Burma Accused of Using Chemical Weapons

BBC News reports that Australian physician Dr Martin Panter, president of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, has accused Burma of using chemical agents to attack Karen rebels along its border with Thailand.

According to Panter (who personally claims to have performed medical examinations on affected rebels) yellow gas was observed spreading from exploding shells causing many of the rebels to throw up blood and grow too weak to walk. Some developed blisters, acute diarrhoea which led to the death of several of the rebels.

The good news is that reported use of chemical weapons is very rare. It does not matter whether the "good guys" use it or the "bad guys." As "Another Mother for Peace" might say, "Chemical weapons are not good for children and other living things."

The bad news is that too many nations still possess too many arsenals of chemical weapons. Nations that produce, sell, buy and/or use such weapons should receive stiff international sanctions that really hurt.

It is only if the world of nations (including the United States) agrees to such penalties that any progress can be made. If the report is true, Burma should be sent back ten spaces and lose the next two turns.....at least!