Republican talking points on the missing explosives....pathetic

[RedEarth]

To provide guidance on what they are supposed to say about the "missing explosives in Iraq", Di Rita, a political appointee sent out these "talking points" yesterday to folks in the Pentagon.

Recent stories in the media report that the Iraqi government has notified the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that several hundred tons of explosives are missing from the former Al-Qaqaa military facility in Iraq, about 30 miles south of Baghdad. Following are talking points on the issue.
# Since Operation Iraqi Freedom began in March 2003, Coalition forces have discovered that Saddam’s regime stored weapons in countless locations, including schools, mosques and hospitals. Citizens were forced to hide weapons in their homes and neighborhoods. Many Iraqis have bravely stepped forward with information leading to more weapons.

# Weapons searches have been successful in Iraq. The Duelfer Report states that since mid-September, Coalition forces have reviewed and cleared more than 10,000 caches of weapons and destroyed more than 240,000 tons. Another 162,000 tons of munitions are awaiting destruction.

# Some weapons were stored at the Al-Qaqaa Complex. Coalition forces were present in the vicinity at various times during and after major combat operations. The forces searched 32 bunkers and 87 other buildings at the facility, but found no indicators of WMD. While some explosive material was discovered, none of it carried IAEA seals.

# Although some believe the Al-Qaqaa facility may have been looted, there is no way to verify this. Another explanation is that regime loyalists or others emptied the facility prior to Coalition forces arriving in Baghdad in April.

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/week_2004_10_24.php#003806

[ClintonTyree]

1. When did the truth..................

become a reply of last resort? Talking Points, that's all these people are worried about, covering their asses. Truth, integrity, honesty, all a thing of the past. I'm pretty sure the Declaration of Independence begins, "WE THE PEOPLE".........not WE THE GOVERNMENT. Talking Points........I hate that freakin' term.

[bushwakker]

2. All they do do is lie and muddy the water.