republican Guard defector in the north. He described weekly training in the use of chemical weapons.

Simpson did add, however, that no weapons stocks were discovered. That raises several questions: Are the Iraqis bluffing? Were the weapons removed before the Iraqis left? Or, more likely, are chemical weapons being held by specific units under more direct orders from the regime?