Axis of Evil: Evidence for Bush’s Claim

Secretary General of NATO, criticized the "axis of evil" phrase used by Bush as lacking any meaningful significance. Ludger Volmer, Germany's Deputy Foreign Minister, cautioned against attacking Iraq due to a lack of concrete evidence linking them to terrorism. Kong Quan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, disapproved of using such language in international relations. In Saudi Arabia's Al Riyad newspaper, it was stated that the world's sole superpower is imposing dominance and President Bush is making arbitrary decisions for American control. France's Foreign Minister, Hubert Vi??drine, expressed concerns about a simplistic approach solely focusing on fighting terrorism to solve global issues. Despite opposition to Bush's speech, there are indications that these two countries are involved in the alleged activities they are accused of. However, it is important to question the actual evidence supporting claims that these three nations possess weapons of mass destruction and support terrorism as means to achieve their objectives and threaten world peace.

I will categorize the project into subheadings for each state and conclude by discussing the produced evidence.

Glossary

• WMD: Weapons of Mass Destruction
• IAEA: International Atomic Energy Agency
• NPT: Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty
• CWC: Chemical Weapons Convention
• UNSCOM: United Nations Special Commission on Iraq
• CW: Chemical Weapons

Iran

Iran and the United States have lacked diplomatic relations since Iranian fundamentalists sieged the US Embassy in Iran in 1979. However, recently there has been a warming of relations, as the Iranian President has implemented democratic reforms within Iran.

The President, sponsored by the United Nations, organized a 'Dialogue Among Civilizations' and stressed the significance of enhanced private exchanges between Iranians and Americans. So far, there have only been limited exchanges. In November 2001, during a UN Assembly meeting, US Secretary of

State Colin Powell and the Iranian Foreign Minister shook hands, marking the most substantial dialogue between the two nations since the 1979 hostage crisis. After September 11, Iran supported the US in its attack on Afghanistan, which included search and rescue missions.

Iran played a significant role in securing the Bonn agreement on the Afghan interim government, although mostly behind the scenes. However, tensions between Iran and the United States escalated when US President George Bush accused Iran of being part of an "axis of evil". According to Bush, Iran actively seeks weapons and exports terror, while a small group of unelected individuals suppresses the Iranian people's aspirations for freedom. The US National Security advisor at that time, Condoles Rice, later stated that Iran's direct support for terrorism on both regional and global levels and its efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction undermine any positive intentions it may have shown shortly after the world's most devastating terrorist attacks.

Nuclear Weapons

Iran insists that its nuclear program is peaceful and subject to inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in accordance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Nevertheless, there are compelling signs indicating that Iran's main objective with its nuclear program is to acquire materials necessary for developing nuclear weapons. The program was initiated during the reign of the Shah and underwent weapon research until the 1979 Revolution, resuming in 1980.

Despite being the leading global oil producer, Iran possesses nuclear facilities that exceed its electricity requirements. Although Iran can fulfill its energy needs solely with oil, it does not necessitate the use of nuclear power. Even if Iran intends to utilize nuclear energy for peaceful objectives, engaging

in activities like the nuclear fuel cycle and reprocessing is unnecessary as they serve only to generate materials for atomic fission and violate the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty). According to a recent CIA report, a notable portion of Iran's nuclear program is dedicated to developing nuclear weapons.

The Iranian Government is building a uranium conversion facility and a 1,000-megawatt nuclear reactor in Bushehr, Iran's South West corner. While Iran claims that these facilities are for its 'Civilian Energy Programme', it has the ability to produce fissile material for nuclear weapons. These facilities would significantly enhance Iran's research and development program for nuclear weapons. However, Iran states that all its nuclear facilities in Bushehr undergo rigorous inspections by the IAEA and no violations of the NPT have been found so far.

