On March 1st Iraq began destroying it's Al-Samoud missiles. They destroyed 2 on the 1st, and today they destroyed 4 more as well as some peripherals.

The method they are using is running over the missiles with bulldozers. The weapons inspectors asked that the missiles be destroyed with explosives.

The reason the inspectors asked for explosives to be used? Because it would be the quickest, most efficient method of destroying those missiles, but the Iraqi's said no to the quickest, most efficient method.

Interesting..... ;)

Lets also point out that Iraq said if it feels threatened by the US it will stop destroying these missiles. Obviously the current US threat isn't thought of as threatening, so I think they are saying any increased threat.

My predictions (like anyone cares [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img] )...

1.) Using bulldozers to destroy the Al-Samoud missiles will allow the Iraqis the option of cooperating for a longer period of time, while actually destroying less, but the Iraqis will stop the process of destroying the missiles.

2.) An agreement will be reached and the Iraqis will restart the process of destroying the missiles. Yes, they will restart the process because the halt in the process will be another delaying tactic, and a way to blame Iraqi's failure to disarm on the US or anyone else they can manage to shift the blame to.

3.) When the Iraqis claim the destruction of the Al-Samoud missiles is complete, there will be some dispute between the total number of missiles that actually exist, and those that have been destroyed.

4.) Finally, all of the 300+ missile engines illegally purchased by and delivered to Iraq will not be destroyed or accounted for.

[ 03-02-2003, 03:11 PM: Message edited by: Ronn_Bman ]

Perhaps they're saving their explosives another future use? ;)