Free Republic

TONY EASTLEY: To a special investigation of the company behind Xstrata, the global mining giant bidding for the nickel, copper and uranium company, WMC Resources. Xstrata's $8-billion takeover bid for WMC is being undermined by the reputation of its controlling shareholder, the secretive Swiss commodities trader Glencore. Last year, a CIA report raised allegations that Glencore paid millions in illegal kickbacks to Saddam Hussein's regime. Glencore was founded by a notorious fugitive from US justice - a man facing jail for tax fraud, racketeering, and named as an arms trader, before being mysteriously pardoned by former US President Bill Clinton.