More Claims of Willy Pete Debunked

I finally spent some time doing research on White Phosphorus (aka Willy Pete). For the past 4 years, we have heard tale after tale of "innocent civilians killed with white phosphorus" and how the United States used this chemical weapon in Fallujah. The tall tales are starting up again except now the claims are that Israel is using WP in Lebanon and Gaza. The "reported" use of WP is the basis for most of the War Crimes Claims from the Left.

The Wayne Madsen Report continues to perpetuate this Willy Pete myth...
July 25, 2006 -- On July 22, WMR first reported that white phosphorous, a substance that burns through the skin of its victims, was being used against Lebanese civilians, including children, by Israeli forces. Yesterday, Reuters reported the following in a July 24 dateline from Paris: "Lebanon's president accused Israel on Monday of using phosphorous bombs in its 13-day offensive and urged the United Nations to demand an immediate ceasefire." CNN also reported on the use of white phosphorous by Israel.

Now I am no chemical engineer or an explosives expert (but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night) but I can read and research info. Obviously those screaming WP and posting picture after picture of charred remains with intact clothing are just willing to lap up the koolaid fed to them by their masters in the enemedia.

Here's the truth about White Phosphorus... (MEGA HAT TIP TO MD CONSERVATIVE FOR THE LINK TO THE INFO). My comments are in brackets...

From Global Security...
White Phosphorus is used for signaling, screening and incendiary purposes. When exposed to air, it spontaneously ignites and is oxidized rapidly to phosphorus pentoxide. It produces a dense white smoke. It also becomes luminous in the dark.

It DOES result in painful chemical burn injuries. The resultant burn typically appears as a necrotic (blackened) area with a yellowish color and characteristic garliclike odor. It has rapid dermal penetration once particles are embedded under the skin. Phosphorus burns on the skin are deep and painful. The burns are usually multiple, deep and variable in size. Incandescent particles of WP may produce extensive burns.
[It is not a liquid like gasoline, it burns into particles - there goes the melting skin and entire bodies charred claim]

If burning particles of WP strike and stick to the clothing, take off the contaminated clothing quickly BEFORE THE WP BURNS THROUGH TO THE SKIN. Remove quickly all clothing affected by phosphorus to prevent phosphorus burning through to the skin.
[There goes the telltale "clothes intact" claim for WP]

The WP flame produces a hot, dense white smoke composed of particles of phosphorus pentoxide, which are converted by moist air into phosphoric acid. This acid, depending on concentration and duration of exposure, may produce a variety of topically irritative injuries. Irritation of the eyes and irritation of the mucous membranes are the most commonly seen injuries. With intense exposures, a very explosive cough may occur.
[There goes the claim of the smoke sucking all the oxygen out of the area and suffocating the victims. There goes the claim that the smoke contributes to the "melting skin"]

The early signs of systemic intoxication by phosphorus are abdominal pain, jaundice (yellow sclera and skin) and a garlic odor of the breath. Prolonged intake may cause anemia, as well as necrosis of bones, involving typically the maxilla and mandible (upper and lower jaw). Prolonged absorption of phosphorus causes necrosis of bones. In a series of 10 cases, the SHORTEST period of exposure to phosphorus fumes that led to bone necrosis was 10 MONTHS and the longest period of exposure was 18 YEARS.
[For those in Rio Lynda, that means it is not instant]

Back in November 2005, Confederate Yankee did extensive research on the claims of White Phosphorus use in Fallujah. I cannot recommend reading CY's research enough. Unlike the left that uses Wikipedia, Wayne Madsen and anti-war Iraq vets for their info, Confederate Yankee went to the military experts.

Nothing I could find (other than the Left's resources) claimed that WP burned skin and not clothes. Nothing I could find backed up the claims of death from WP smoke. (Granted that ANY smoke in an enclosed room at high concentrations could be toxic).

Could the injuries pictured in the graphic images be from the "fireball" of a high explosive device? Could the lack of shrapnel be similar to Zarqawi's death - from the concussion of the explosion causing massive internal injuries? Honestly many of the bodies - esp from Fallujah - seem to be in an advanced state of decomposition - hence the yellowish tint to the skin (and NO it's not jaundice).

So there you have it folks. You can believe what you want but the facts do not support the claims on the Left. It is a lie and is meant to undermine the military. Now it is being used as an Israel bashing tool.

It is a disgrace that the enemedia broadcasts/publishes these claims without doing any fact-checking. Once again, they are complicit in terrorist propaganda that serves no purpose other than to harm our military and our country - much like the claims of "innocent civilians" killed in cold-blood in Iraq. But I expect nothing less from them...