Iran reportedly has important nuclear research facilities scattered throughout the country at undisclosed 'clandestine sites' under strict military control. These facilities, including Sharif University of Technology, allegedly serve as both a 'procurement front' and a research center for Iran's 'bomb' program. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) does not inspect these sites. Iran relies on assistance from Russia and China to advance its nuclear program. The Soviet Union initially signed an $800 million agreement with Iran for constructing a nuclear reactor and training physicists and technicians, which continued under Yeltsin. However, due to pressure from the United States, both Russia and China have publicly announced their intentions to reduce aid to Iran's nuclear program out of fear it may be intended for manufacturing nuclear weapons.

In October 1997, China pledged to end its cooperation with Iran on a uranium conversion facility and cease all further nuclear collaboration. Similarly, during

a visit to Russia in June 1995, US Vice President Al Gore was assured that Russia would stop delivering conventional weapons to Iran by the end of 1999. President Yeltsin personally guaranteed President Clinton that Russia would not provide sensitive nuclear technology to Iran. Consequently, economic sanctions against Russia were lifted. However, this commitment proved ineffective as Russia continued supporting Iran's nuclear program. In 1998, the Russian Government implemented measures to increase supervision of Russian companies conducting business with Iran.

Despite the restrictions, Russian companies have reportedly found ways to bypass controls and assist Iran. However, there is no evidence in the past three years of illegal transportation of nuclear material from Russia to Iran. The only significant evidence of Iran's desire for nuclear weapons can be traced back to the early 1990s when they attempted to obtain specialized materials from a factory in Kazakhstan. Although Iran claimed their nuclear program was peaceful, it was later discovered that packaged materials marked for shipment to Iran were actually uranium offered to the United States. Eventually, the Kazakhstan Government opted against selling uranium to Iran.

In the end, the uranium was given to the US and covertly transported.

Chemical Weapons

Iran officially approved the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) on November 3, 1997. However, according to the United States, Iran has been running a chemical weapons program since 1984. Limited information is available about Iran's chemical weapons program and there is no solid evidence supporting claims of Iran possessing such weapons.

Under Secretary Holum of the US State department states that there is no public information regarding Iran's possession of chemical weapons. However, it is believed by the US that Iran is

actively working on developing its own capacity to produce both chemical and biological weapons. A CIA report presented to the US Congress reveals that Iran has already stockpiled blister, blood, and choking weapons. The report also indicates that in the first half of 2001, Iran attempted to obtain production technology, training, expertise, equipment, and chemicals from Russia and China.

During the war with Iraq after the ceasefire in 1988, Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani openly acknowledged as the speaker of Iranian parliament and commander-in-chief of Iran's armed forces (later becoming President) emphasized how crucial it was to possess training in chemical, bacteriological, and radiological weapons due to their decisive nature. Rafsanjani criticized the world for not effectively enforcing resolutions while turning a blind eye towards violations and aggressions committed on the battlefield.

We should fully equip ourselves both in the offensive and defensive use of chemical, bacteriological, and radiological weapons. From now on you should make use of the opportunity and perform this task.

Links to Terrorism

There is no doubt that Iran has been and is involved in the sponsoring of terrorist organisations and there is evidence to collaborate this. The US State Department, on my count, lists Iran as having some connection to at least 6 terrorist organisations. Iran has been accused of supporting such groups as Hizzballah, Al-Quida, Hamas and the Islamic Jihad. The CIA accuses Iran of being the 'most active sponsor of state terrorism.'

Reports suggest that Iran has allegedly supported anti-US factions in Afghanistan, contradicting their previous commitment to assist the US's attack on Afghanistan. Afghan officials and the US claim that Iran supplied food, clothing, money, weapons, and personnel to Western Afghanistan with the aim of

challenging the US-backed government in Kabul. The Washington Post reports that Iran also provided weapons and training to Ismai Khan, an Afghan warlord who opposes the US-backed government. Additionally, The New York Times reveals that Iran has offered assistance to Al-Qaeda members who fled Afghanistan. This information has been confirmed by the US Defense Secretary, who stated that certain Al-Qaeda members like Abu Musaab Zarqawi entered Iran through Heart city and were observed in Tehran under Iranian security forces' protection. However, no further details are provided regarding those who witnessed these individuals in Tehran.

