War Spells Disaster For Iraqis, UN Says

Independent (UK) ^ | 2-16-2003 | Andrew Buncome

[blam]

War spells disaster for Iraqis, UN warns

By Andrew Buncombe in Washington
16 February 2003

A US-led war against Iraq could trigger "a humanitarian emergency of exceptional scale and magnitude", according to confidential United Nations planning documents.

They warn that 30 per cent of Iraqi children under the age of five could die from malnutrition and that attacks on electricity and transportation would severely hamper UN efforts to help those affected.

"The collapse of services in Iraq could lead to a humanitarian emergency of proportions well beyond the capacity of UN and other aid organisations," say the documents. "The effects of over 12 years of sanctions, preceded by war, have considerably increased the vulnerability of the population," they state.

The documents have come to light through the Centre for Economic and Social Rights (CESR). Roger Normand of the CESR said staff in Iraq obtained them from UN experts who "believe the humanitarian impact of war is of global concern and should be discussed openly".

The CESR has issued its own report calling on the Security Council to consider the fate of supplies provided through the UN oil-for-food programme and health systems in areas occupied by military forces, before attacking Iraq.

[blam]

"They warn that 30 per cent of Iraqi children under the age of five could die from malnutrition."

Does anyone believe this. UN propaganda !!

[Eala]

Ha. At its worst it would be nothing like what's going on in Zimbabwe, and where are the protests about Mugabe??

[VRWC_minion]

I recall similar concerns before Afghanistan.

[goodnesswins]

THE United Nations = DICTATORS PROTECTION SOCIETY.....

[dighton]

They dusted off an old bogus prediction, and replaced the word "Afghanistan" with "Iraq."

[kcar]

Well gee, maybe the UN should have been a little more relevant.

[Semi Civil Servant]

"The effects of over 12 years of sanctions, preceded by war, have considerably increased the vulnerability of the population," they state.

And what worthless, pin-headed, bloody-handed international organization of diplomatic leeches stood in our way when we could have finished the job the LAST time we visited Iraq? Whose breath-taking blindness supported Saddam's continuance in power and put the Iraqi population at risk?

Hmmmm????

[mitchbert]

This would be instead of the disaster they've been living through under Saddam, of course...

Blinkered idiots.

[Catspaw]

How many palaces does Saddam have? At least 50--and doesn't even include the private residences he has (in the hundreds), plus the lavish housing for his family and his cohorts. A few less gold faucets in just one of the palaces--to say nothing of the acres of marble--would feed the children of Iraq more than adequately for some time.

[dighton]

"War Spells Disaster for Saddam's Palaces"

[Catspaw]

How about you and I go in on the salvage rights to Saddam's palaces? The gold alone would mean our retirement would be more than comfortable.

[dighton]

It's a deal.

[blam]

"How about you and I go in on the salvage rights to Saddam's palaces? The gold alone would mean our retirement would be more than comfortable."

One is all you'd need to do for early retirement.

[wingnuts'nbolts]

Well, for Saddam and his loyal minions it could'nt be worse. So there is a modicum of truth here.

[TheDon]

Gee, I thought this is the current state in Iraq.... Did I miss something?

[Atchafalaya]

WHAT UN HELP pray tell is this bloviater reffering to?

[Letitring]

Kofi needs reminding "game over." We are not playing and won't be lining UN pockets for their so called aid packages. We have our own system set up this time and have already given millions. I believe between us and the Brits, that is it. I could have missed maybe one other Country, I don't recall, but that is about it. Maybe Koffi can city hop in Europe some more and panhandle over there. LOL.

[Letitring]

Everytime he starts this "Aid" mess, what he is really saying is GIVE ME MONEY. Bribe me, please. THROW UP.

[Porterville]

Who cares about the UN??