What has not been mentioned by these U.N. bodies, is the possible radiological and toxic consequence of the war. This may be far worse than in 1991 because of a strategic change in the use of uranium metal. The U.S. military is now more concerned with aerial bombing of fortified structures and underground bunkers than with targeting Iraqi tanks. For this they need a very dense metal and preferably one, like uranium, with powerful incendiary effect. Patents for the use of depleted uranium in hard target guided missile systems go back to 1985 and it is also known to be used in shaped-charge warhead technology, widely used in small, tactical missile systems and in two kinds of cluster bombs. There are now 23 weapon systems suspected of using from 300 grams to 7 tons of DU metal[5].
In February, the Pentagon announced the main types and numbers of guided bombs and missiles they would be using initially in Iraq. These included some 9,700 guided bombs, plus 700 cruise or similar missiles. The high density metal used in these systems has been strictly classified but in a recent press conference in Geneva, Stephen Rademaker, Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, admitted to the use of DU but argued that these weapons were not radiological[6].
In February, the Pentagon announced the main types and numbers of guided bombs and missiles they would be using initially in Iraq. These included some 9,700 guided bombs, plus 700 cruise or similar missiles. The high density metal used in these systems has been strictly classified but in a recent press conference in Geneva, Stephen Rademaker, Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, admitted to the use of DU but argued that these weapons were not radiological[6].