The enthusiasm for regime change in Libya displayed by the USA, UK and UN may well sound very "noble" when esposed by skilled political oratators.
However, if the UN succeeds in throwing Gaddafi out, who exactly is lined up to replace him and how long will troops be expected to be stationed there whilst "democracy" and a political infrastruture is installed?
Have we learned nothing from Iraq and Afghanistan?
Showing posts with label UN. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UN. Show all posts
Monday, March 21, 2011
Friday, September 24, 2010
Britain Has Regrets
Nick Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister, will tell the UN today that Britain has regrets about the Iraq war.
He will say:
"In recent years we have learned – in some cases the hard way – that democracy cannot be created by diktat.
Freedom cannot be commanded into existence."
Quite!
I have said many times before that democracy cannot be imposed via the barrel of a gun, and that shouting "Yee Hah!" is not an effective tool of foreign policy.
He will say:
"In recent years we have learned – in some cases the hard way – that democracy cannot be created by diktat.
Freedom cannot be commanded into existence."
Quite!
I have said many times before that democracy cannot be imposed via the barrel of a gun, and that shouting "Yee Hah!" is not an effective tool of foreign policy.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
The Iraq High
Dr Hans Blix, former UN weapons inspector, has told the Chilcot Inquiry into the Iraq war that the US and UK didn't feel that they needed "a permission slip" from the security council:
"The US in 2002...I think they were high on military at the time. They said 'we can do it'
They thought they could get away with it so they decided to do it."
The lesson here is don't start wars when "high".
"The US in 2002...I think they were high on military at the time. They said 'we can do it'
They thought they could get away with it so they decided to do it."
The lesson here is don't start wars when "high".
Monday, December 07, 2009
Doctors Call For New Kelly Inquest
Six doctors are calling for a new inquest into the death of Dr David Kelly, the UN weapons inspector hounded to death by the government for leaking the fact that evidence for the Iraq invasion had been "sexed up".
There are those who believe that Dr Kelly was in fact murdered, rather than committed suicide. His body was discovered in woodland 6 years ago, his wrist had been slashed and he had taken painkillers.
The 6 doctors (Dr Stephen Frost, Dr Michael Powers QC, Martin Birnstingl, Dr Christopher Burns-Cox, David Halpin, and Dr Andrew Rouse), in a 13-page dossier calling for a new inquest, argue that the bleeding from Dr Kelly's ulnar artery in his left wrist is "highly unlikely" to have caused his death.
There are those who believe that Dr Kelly was in fact murdered, rather than committed suicide. His body was discovered in woodland 6 years ago, his wrist had been slashed and he had taken painkillers.
The 6 doctors (Dr Stephen Frost, Dr Michael Powers QC, Martin Birnstingl, Dr Christopher Burns-Cox, David Halpin, and Dr Andrew Rouse), in a 13-page dossier calling for a new inquest, argue that the bleeding from Dr Kelly's ulnar artery in his left wrist is "highly unlikely" to have caused his death.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Yee Hah!
The Chilcot Iraq Inquiry has heard testimony from Lord Boyce (former defence chief), who stated that the US believed the UK would take part in the Iraq invasion even if there were no efforts to solve the crisis via the UN.
In fact, the US saw no need for UN approval. Given that Bush's "ambassador" (never to be formally approved) to the UN at the time was John Bolton, a man who happily stated that the top floors of the UN could be removed without any difference in function, this attitude towards the UN is hardly surprising.
Lord Boyce is quoted by the BBC:
"There was a huge reluctance by the US throughout, from July 2002 through to March 17 2003 to believe that we were not going to commit our forces unless we had been fully through the UN process and through Parliament as well.
No matter how many times you said to senior US officers... there was a complete reluctance to believe that."
The US has learned from the failure in Iraq and Afghanistan that "yee hah!" is not an effective foreign policy tool.
In fact, the US saw no need for UN approval. Given that Bush's "ambassador" (never to be formally approved) to the UN at the time was John Bolton, a man who happily stated that the top floors of the UN could be removed without any difference in function, this attitude towards the UN is hardly surprising.
Lord Boyce is quoted by the BBC:
"There was a huge reluctance by the US throughout, from July 2002 through to March 17 2003 to believe that we were not going to commit our forces unless we had been fully through the UN process and through Parliament as well.
