[kjam22]

Why would Russia want to cut him a deal? He controls no oil. He controls nothing. What would it benefit Russia? This makes no sense.

[resistance]

Do you suppose billions of dollars as a bribe might motivate someone?

[Izzy Dunne]

Why would Russia want to cut him a deal? He controls no oil. He controls nothing.

One word for you:
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[Gefreiter]

I agree with KJam. How the Russians are in any position to guarantee anything is beyond me. And then, what Saddam has to bargain with is also a mystery. Maybe he would order his "elite" Republican Guard to stop absorbing so much US ammo...?

[3AngelaD]

Maybe the Russian sense of irony is so strong that they are thinking about exiling him to Siberia.

[CommerceComet]

Little or no resistance? I thought the Russians were telling us that the Iraqis using antiquated Russian equipment were kicking our butts. Sorry, I guess that was last week's lie.

BTW do you think there is a credibility problem here:
Aljazeera quoting a Russian diplomat?

[Eva]

It makes sense if you consider that Russia is claiming that all pre-war contracts are still valid and their threat to take the US to international court if we refuse to honor the contracts. They will have Saddam Hussein and his archives to back up their claims. They may even try to set up an Iraqi gov't in exile.

[kosciuszko]

The deal is the archives. Lot of info there could hurt the Russians (as could Saddam himself and his ministers, if they start talking).

[Grampa Dave]

He has billions salted away.

Also, this could be part of future deals with tyrants. If the tyrants buy Russian Arms and WMDs for use in war, in defeat he can run to Russia for sanctuary!

[holden]

Controls nothing

What?!?!?

He (or perhaps a body double, or any one of his wives or progeny) could perhaps (if the USA can't freeze it fast enough) control over a $1 billion in Swiss bank accounts, in my best understanding.

HF

[Rockitz]

How many tens of billions did he extract from oil profits? When it doubt, follow the money!