Iraqi defectors have recently confirmed the concerns of the world community. Iraq’s development of germ warfare and biological weapons is much more advanced than what it once was thought.

The most obvious targets for these weapons would be Iraq’s neighbors, which surely makes many of the Middle Eastern countries nervous.

The best thing that the United States could do in this situation is to find a peaceful way to stop Hussein’s development of such weapons.

Economic sanctions do not work. Sanctions have been imposed on Iraq since the Gulf War. They appear to have done nothing but hurt the innocent while leaving Saddam and his regime in power.

A better solution would be for U.S. officials to go to the negotiating table with Iraq. Lift the sanctions in exchange for full United Nations assisted dismantling of the weapons.

Four years after the Gulf War, Hussein finds himself in a tough position. He is politically and economically isolated from most of the world community.

Right now his only option for leverage is the construction, or more frighteningly, the use of biological weapons.

There is little doubt that if Saddam used biological weapons he would face severe military retaliation. But the whole point is to avoid warfare, germ or otherwise.

The world community needs to loosen the noose, before Saddam feels that there is no other option but to lash out.