Iraqis blame U.S. depleted uranium for surge in cancer

Iraq's environment minister blamed Monday the use of depleted uranium weapons by U.S. forces during the 2003 Operation Shock and Awe for the current surge in cancer cases across the country.

As a result of "at least 350 sites in Iraq being contaminated during bombing" with depleted uranium (DU) weapons, Nermin Othman said, the nation is facing about 140,000 cases of cancer, with 7,000 to 8,000 new ones registered each year.

It is not only Iraqis who are being hit with cancer due to the effects of depleted uranium: it is also our troops who come home ill, and die from exposure to it.

Of course, just as the US did with agent orange in Viet Nam, this administration and its successors will steadfastly deny the carnage they have created by using this kind of weapon in Iraq.