Tests Cast Doubt on Chemical

Tests Cast Doubt on Chemical Find in Iraq

A metal drum found in northern Iraq that initially tested positive for nerve and blister agents might instead contain rocket fuel, according to new tests, a U.S. chemical weapons expert said Monday.
...
The suspicious barrel was among 14 barrels found in an open field near the Tigris River town of Baiji, among mounds of earth that hid missiles and missile parts. U.S. troops performed an initial test and found indications the barrel may contain the nerve agent cyclosarin and a blister agent that could be a precursor of mustard gas.

By design, initial test procedures favor positive readings, erring on the side of caution to protect soldiers.

Two teams of experts were brought in this weekend for additional testing.

One team conducted three tests, but the tests "were not totally conclusive," Novikov said.

The second team, a specialist Mobile Exploitation Team, "suspects that it might be rocket fuel," Novikov said.

They're coming back for more tests, so this site could still turn up WMD.