Iraq should be treated as a 'poisonous snake'

IRAQ is not the military power it once was during its war with neighbour Iran but experts believe it should still be treated with caution.

One document published just over a year ago by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC, stated Iraq is still relatively well-equipped, well-trained and strong by the standards of the region.

And with the possibility that Saddam may resort to non-conventional warfare such as chemical or biological weapons, it warns Iraq should be considered a "poisonous snake". "One does not play with poisonous snakes, wounded or not," it adds.