Despite the Iranian Foreign Ministry denying reports that "these people are not in Iran, and certain American circles have become accustomed to making and repeating such accusations", there is substantial evidence suggesting Iran's significant role in the attack on Saudi Arabia's Khobar Towers building. This attack resulted in the death of 19 US airmen and the injury of 500 others. Occurring on June 25, 1996, it involved a truck loaded with 500 pounds of plastic explosive being driven into the front parking lot of the Khobar Towers complex where approximately 100 US Air Force personnel were stationed. The explosion happened at this location. No specific individuals from Iran have been directly accused or indicted for their involvement in this incident.

Despite the Saudi Government's prohibition, the Saudi Hizballah regularly assembled in Iran. Iran admitted to carrying out the bombing that took place. The involvement of the group was confirmed by two detainees who disclosed Iranian support in terms of instructions, aid, and funding. Additionally, one suspect asserted to have personally encountered Ahad Sherifi, a member of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Nevertheless, although these

claims were deemed as 'hearsay,' the Clinton Administration decided against taking legal action against Iran.

President Bush has expressed his desire to renew the investigation.

Concerns over Iran's Ballistic Missile Programme

Iran is actively seeking to acquire ballistic missiles, which the US considers a threat to both regional and its own interests. Iran has sought help from Libya, North Korea, and China in developing their missile program. Currently, Iran possesses two nuclear-capable missiles. Additionally, they are making advancements in improving their Shahab 3 missile and have revealed intentions for the Shahab 4 and 5.

The Shahab 3 missile, which has a range of 1,300km and is capable of reaching Turkey, Israel, and Saudi Arabia, has received assistance from Russia. Recently, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei referred to Israel as a "cancerous tumour" that should be eliminated. This puts Israel in a vulnerable position due to the missiles' potential to carry nuclear or chemical weapons. In addition, Iran has publicly stated its intentions to develop longer-range missiles, raising concerns about these weapons falling under Iranian control.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Iran poses not only a threat to the Middle East region but also to the US and its allies. Although there is limited evidence of Iran actively pursuing chemical weapon development, clear indications demonstrate their determination to acquire nuclear weapons and corresponding delivery systems. Furthermore, Iran supports terrorism and is willing to use terrorist tactics in order to achieve its objectives.

According to the CIA, Iran has not yet developed nuclear weapons. Recently, there have been no new cases of Iran smuggling nuclear material from Russia. The election of President Khatami in May 1997 has increased the possibility of reform in Iran. It is

possible that Iran will reduce its efforts to manufacture nuclear weapons and stop supporting terrorist activities. South Africa's Foreign Minister stated that Iran is not part of an "axis of evil" and has actually been opposing the Taliban and al-Qaeda. She also mentioned that Iran has been at the forefront of fighting against the Taliban before September 11.

They have lost a significant number of civilians in their battle against drug trafficking by the Taliban. However, there are strong indications today that Iran is still actively pursuing nuclear weapons and providing support to terrorist groups. The lack of a robust democratic system in Iran, coupled with the concentration of power in the hands of the Iranian Supreme Council, known for their extremist Islamic beliefs, justifies why America and its allies continue to perceive a threat.

Iraq

Iraq currently asserts that they possess no Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). It is acknowledged that Iraq has been actively seeking WMD for an extended period.

Iraq has acknowledged using chemical weapons, including WMD, against Iran and Iraqi Kurdish populations in Northern Iraq. As part of the 1991 Gulf War ceasefire, Iraq agreed to abandon its pursuit of WMD without any conditions. The United Nations established the UN Special Commission (UNSCOM), which was tasked with ensuring Iraq's compliance. The Security Council issued Resolutions that mandated Iraq's complete cooperation with UNSCOM in destroying, removing, or neutralizing all WMD. However, in 1998, UNSCOM withdrew from Iraq due to obstacles created by the Iraqi government that obstructed their ability to perform thorough inspections of potential weapon sites. Iraq alleged that the UNSCOM team had links to the CIA and was providing them with information.

