Although mushrooming fears have yet to be scientifically justified, they are sparking acrimonious debate on the ethics of war and the responsibility of the warriors to remove the havoc they leave behind. Sadly, while the Western governments are at pains to allay public concerns over the DU effects on their military personnel, almost no word has been mentioned about the civilian victims, particularly in Iraq. Over the past ten years, hundreds of leukemia cases have been reported among Iraqis. Many patients, denied efficient health care facilities, have died unnoticed. Others are facing the same fate.
Deformities are common, particularly among Iraqi children.
The devastation wrought on Iraq's environment is another tragedy. Given that Iraq was the target of sustained DU strikes, these deaths and abnormalities are most likely the gruesome consequences. Immediate medical checks should be carried out on all Iraqis and even the Gulf people for possible DU-related effects. Now that the truth about the recent American proposals have been uncovered, no Arab national could withhold his support of Palestinian President Arafat's position in rejecting the deal. It would neither be fair nor wise to have time become a cutting sword in the peace efforts now being exerted.