Seymour Hersh, Aaron Maté and Iraqi WMDs 2.0 - a thread.
10 years ago, US journalist Seymour Hersh published 2 articles attempting to blame opposition groups, instead of the Syrian government, for the 2013 Ghouta chemical attack. His claims were based largely on anon sources.
Back then, he also claimed that a memo from the US’ Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) backed up these allegations. Today, after 10 years, he finally published this memo, along with his fan, US-based Canadian activist Aaron Maté (@aaronjmate).
Mar 27, 2023 • 18 tweets • 6 min read
The OPCW's IIT report and how it is being attacked part 2, or “the height of dishonesty” - a thread.
This is a continuation of the following thread from February on the 2018 Douma chemical attack and the OPCW IIT’s investigation of it:
While the last thread dealt with the question of whether chemical markers found at the scene of the attack constituted evidence of a chlorine strike, this thread will discuss a very gruesome matter - whether or not symptoms shown by dead victims were consistent with chlorine.
Feb 4, 2023 • 20 tweets • 5 min read
The OPCW's IIT report and how it is being attacked - a thread.
Last week, I posted a threat detailing how the new OPCW IIT report on the chemical incident in Douma addressed the concerns voiced by 2 former OPCW inspector involved in its investigation.
A large part of the OPCW addressing these objections dealt with the chemical identification of chlorine markers in the environment. One of the main recipient of leaks intended to support the two former inspectors' objections has now tried to challenge the IIT's findings.
Jan 28, 2023 • 18 tweets • 5 min read
The OPCW IIT report on the Douma chemical attack and the OPCW leaks - a thread.
For the last 3 years, there have been intense debates about a reported chlorine attack in Douma, Syria in April 2018 and the subsequent OPCW investigation. I have been involved in these discussions.
Yesterday, the OPCW released a new report by an investigative body founded in 2018, the IIT. This follows a previous report by the Fact Finding Mission (FFM) that had already concluded that a chlorine attack had likely occured.