Since 1998, Iraq

has refused to allow UN weapon inspectors back in Iraq, resulting in US and British air strikes against Iraqi weapon sites. The British Government believes that Saddam Hussein still values the possession of weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles as crucial for Iraq's regional power. The pressing issue now is to determine if Iraq has maintained compliance with the UN Resolutions that forbid the development of WMD.

The presence of weapon inspectors in Iraq is crucial for determining the truth about the country's possession of WMD. Currently, there is a lack of concrete evidence that suggests Iraq has been actively proliferating WMD. However, numerous sources such as newspaper articles, magazine reports, intelligence briefs, and unverified eyewitness accounts strongly indicate that Iraq has persistently pursued WMD.

Nuclear Weapons

Iraq initiated its nuclear program during the 1950s.

The Iraqi Atomic Energy Commission, with assistance from the Soviet Union, constructed two research reactors, which were utilized for the enrichment of Iraq's plentiful imported uranium. Unfortunately, one of these reactors was demolished as a result of an Israeli air assault, while the other remained unfinished. As Iraq's conflict with Iran intensified and their position weakened in the war, they opted to escalate their nuclear program.

According to the British Government, in 1991, Iraq decided to undertake a 'crash programme' to develop a nuclear weapon within a year. This clear violation of its obligations as a signatory of the NPT was assessed. However, by the time of the Gulf War, very little progress had been made. It is worth mentioning that the IAEA acknowledged Iraq's efforts to destroy most of its nuclear program before departing in 1998. In a letter addressed to

the President of the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary General reported that Iraq had provided the necessary level of cooperation to successfully complete the aforementioned activities.

However, Dr Khidhir Hamza, the former leader of Iraq's nuclear program and the sole source of information with direct access to Iraq's nuclear program, disputes the claims of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). During a US Congressional inquiry, Hamza argues that even if the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) had destroyed Iraq's entire nuclear program, the IAEA would have been powerless to prevent the reconstruction of what was destroyed. Hamza further asserts that detecting new weapon sites would prove challenging for any future weapons inspectors due to the existence of backup facilities. He claims that if one site is discovered or at risk of exposure, all activities are immediately transferred to these alternative locations. Additionally, Hamza reveals that Iraq camouflages its nuclear infrastructure by distributing it among various Iraqi corporations, thus concealing its true intentions. Hamza's testimony before Congress indicates that not only has Iraq continued and reconstructed its nuclear program, but it may have also established multiple production sites.

Iraq has retained its nuclear scientists, technicians, and documentation. The British Government's recent assessment stated that Iraq is trying to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons. According to German Intelligence and Hamza, Iraq has more than 10 tons of uranium and more than one ton of slightly enriched uranium, enough to produce bomb grade uranium for three nuclear weapons by 2005. The absence of a civilian nuclear program suggests Iraq's ongoing involvement in nuclear weapon production.

Despite lacking the necessary equipment to convert uranium into weapons grade material, Iraq is rumored

to have tried purchasing enriching equipment. Such actions strongly suggest Iraq's aim to develop nuclear weaponry. The extent of Iraq's progress in this endeavor remains speculative.

According to the US Department of Defense, Iraq could develop a weapon within 5 years with the help of foreign aid. Various reports suggest a range of 2 to 5 years. The only direct involvement with Iraq's nuclear program comes from Dr Khidhir Hamza's evidence presented to Congress. Other reports are based on speculation. Nevertheless, considering the evidence available and additional information, it is highly probable that Iraq is making efforts to build a nuclear weapon.