No matter how many times you said to senior US officers... there was a complete reluctance to believe that."
The US has learned from the failure in Iraq and Afghanistan that "yee hah!" is not an effective foreign policy tool.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Invading Iraq Was Illegal
Lord Steyn, a crossbench peer and former Law Lord, is quoted in the FT:
"The invasion of Iraq has had, and will continue to have, grave consequences for the peace and security of the region and the world. It weakened international institutions.
It fractured the international rule of law.
It encouraged disrespect for the law by authoritarian regimes who copied the words and examples of George W. Bush and Tony Blair. Torture became ever more widespread. Rendition, a fancy word for kidnapping, became institutionalised as a form of torture by proxy in odious regimes."
Meanwhile the Iraq Inquiry was told by Sir David Manning, Blair's foreign policy adviser, on Monday that Blair promised George Bush at a meeting in Texas, 11 months before the Iraq invasion, that he would be prepared to join the US in toppling Saddam Hussein.
The trouble with Blair's promise is that it was illegal.
Blair was warned by Lord Goldsmith, the attorney general, and other legal advisers that going to war with regime change as the objective was unlawful and breached the UN charter.
QED: The war was illegal!
"The invasion of Iraq has had, and will continue to have, grave consequences for the peace and security of the region and the world. It weakened international institutions.
It fractured the international rule of law.
It encouraged disrespect for the law by authoritarian regimes who copied the words and examples of George W. Bush and Tony Blair. Torture became ever more widespread. Rendition, a fancy word for kidnapping, became institutionalised as a form of torture by proxy in odious regimes."
Meanwhile the Iraq Inquiry was told by Sir David Manning, Blair's foreign policy adviser, on Monday that Blair promised George Bush at a meeting in Texas, 11 months before the Iraq invasion, that he would be prepared to join the US in toppling Saddam Hussein.
The trouble with Blair's promise is that it was illegal.
Blair was warned by Lord Goldsmith, the attorney general, and other legal advisers that going to war with regime change as the objective was unlawful and breached the UN charter.
QED: The war was illegal!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Questionable Legitimacy
Sir Jeremy Greenstock, the UK's ambassador to the UN in 2003, told the Iraq Inquiry (source BBC):
"If you do something internationally that the majority of UN member states think is wrong, illegitimate or politically unjustifiable, you are taking a risk in my view.
I regarded our participation in the military action against Iraq in March 2003 as legal but of questionable legitimacy in that it did not have the democratically observable backing of a great majority of member states or even perhaps of a majority of people inside the UK."
Quite!
"If you do something internationally that the majority of UN member states think is wrong, illegitimate or politically unjustifiable, you are taking a risk in my view.
I regarded our participation in the military action against Iraq in March 2003 as legal but of questionable legitimacy in that it did not have the democratically observable backing of a great majority of member states or even perhaps of a majority of people inside the UK."
Quite!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Sanctions Breached
Mabey & Johnson, a British bridge construction company, has admitted that it may have made corrupt payments to Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq to win an export order.
Mabey & Johnson have been under investigation by the Serious Fraud Office for more than a year.
In its recent annual results Mabey said that in April this year, it "disclosed to the SFO evidence that had come to light suggesting that in 2002 the company may have indirectly made two payments to the Iraqi regime in breach of UN sanctions".
Mabey added that it "has recently been notified of allegations that certain historical contracts may have been procured through corrupt acts".
The company has called in a firm of City lawyers, Herbert Smith, to carry out its own inquiry into all the corruption allegations. New managers have been installed at the firm.
The UN report in sanctions busting alleges that Mabey paid a $202K kickback between 2001 and 2003, and was given a $3.6M contract by the Iraqis.
Mabey & Johnson have been under investigation by the Serious Fraud Office for more than a year.
In its recent annual results Mabey said that in April this year, it "disclosed to the SFO evidence that had come to light suggesting that in 2002 the company may have indirectly made two payments to the Iraqi regime in breach of UN sanctions".
Mabey added that it "has recently been notified of allegations that certain historical contracts may have been procured through corrupt acts".
The company has called in a firm of City lawyers, Herbert Smith, to carry out its own inquiry into all the corruption allegations. New managers have been installed at the firm.
