Have you seen the latest from Gertz?
"2 Russian Generals Given Awards in Iraq on War Eve"
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1262550/posts
Given such a schedule (3-4 trips a year), it is almost beyond doubt that Achalov and Maltsev, as well as, possibly, other retired Soviet and highly placed Russian military personnel were giving advice to Iraq as it prepared its army for imminent war.
Old news. They were mercenary advisors. Judging by the performance of the Iraqi army - poor ones at that.