posted on February 15, 2003 12:04:51 AM new
After the regime change in Iraq, we're going to find out why France and Germany are trying their hardest to keep Saddam in power. I bet they've been secretly doing business with Saddam all along, and now they're scared sh**less that the proof/evidence will get out.
posted on February 15, 2003 06:47:42 AM new
I agree. There already have been statements made that one reason France and Germany are pro Saddam is because of oil deals they've made with one another. I read France has a $50B deal for purchasing oil from Iraq.
Germany....they have many Muslims living in their country.
Heck....we've got a Muslim group here in the US that will be protesting in the Anti-War demonstrations today.
Iraq owes Russia big bucks...they're afraid they might not get their money from them if new leadership is put in place.
Every country is acting in their own best interests.
posted on February 15, 2003 07:08:56 AM new
Iteresting read goes back a bit, 2001 wonder how thing's cahnged since the. I'm not finding to much info.
"Egypt third largest trade partner with Iraq after France, Russia
Iraq-Egypt, Economics, 4/18/2001
Egypt is the third largest trade partner with Iraq after France and Russia, according to Iraqi Minister of Trade, Mohammed Mahdi Saleh who was speaking on the sidelines of a trade exhibition of Egyptian products recently held in Baghdad"
posted on February 15, 2003 07:26:54 AM new
Here's something a little closer to date.
"Europeans Strive to Tighten Trade Ties
with Iraq
By John Tagliabue
New York Times
September 19, 2002
One day after President Bush's demand that Iraq comply with United Nations arms control resolutions, three French parliamentary deputies flew to Iraq on what they described as a personal visit to urge Baghdad to comply with the demands.
The visit set off a political storm in France, where much is riding on the outcome of the diplomatic struggle over Iraq. While a humanitarian gesture, the trip also illustrated in part how countries are positioning themselves for an end of trade penalties. One of the three legislators, Thierry Mariani, 44, of President Jacques Chirac's Union for a Presidential Majority, told French television that the purpose of the trip was to urge Iraqi compliance with the United Nations' demands. But he was also quoted in Le Monde as justifying the trip with "the defense of French economic interests in Iraq."
Last year, France ranked No. 1 among European countries doing business with Iraq, with $1.5 billion in trade, followed by Italy, with $1 billion. Among the countries that trade with Iraq under the oil-for-food program, France ranked third, with $3.1 billion in trade since the program's start 1996. French trade under the program was surpassed only by Russia, with $4.3 billion, and Egypt, according to United Nations diplomats"
I too, expect every country to do what's best for themselves, so why do we need a United Nations? How can you expect a fair vote when self interests are involve?
Some believe it's all over oil and that may be true but it's not just a United States, George Bush thing, It's a worldwide thing.
They too (French, Germans and Russia) know how dangerous Saddam is but turn a blind eye because it may hurt there economies.
Don't think for a minute it's a peace for peace sake ideal. I believe if you look at the anti war movement in Britain, you'll find the labor party behind it for the same reasons. I'm not saying there's not pure Pacifists involved too but I'd bet the main movers are thinking money first.
The complete article can be read at:
http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/oil/2002/0919threats.htm
posted on February 15, 2003 08:14:48 AM new
Morning Irene - Yes, I thought my use of the word 'every' country would be taken to include the US. I say that because sometimes it appears to me that some here believe the US is the only country doing so.
As far as them acting against their own self interest - I believe they are...but don't believe that's the best decision for them in the long run. Allowing terrorists to continue to become stronger in any way...is never going to benefit any country.
posted on February 15, 2003 10:36:35 AM new
> I bet they've been secretly doing business with Saddam all along,
I thought that anyone debating the War issue would be aware of France's, Germany's, and Russian's dependance on Iraqi oil and how closely they are tied together? Am I the only one paying any attention? The connections have been in the news quite often enough so that it's no big deal.
posted on February 15, 2003 10:39:03 AM new
>I too, expect every country to do what's best for themselves, so why do we need a United Nations?
The same people who keep stating that the United Nations is out of date are the same ones who keep claiming that the United States Constitution is also out of date.
posted on February 15, 2003 11:07:32 AM new
The UN is a tool, not a solution. It is a sounding board, not a final authority. The only authority the UN has is persuasive authority.
I see the UN as a formal "lounge" where representitives can talk face-to-face, feel each other out and make public positions that are quasi-official at best. It is a place where alliances and agreements can be forged, and it is not nor will it ever be an institution where alliances and agreements can be mandated.
I do not expect nor do I want the UN to be anything more than that.
[ edited by DeSquirrel on Feb 15, 2003 01:05 PM ]