Chemical Weapons

Iraq denies having any chemical weapons, but since there are no weapon inspectors present in the country, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. However, various reports from western governments and other sources indicate that Iraq may possess or be producing chemical weapons. According to the CIA, Iraq could have the capacity to resume its chemical and biological weapon programs within a short period of time. After the US/ British bombing of Iraq in 1998 under Operation Desert Fox, Iraq began to reconstruct its chemical production infrastructure, which involved restoring former facilities previously used for manufacturing chemical weapons.

Iraq asserts that these buildings are for the manufacturing of chemicals intended for commercial purposes. However, without weapons inspectors physically present in Iraq, it is impossible to confirm this claim. In December 1998, UNSCOM informed the UN Security Council that Iraq persistently withheld specific details regarding its chemical weapons (CW) program. During one instance, Iraqi officials confiscated an Iraqi Air Force document from UNSCOM inspectors, indicating that Iraq had

not utilized as many CW weapons during its conflict with Iran as it had previously declared.

According to UNSCOM, Iraq possesses an estimated 6,000 unaccounted for chemical weapons (CW) munitions. Additionally, Iraq has chosen to keep all of its CW scientists. Iraq maintains that it unilaterally destroyed all data related to CW production, but this claim raises doubts about the need for retaining their scientists. Nevertheless, Saddam Hussein highly regards his team of scientists.

After the Gulf War, Iraqi scientists and engineers managed to rebuild the majority of the chemical warfare infrastructure that was destroyed in the bombing. Dr Khidhir Hamza asserts that during the UN inspections, the Iraqi chemical warfare scientists and engineers were employed by the government in civilian roles as a means to conceal their true activities from UNSCOM. This arrangement allowed the scientists to have legitimate work while still continuing their weapons of mass destruction (WMD) projects.

Links to Terrorism

The allegations of Iraq's involvement with terrorists and its use of terrorism to achieve certain objectives are substantial.

In this essay, I will focus on evidence reported in the media regarding Saddam Hussein's long history of involvement in international terrorism. According to Security Council Resolution 687, Iraq was required to cease all support for international terrorism. Of particular concern to the global community is the Iraqi Government's financial assistance to Palestinian families whose members have carried out suicide bombings in Israel. It should be noted that Iraq considers any group opposing Israel through violence as freedom fighters attempting to reclaim their land, rather than terrorists. The primary concern for advocates of invading Iraq lies in its connections with terrorist organizations.

According to their claim,

if Saddam Hussein indeed possesses weapons of mass destruction (WMD), he has the potential to provide terrorist groups with said weapons. On November 8, 2001, an interview with Sabah Khodada, a former captain in the Iraqi military, was aired by PBS Frontline, an American Television Network. Khodada alleges that he served in a "special camp" established by the Iraqi Government to train individuals, both Iraqis and non-Iraqis, in terrorist tactics. He asserts that Saddam's suicide squad of soldiers, known as the Iraqi Fedeayeen, and non-Iraqis were instructed in various acts related to terrorism such as assassination, kidnapping, hijacking airplanes, hijacking buses, hijacking trains, and other similar operations. Khodada further claims a direct connection between Saddam himself and his son with the training activities. It is important to note, however, that Khodada currently resides in the United States and is affiliated with the Iraqi National Congress, an organization created and funded by the US Government with the intention of changing the regime in Iraq.

Although there is no evidence to dispute Khodada's claims, there is also no evidence to corroborate it. Members of UNSCOM reported seeing the camp while in Iraq and were informed that it was to train riot police. Iraq has reported having strong links with Abu Nidal, the head of the Abu Nidal Organisation. This organization is blamed for the slaughter of 19 people in twin attacks on the El Al check-in desks at Rome and Vienna airports in 1986 and is wanted worldwide for terrorist activity.

