Whoever set fire to Libya's chemical weapons plant, if indeed the fire was set, deserves an expression of thanks from the civilized world.
Moammar Gadhafi, the dictator who runs Libya and supports terrorism, insists that the plant at Rabta made pharmaceuticals. But Western intelligence operatives know it was built to make poison gas.After construction of the factory was widely condemned more than a year ago, Gadhafi apparently ceased production of whatever he was making. But a few weeks ago, new reports surfaced that the madman of the desert sands was turning out five mustard gas and nerve gas bombs a day and had stockpiled about 150.
The Bush administration expressed renewed outrage but gave no indication that it planned direct action against the plant. It did urge the "international community" to "step up its efforts to deny Libya the ability to continue operating the plant."
Well, lo and behold, a fire broke out in the plant the other day. There were conflicting reports on how much damage was done, some saying the plant was ruined and others saying damage was limited.
Chemicals having a volatile nature, it's possible that the fire was accidental. But Gadhafi evidently didn't think so. One report said Libyan officials accused U.S. and Israeli agents of setting the fire. Later, a Libyan spokesman said the government wasn't sure who sabotaged the plant, while Gadhafi himself wondered if West German intelligence operatives might have been involved.
Bush denied that the U.S. government had anything to do with the fire. So did Bonn officials, even though it would be fitting if the West Germans did it, since they helped Gadhafi build the plant in the first place.
In any case, it would be to the world's benefit if the plant has been put out of commission permanently. A facility that can put such lethal weapons into the hands of the unstable Gadhafi and the bands of terrorists and cutthroats he supports should not be allowed to operate.