The UN report in sanctions busting alleges that Mabey paid a $202K kickback between 2001 and 2003, and was given a $3.6M contract by the Iraqis.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
$10BN Lawsuit
The Iraqi government has served a number of foreign companies with a $10BN civil lawsuit. The companies, including Daimler, Siemens and B. Braun are accused of colluding with Saddam Hussein.
The lawsuit describes the kick backs etc involved in the United Nation's food-for-oil program in Iraq as "the largest financial fraud in human history."
The lawsuit has been filed in the US federal court in New York, and alleges that 2,200 companies from 66 countries paid a total of $1.8BN in kickbacks to Saddam Hussein's regime in exchange for supply deals.
Quote:
"Its impact on the people of Iraq when far beyond financial loss.
The corruption of the OFFP (oil-for-food program) affected the very lives and health of the Iraqi people."
Daimler allegedly sold Mercedes trucks and spare parts to the Iraqi government. The A UN-sponsored report by Paul Volcker claims that an area manager at Daimler agreed in 2001 to pay a 10% kickback on a deal to sell an armoured van to Iraq, at an inflated price.
Daimler maintained at the time that it did not knowingly pay kickbacks.
Siemens has been accused of paying a six-figure sum as a bribe to the regime, to secure energy and medical-equipment contracts.
Chickens are coming home to roost!
The lawsuit describes the kick backs etc involved in the United Nation's food-for-oil program in Iraq as "the largest financial fraud in human history."
The lawsuit has been filed in the US federal court in New York, and alleges that 2,200 companies from 66 countries paid a total of $1.8BN in kickbacks to Saddam Hussein's regime in exchange for supply deals.
Quote:
"Its impact on the people of Iraq when far beyond financial loss.
The corruption of the OFFP (oil-for-food program) affected the very lives and health of the Iraqi people."
Daimler allegedly sold Mercedes trucks and spare parts to the Iraqi government. The A UN-sponsored report by Paul Volcker claims that an area manager at Daimler agreed in 2001 to pay a 10% kickback on a deal to sell an armoured van to Iraq, at an inflated price.
Daimler maintained at the time that it did not knowingly pay kickbacks.
Siemens has been accused of paying a six-figure sum as a bribe to the regime, to secure energy and medical-equipment contracts.
Chickens are coming home to roost!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Another Trial
The fourth trial of figures from Saddam Hussein's regime will begin next week, when former deputy prime minister Tariq Aziz and six others face charges relating to the execution of 42 merchants in 1992.
Aziz will stand trial with, amongst others, Saddam's half brother Watban Ibrahim al-Hassan and former Central Bank chief Issam Mula Hawish.
The trial is scheduled to start Tuesday, and deals with the execution of 42 merchants accused by Saddam's government of being behind a sharp increase in food prices when the country was under sanctions.
Aziz will stand trial with, amongst others, Saddam's half brother Watban Ibrahim al-Hassan and former Central Bank chief Issam Mula Hawish.
The trial is scheduled to start Tuesday, and deals with the execution of 42 merchants accused by Saddam's government of being behind a sharp increase in food prices when the country was under sanctions.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
No Link To al-Qaida
A detailed review by the the Institute for Defense Analyses (sponsored by the Pentagon) of over 600,000 Iraqi documents, captured after the 2003 US invasion, has found no evidence that Saddam Hussein's regime had any operational links with Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida terrorist network.
The review, "Saddam and Terrorism: Emerging Insights from Captured Iraqi Documents", is not due to be published officially to Congress until tomorrow.
The Defence Secretary (Donald Rumsfeld) claimed in September 2002 that the United States had "bulletproof" evidence of cooperation between the al-Qaida and Saddam Hussein.
Secretary of State Colin Powell claimed that there were many links between Saddam and al-Qaida in a February 2003 speech to the United Nations Security Council designed to rally support for the invasion.
Seemingly all of these statements made by Rumsfeld and Powell were based on false/misinterpreted intelligence.
The review was completed last year. However, it has been sat on since then as people have been reluctant to declassify it.
The review, "Saddam and Terrorism: Emerging Insights from Captured Iraqi Documents", is not due to be published officially to Congress until tomorrow.
The Defence Secretary (Donald Rumsfeld) claimed in September 2002 that the United States had "bulletproof" evidence of cooperation between the al-Qaida and Saddam Hussein.
Secretary of State Colin Powell claimed that there were many links between Saddam and al-Qaida in a February 2003 speech to the United Nations Security Council designed to rally support for the invasion.
