Bush Laughs Off Critics Of 'Spoils Of War' Bidding

Independent (UK) ^ | 12-12-2003 | Rupert Cornwell

[blam]

Bush laughs off critics of 'spoils of war' bidding

By Rupert Cornwell in Washington
12 December 2003

George Bush poured fuel on the flames of the Iraq contracts dispute yesterday with a sneering dismissal of a suggestion by the German Chancellor that the decision to bar Germany, France Russia and Canada from bidding might violate international law.

"International law? I'd better call my lawyer," the American President joked in response to a reporter's question at the White House.

Gerhard Schröder had spoken earlier after a meeting in Berlin with Kofi Annan, the UN secretary general. Mr Annan called the decision by Paul Wolfowitz, the Deputy Defence Secretary, "unfortunate" and likely to damage attempts to rebuild transatlantic ties bruised by disagreement over the war. The EU is examining the legality of the US moves to stop countries that had not participated in the war from bidding for the $18.6bn (£10.7bn) of contracts, on vague "national security" grounds.

Democrats seized on the episode as further evidence of Bush diplomatic blundering. "How do we get a coalition together when we're putting it out on a government website that a country like Canada is a national security risk to the United States?" Marty Meehan, a Democratic member of the House Armed Services Committee, said.

[Always Right]

actually Canada is not on the list.

[futureceo31]

I love our great President. He puts it in the plainest terms and the media doesnt get it. Its our money... International Law be damned... Why dont they get it???

[dasboot]

"International law? I'd better call my lawyer," the American President joked in response to a reporter's question at the White House. George: I love you, man.

[matrix2225]

Canada, please don't waste your breath. France, Germany, Russia, please give your self a break and snap out of it.

[Piranha]

Does anyone know what international laws are being alluded to by the Germans, and what these laws say?

Thank you.

[Az Joe]

"I better call my lawyer"

Bwaa haaa haaa haaa haaaaaaaa!

Screw France most of all please!

[MontanaBeth]

President Bush-He's the man!

[Drango]

"International law? I'd better call my lawyer,"

SNICKER

[CzarNicky]

"Why don't they get it???"

Because they are socialists. But you already knew that.

[Porterville]

"International law? I'd better call my lawyer," the American President joked in response to a reporter's question at the White House.

I love G W.... It is exactly, to the very letter, how I feel about the Nazi-lite Internationalist.

[rocksblues]

How many German/French/Troops died or were injured in this operation? Answer 0. How many of the coalition troops have been killed/injured due their complicity? I don't know the answer but has to be more than 0!
Bluesily, Curt

[futureceo31]

That is the point. There is no international law here that is even applicable. I mean, if any international law should be applicable, we should go after the french for helping Saddam against UN resolutions.

[squidly]

That's gonna spin 'em right up, eheh.

[futureceo31]

The fact is that the US public is going to be solidly behind this president when it comes to this process. Kerry is just digging his grave deeper and deeper criticizing the president over this...

[Maynerd]

Bush is fabulous. He is driving the European left and democrats INSANE.

[BriarBey]

Our beloved Prez. has taken the politics out of politics!!
I love black and white, right or wrong plain talkin people!!

[LibWhacker]

Democrats seized on the episode as further evidence of Bush diplomatic blundering.

Leave it up to the rats to always side with our enemies.

[clintonh8r]

I love the sound of squealing eurotrash getting it up the ____

[Always Right]

Does anyone know what international laws are being alluded to by the Germans, and what these laws say?

They are trying to make WTO rules applicable here, but they can't figure out how since Iraq is not part of the WTO.