Iraq provided financial support to Nidal's group, known as 'Black June', who operated against Iraq's enemies. Despite being expelled from Iraq in the past, Nidal was found

dead in a hotel in Baghdad. There is a strong possibility that Iraq allowed Nidal to stay in the country until his death, which is rumored to have been ordered by Saddam Hussein. Additionally, there have been other claims of Iraqi involvement in terrorism, such as a plot in 1993 to assassinate former US President Bush. The bomb was discovered by FBI investigators and Kuwaiti officials before it could be detonated.

The CIA and the FBI analyzed a bomb and determined it to be an 'Iraqi government bomb'. In response, the US launched 24 cruise missiles against Iraq. Iraq has been implicated in the attempted bombing of the New York World Trade Centre in 1993 and 1996. Additionally, Iraq has been accused of involvement in the recent attacks on September 11th. There have been suggestions that some Al-Quida members escaped Afghanistan and now reside in Northern Iraq.

However, there is no concrete evidence that Iraq has assisted such individuals. This is due to Iraq not having control over the northern regions.66

Ballistic Missile Program

According to Security Council Resolution 687 (1991), Iraq was required to completely destroy, remove, or render harmless all ballistic missiles with a range exceeding 150 kilometers, along with their major components and production facilities under international supervision. Despite this, the British Government believes that Iraq has continued attempts to develop missiles that go beyond the 150 km limit set by the Security Council.67 The report also states that Iraq still possesses up to 20 Al Hussein missiles, which are capable of carrying conventional, chemical, or biological weapons and have the ability to target countries like Cyprus, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Israel. Satellite imagery

confirms that Iraq has begun constructing a launch site for medium-range missiles with a range of over 1000 km.

Such a facility would not be needed for systems that fall within the UN permitted range of 150km.

Conclusion

There are numerous reports, assessments, and opinions about the level of threat Iraq poses to the world. Iraqi viewpoints reflect their ongoing war with the United States and the United Kingdom. Iraq is confident in eventually defeating America and Britain, as stated by the Vice-President of Iraq, "[Saddam Hussein] believes that the Arab Nation will emerge victorious no matter how much the enemies gang up on it and no matter how far the aggression goes."

Despite the United States' determination to fight to the end and be remembered throughout history, they have declared that Iraq will be forgotten and discarded. Nevertheless, there is no definitive proof that Iraq possesses weapons of mass destruction. The United States' aggressive language regarding a war against Iraq has escalated to extreme levels. However, international support from other countries such as Britain is still lacking. Numerous nations are skeptical of the immediate danger that the US and Britain assert Iraq poses.

These states are not alone. A recent US congressional brief acknowledges that the US has been unable to maintain an international consensus for strict enforcement of all applicable UN Security Council resolutions on Iraq. However, it has mostly succeeded in preventing Iraq from becoming an immediate threat to the region. Scott Ritter, a leader of the UNSCOM team, stated in 2000 that Iraq had been disarmed after UNSCOM

left. He further declared that Iraq no longer had significant quantities of chemical or biological agents, if it possessed any at all. The industrial means to produce these agents had either been eliminated or were closely monitored.

The statement that "The same was true of Iraq's nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities" is interesting coming from someone who previously claimed that Iraq had not faced consequences for lying and obstructing weapons inspections. Arab Media Watch, an organization dedicated to addressing bias and misunderstandings in the British media regarding Arab issues, mentioned that most inspections by UNSCOM were completed. They referred to a United Nations report stating that the majority of inspections were conducted in Iraq without obstruction and progress had been made in accounting for prohibited missiles and destroying chemical weapons-related equipment. However, Arab Media Watch did not acknowledge other parts of the report which stated that UNSCOM was not fully confident it had inspected all possible weapons sites in Iraq, and that Iraqi hindrance prompted UNSCOM's departure.The research project reveals that Iraq is making efforts to develop a nuclear weapon, possesses chemical weapons and delivery systems for these weapons, and supports terrorist groups and the use of terrorism to achieve specific objectives, which goes against UN Security Council resolution 687. However, there is no evidence available to support these claims.