Reply #226: The effect of sanctions on the people was a byproduct [View All]

of the real intent, control of the oil. The people on the right that cry the biggest crocodile tears for the starving children knew good and well that Saddam would put most of the money in his own pocket. The oil for food program was just another sweetheart deal for the oil companies and their selected minions. The only reason that the US clamored so loudly to investigate the UN program is because a few folks outside of their inner circle had caught on to how the scam worked and were skimming some of their take.

Think in terms of a drug cartel mule that pinches a bit from each shipment. This would go unnoticed for quite a while until the missing amounts were finally totaled up and the big boys wanted theirs back. Much as they might have liked to, the Oil Cartels couldn't dole out mob justice, so their 'made' politicians were called on to do the investigation 'hit' on the UN gang. Notice how they got one of the most inside Wall Street folks to head it. Had to be sure to steer it, couldn't let the wrong folks get caught up in it. If it ever gets the full investigation it deserves, the scandal of where the $7B ($70B?) US reconstruction money and the the last 3 years of Iraqi oil money went will make Food for Oil look like shoplifting an iPod.