
459 | Steve Coll: Saddam Hussein, the CIA, and the Perils of Misreading Dictator's Ambitions
The Realignment
The Role of WMDs in Deterrence
WMDs were seen as a means to deter attacks by possessing the capability to cause significant harm. During the Gulf War, despite not being strategically crucial, the use of scud missiles on Israeli cities caused concern due to the potential for chemical or biological warheads. The perception was that such weapons could compel Israeli retaliation, leading to a heavy Israeli response. Therefore, the possession of long-range missiles with WMD capabilities was viewed as a source of strength and a deterrent against potential attacks.
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