A growing number of reports suggest that Iraq is again developing ballistic missiles. Predictably, the government in Baghdad has dismissed the charge. We cannot be sure what is going on: Efforts by the United Nations to inspect Iraqi programs to develop weapons of mass destruction are still blocked by Baghdad's intransigence and a divided U.N. Security Council. The standoff is in Iraq's interest. While the world dithers, Baghdad proceeds on its own way. This must stop -- and soon -- but there is little chance of that this year.
Last month, U.S. newspapers reported that Iraq had resumed flight tests of the Al Samoud, a short-range, liquid-fueled ballistic missile. Last week, German intelligence revealed a secret arms factory near Baghdad that is developing short-range missiles; the news article provided a precise latitude and longitude for the weapons complex.
Baghdad denied the accusations. It did not have to. Missiles with a range of less than 150 km do not violate U.N. sanctions. Reportedly, the Iraqis are developing several such missiles that are permitted under the regime imposed after the Persian Gulf War.