21.   Alibek, who works as a private consultant, has written a highly classified study of the Soviet biological weapons program for the U.S. government.

22.   Air Force spokeswoman Gloria Cales said the study is normal in weapons programs.

23.   Both nations have vigorously denied involvement in terrorism or big weapons programs.

24.   But a Defense Department report released in January said that Iraq, Iran, Syria, Sudan and Libya all have active chemical or biological weapons programs.

25.   But a collective effort to contain Iraq, linked to a firm break with terror and guarantees on weapons programs, may be possible.

26.   But Blair made clear that the two allies were in agreement on their determination to force Iraq to comply with UN resolutions ordering the destruction of their weapons program.

27.   But for all the frustration, the clear lesson from these encounters is that only the credible threat of force can keep Iraq from resuming its weapons programs.

28.   But intelligence gathered about the U.S. weapons program may have prompted the Soviets to conduct more intensive research and development on their own program, the book says.

29.   But he worries that the QDR will provide a justification for continuing what he regards as outdated weapons programs and strategy.

30.   But many companies are wary of the effort lest the money come from other weapons programs.