These exports continued to at least November 28, 1989 despite the fact that Iraq had been reported to be engaging in chemical warfare and possibly biological warfare against Iranians, Kurds, and Shiites since the early 80s.
Amongst these materials, which often produce slow, agonizing deaths, were: Bacillus Anthracis, cause of anthrax. Clostridium Botulinum, a source of botulinum toxin. Histoplasma Capsulatam, cause of a disease attacking lungs, brain, spinal cord and heart. Brucella Melitensis, a bacteria that can damage major organs. Clotsridium Perfringens, a highly toxic bacteria causing systemic illness. Clostridium tetani, highly toxigenic. Also, Escherichia Coli (E.Coli); genetic materials; human and bacterial DNA.
Specifically between 1985 and 1988, Virginia based American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) sent Iraq up to 80 shipments including 21 strains of anthrax, 15 Class III pathogens, E. coli, Salmonella cholerasuis, Clostridium botulinum, Brucella meliteusis, and Clostidium perfringens. All shipments were government-approved.
As well ATCC sent 17 confirmed shipments of "attenuated strains of various toxins and bacteria" to Iraq’s Atomic Energy Commission and an unconfirmed shipment of Microbial Seed Stock for Standard or Novel Agent for use by Iraq's Agriculture and Water Resource Department.
In November 1984, the US Department of Commerce issued a license to ATCC to export aspergillus fungal cultures to Iraq for delivery to the College of Medicine in Baghdad. ATCC officials have said that these cultures were not delivered.
Between 1985-1989, ATCC also supplied University of Baghdad with several other pathogens, including Clostridium botulinum, and various strains of anthrax.
Between 1984-89, the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta sent Iraq more than 80 agents, including botulinum toxoid, Yersinia pestis, dengue virus, and West Nile antigen and antibody for research at the Salaman Pak Institute.
Between 1985-89 other US firms exported Bacillus anthracis (anthrax), Clostridium botulinum, Histoplasma capsulatam, Brucella melitensis, Clostridium perfringens (gas gangrene), Clostridium tetani (tentanus), Escherichia coli, and "dozens of other pathogenic biological agents," to Iraq.
According to US Senator John McCain, Iraq also obtained tularemia virus from the United States.
Almost all the biological materials found (and destroyed) by the UNSCOM inspectors came from these shipments.
Why have no charges ever been laid in the U.S against those responsible for these exports?.
References:
Michael Barletta and Christina Ellington, November 1998 Center for Nonproliferation Studies, Monterey Institute of International Studies.
http://cns.miis.edu/research/wmdme/flow/iraq/seed.htm
"U.S. Chemical and Biological Warfare-Related Dual Use Exports to Iraq and their Possible Impact on the Health Consequences of the Persian Gulf War," Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs with Respect to Export Administration, reports of May 25, 1994 and October 7, 1994.
William Blum Rogue State: a guide to the World's Only Super Power.
The Bully:
http://expage.com/notowar
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