Defense Tech: RAY GUN TWO STEP: LASERS TO IRAQ?: "Maybe -- just maybe -- the U.S. is going to get laser weapons in Iraq, after all. Last week, Reuters reported that the Army had 'balked' at deploying Northrop Grumman's Tactical High Energy Laser air defense system. But a Defense Tech informant, pointing to this MIT Technology Review article, says Reuters may have blown the story.

The Pentagon hasn't announced its decision on deployment of the prototype laser, [so] it can't be said that it 'balked'... Lt. Col. [Jeff] Souder, [who manages directed energy projects at the Army's Redstone Arsenal] said 'We're exploring our options in how to put chemical lasers in the hands of our soldiers as soon as possible.'"

(Via a DefenseTech.)