Friday, November 26, 2004

That's some bad sushi!

Before and After

Vienna: What ails Viktor Yushchenko? As Ukraine's popular opposition leader claimed victory, the mystery surrounding an appearance-altering condition that twice prompted him to check into a Vienna hospital persisted.

Mr Yushchenko has accused the Ukrainian authorities of poisoning him. His detractors suggested he had eaten bad sushi. Adding to the intrigue, the Austrian doctors who treated him have asked foreign experts to help determine if his symptoms may have been caused by toxins found in biological weapons.

Medical experts say they may never know what befell Mr Yushchenko. But the condition has dramatically changed his appearance since he entered Vienna's private Rudolfinerhaus clinic on September 10.

The "sushi" theory is bollocks. Bad sushi would give you the runs or make you vomit. It wouldn't turn your skin to sandpaper. The regulars at Daily Kos think it's more likely to be dioxin poisoning - a more plausible explanation.