Doesn't the IAEA seal make it easy to PROVE what was in the bunker?

[Brotherjohn]

I've read this morning that David Kay and other experts have concluded that it must be in fact HMX or RDX based on the seal's presence and what the material and location looked like.

I've seen pictures of the copper IAEA seal, and it had a stamped number on it.

Using that number, can't the IAEA can tell us for SURE what was in that bunker when it was sealed. That will remove all conjecture. Should they be releasing a statement today?

[On the Road]

1. Absolutely. The Only Question is

how many bunkers were there and how many were still sealed? That's really the only way they could try to wrigggle out of it.

[Brotherjohn]

2. Sure, they could try. But a verification from the IAEA of exactly what...

... IS in this videotape would be awfully damning. We're saying "here's PROOF that at least this much of the explosive material in question was still there when we invaded, and you are therefore responsible for its loss". All they can say is "well, maybe the stuff in the bunkers NOT on the videotape was already gone!"

I find it awfully ironic that after months of the Bush administration expecting war opponents to prove a negative (that there were no WMDs), they are now trying to do the very same thing regarding these explosives in order to save their skins.

[On the Road]

5. That's Right: They Can Only Quibble About the Amount nt

[indie_voter]

3. Is the blow up of the stamped seal from the video or just an example?

I was wondering that yesterday. It is so clear, I wondered if it wasn't put up as an example of what an IAEA seal looks like.

[Brotherjohn]

4. I'm sure it's from the video. David Kay watched the video and said:

"The damning thing is the seals. The Iraqis didn't use seals on anything. So I'm absolutely sure that's an IAEA seal."
(http://nytimes.com/2004/10/29/politics/29bomb.html?ei=5094&en=7b767c25018de326&hp=&ex=1099108800&partner=homepage&pagewanted=print&position=)

He earlier refers to the "photos", but it is clear in context he was talking about the KSTP videotape (he was probably looking at video captures). In any case, it wouldn't be very "damning" if they were pictures taken earlier by the IAEA.

The NYTimes also says:
"One frame shows what the experts say is a seal, with narrow wires that would have to be broken if anyone entered through the main door of the bunker."