Letter: We gave Iraq weapons of war

Thursday, Jan. 2, 2003 | 8:29 a.m.

There is a quotation, often cited, that says, "The sins of the father will be visited upon the son." This quotation came to mind when I read the Dec. 30 article in The Washington Post by Michael Dobbs, "U.S. had key role in Iraq buildup."

The article discusses the Reagan/Bush role in the support of Saddam Hussein and his regime from 1983 through 1992. I was shocked to learn that we had removed Iraq from the "terrorist list" and provided Iraq with billions of dollars in credit, intelligence and arms, including chemical and biological materials.

Key players in this were Donald Rumsfeld and CIA Director William Casey. Now we find ourselves again on the verge of war with Iraq. A war led by the son of President George Bush No. 1. A war in which more American GIs and airmen will pay the ultimate price.

Some of the casualties may be by the result of weaponry, biological or chemical agents furnished to Iraq by the Reagan/Bush administrations. The proverbial Biblical irony of it all!

RAYMOND HARBERT

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