Chemical Weapons
There seems to be a shrill cry, led mostly by the British tabloids, condemning the use of white phosphorus by US and UK troops. The use of this substance seems to be common. Compare the headlines:

"Propaganda nightmare of chemical hypocrisy" - Times Online.

"US forces used 'chemical weapon' in Iraq" - The Independant.

"US forces used 'chemical weapon'" - The Scotsman.

White phosphorus it seems is a conventional weapon that is widely used to produce smoke and to dislodge the occasional insurgent. The Pentagon categorically denies using the substance against civilians.

Base10 thinks that if you are going to be fighting US forces, you might get hurt really bad, wether it be by bullets or other munitions. That's the risk you take by picking up that gun. If white phosphorus can be used to destroy an enemy stronghold, shouldn't we use it instead of sacrificing one of our own troops? Then again, maybe we should go back to the old fashioned way--using flame throwers.
- posted by Base10 @ 9:37 AM