Facts on Who Benefits From Keeping Saddam Hussein In Power

Heritage Foundation | February 28, 2003 | Heritage Foundation

[bassmaner]

It will be Russia and China (and the rest of the world, for that matter) end as well.

[Amerigomag]

And where is the US on that list

It's an import list.

[Bob J]

Part of the problem? I think you missed the entire thrust of the article. It isn't about trade it's about who's ox is going to get gored and why these countries act as they do.

France, Germany, Russia and China are protecting their financial interests, thus, their attempts to derail any military action. Their statements about protecting the Iraqi people are a smokescreen for the almighty Franc, Mark, Ruble and whatever.

Looking at the numbers, it appears Germany is right up there with the other weasels, but maybe they weren't ranked because, as the article points out, much of their trade is through third parties and harder to track.

Even though Australia seems to do significant trade with Iraq, it's military is assisting in the war, so by all measure, their position is more noble as they will lose it all if somewhow Saddam stays in power.

[The_Victor]

2.2% of the proceeds of the oil for food program go to the UN, so I guess anyone who buys the oil pays the UN.

[TLBSHOW]

I believe Russian Generals and Military are running this war and not Saddam since he is dead as a door nail!

[TLBSHOW]

That is a question that needs a real answer!

[Bob J]

Who pays the premium? Seller or buyer?

[m1911]

So Iraq's only US import is hard currency. :)

[The_Victor]

To the best of my understanding, oil from Iraq is sold on the open market, with the procedes of the sale going into an account administered by the UN. The UN then buys food with funds drawn from that account, and sends the food to Iraq. The UN skims 2.2% of the account to cover administrative costs. I guess that means Iraq pays the premium in the reduced amount of food received. The point CNN surprisingly made last night was that the UN has a vested (perhaps conflicted) interest in keeping Saddam in power, because if the food for oil program is eliminated, the UN is out hundreds of mils of $ per year.

[The_Victor]

Oops

I said: if the food for oil program is eliminated

In the immortal words of Willie Wonka: "Strike that... turn it around."

[Carry_Okie]

Once the war is over, the trade ban will be lifted, so who cares?

Me.

I want coalition partners paid for administering the program. I don't want the UN to siphon off a cut. I don't want France and Germany using the UN to get in on the goodies.

Now, once again, why did President Bush choose to reinitiate the oil-for-food programme under the UN?

[Bob J]

Only if their royalty is not used up in adminstrative expenses for the program.

[BJClinton]

Nobody has talked about declaring war on Russia or China. As corrupt as both of those countries are. They will simply be left out of the rebuilt Iraq.

[TLBSHOW]

Now, once again, why did President Bush choose to reinitiate the oil-for-food programme under the UN?


BLAIR?

[Bob J]

Because that is the only mechanism currently in place to turn Iragi oil profits into humanitarian assistance from other counties and offset the US burden...during the war.

As I said, once the war is over (30 days?) the first thing Bush will do is ask that the UN lift it's embargo. At that point, the Oil for Food program goes bye bye. The US will be in charge, all previous contracts will be null and void, and France, Germany and Russia can go cry in their milk.

So I ask again, who cares?

[xm177e2]

This has been posted before, but it is still "breaking news." Give me a break.

[bribriagain]

"I think if USA declare war to just Russia and China, it will be USA end. It will be quick nuclear war."

Welcome comrade newbie. If it came down to that, Russia and China would cease to exist.

[Bob J]

Most would seriously doubt the US plans any kind of war, nuclear or other, with Russia and China. Sorry to burst your bubble...

However, if you desire experiencing a regime change firsthand, I suggest moving to Iran.

[Bob J]

Alright, you have 10 minutes.

[mabelkitty]

Nyet!

You guys don't have the ability to stop one coming at you.