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Let me play devil's advocate and propose a reason for attempting to bribe the inspectors.

Early in the Iraq war I suspected Saddam was running a bluff and had destroyed (or shipped to Syria, etc.) his WMD. We know he used to have them, he's threatening to use them on our troops, he wouldn't let inspectors in. In his mind he thinks this behavior will deter the spineless Americans and at the same time he doesn't have to worry about anyone in his own country using this stuff against him.

The bribes are just one more step in this half baked scheme. He offers bribes all around, knowing some will take them, but with the expectation that at least a few will report the effort. An excellent subterfuge if that was the purpose. It not only furthers his bluff, but when it leaks, it throws the whole UN weapons inspection effort into chaos.

Saddam never thought Bush would call his bluff and I think he was planning to let inspectors back in the country at some point as a ploy to get the embargo lifted.

Just a theory. Was Saddam clever enough to plan such a scheme? He obviously wasn't clever enough to correctly judge the resolve of President Bush and true Americans. It is interesting to note he may have overestimated the UN, they took the bribes and said nothing, at least in time to do Saddam any good.

"It is interesting to note he may have overestimated the UN, they took the bribes and said nothing, at least in time to do Saddam any good."

Surely Saddam knew that plenty of the Bluehelmeted Thugs would be glad to take hush money. I think you've given him WAY too much credit. He is Machiavellian, for sure. But no Clausewitz....or Annan.

Could be.

I think this revelation is so darn odd coming at this time. If the guy was offered a bribe did he report it when it happened? To the UN I mean. If he did report it, how come no one's heard about it until now? Or maybe people did know about it.

It seems odd that this is just NOW going to the Voelker report. This incident should have hit the headlines WHEN IT HAPPENED! Yet I don't recall hearing anything about it.