Iraq nukes evidence was thin: Experts

Washington, July 20: Even as the Bush administration concluded that Iraq was reviving its nuclear weapons programme, key signs - such as scientific data of weapons work and evidence of research by Iraq's nuclear experts - were missing, according to several former intelligence officials.

The public case that Iraq was pursuing nuclear weapons was built primarily on several suspicious items Iraq reportedly tried to import, such as uranium, aluminium tubes and precision machinery. But the uranium story is now in dispute, and many of the other items had possible uses unrelated to nuclear weapons.

Other information was either lacking, or suggested that no nuclear programme was in the works, said the former intelligence officials, who analysed Iraq's weapons during the run-up to the war. Some spoke on the condition of anonymity.

For example, "there was no solid evidence that indicated Iraq's top nuclear scientists were rejuvenating Iraq's nuclear weapons programme," said Greg Thielmann, the former manager of the State Department office that tracked chemical, biological and nuclear weapons issues. Thielmann retired in September 2002.

Other former officials said the scientists weren't performing activities or going to places normally associated with work on a nuclear weapons programme.

However, the US National Intelligence Estimate on Iraq's weapons programme said Iraq was trying to "re-establish and enhance its cadre of weapons personnel."

The estimate was published in October last. Bureau Report