Seemingly all of these statements made by Rumsfeld and Powell were based on false/misinterpreted intelligence.
The review was completed last year. However, it has been sat on since then as people have been reluctant to declassify it.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Secrets Begat Secrets and Lies
It seems that the release earlier this week of the first draft of the "dodgy dossier", which was used by Blair to take Britain to war in Iraq, was not quite as full and frank as some may have believed.
The Guardian reports that the Foreign Office successfully fought to keep secret any mention of Israel in the release this week. The Foreign Office succeeded before a tribunal in having a handwritten mention of Israel kept secret.
What was on that handwritten note?
A reference to Israel's nuclear arsenal, and an inference that Israel had flouted the United Nations' authority in a manner similar to that of the Iraqi regime of Saddam Hussein.
Unfortunately for the Foreign Office, their meddling has been made public and their attempt to suppress the note has failed.
The question now arises as to what else is being withheld from the British public?
The Guardian reports that the Foreign Office successfully fought to keep secret any mention of Israel in the release this week. The Foreign Office succeeded before a tribunal in having a handwritten mention of Israel kept secret.
What was on that handwritten note?
A reference to Israel's nuclear arsenal, and an inference that Israel had flouted the United Nations' authority in a manner similar to that of the Iraqi regime of Saddam Hussein.
Unfortunately for the Foreign Office, their meddling has been made public and their attempt to suppress the note has failed.
The question now arises as to what else is being withheld from the British public?
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
UN Contradicts US
Despite US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice claiming that the new law to allow Baathists back in from the political cold was sign of reconciliation, the UN countered her claim.
Staffan de Mistura, the United Nations' Baghdad envoy, said that Iraq lacks any true spirit of reconciliation despite parliament's decision to let former members of Saddam Hussein's Baath Party return to government jobs.
He said that there was still no trust between the Shi'ite-dominated cabinet and Sunni muslims, and warned that Iraq was running out of time.
"We do not feel a real spirit of reconciliation developing even if the government has accepted the law on reintegration of former Baathists.
The little intercommunity game continues but Iraq has no more time."
Time is running out for Iraq and for Bush.
Staffan de Mistura, the United Nations' Baghdad envoy, said that Iraq lacks any true spirit of reconciliation despite parliament's decision to let former members of Saddam Hussein's Baath Party return to government jobs.
He said that there was still no trust between the Shi'ite-dominated cabinet and Sunni muslims, and warned that Iraq was running out of time.
"We do not feel a real spirit of reconciliation developing even if the government has accepted the law on reintegration of former Baathists.
The little intercommunity game continues but Iraq has no more time."
Time is running out for Iraq and for Bush.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Wyatt Confesses
Oscar Wyatt, the Texan oil tycoon on trial for paying kickbacks to Saddam Hussein, has confessed that he paid illegal kickbacks to Saddam in exchange for oil contracts through the U.N. oil-for-food program.
Wyatt, who is 83, opted for a plea bargain and agreed to serve up to 24 months behind bars.
Wyatt must also pay the $11M he made as a result of his dealings with Iraq between 2000 and 2003.
Wyatt's sentencing date is set for November 27th.
Wyatt, who is 83, opted for a plea bargain and agreed to serve up to 24 months behind bars.
Wyatt must also pay the $11M he made as a result of his dealings with Iraq between 2000 and 2003.
Wyatt's sentencing date is set for November 27th.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Saddam's Old Friend
Saddam Hussein allegedly told Houston oilman Oscar Wyatt in 1995, that the ranks of Iraq's friends had dwindled so much during the years of economic sanctions he could count them on one hand.
Iraqi-American consultant Samir Vincent told the federal court, trying Wyatt for paying kickbacks to Saddam:
"You are one of them."
Wyatt allegedly replied:
"I appreciate the gesture, Mr. President. I feel the same way about Iraq."
Vincent, appearing for the prosecution, said that he accompanied Wyatt on seven or eight trips to Iraq between 1991 and 1997.
Vincent identified a photograph he said showed Saddam sitting with Wyatt, Vincent and Tariq Aziz, Iraq's former deputy prime minister.
At that time Iraq was under international sanctions, and Americans were barred from spending any money to travel to Iraq without the U.S. government's permission.
Iraqi-American consultant Samir Vincent told the federal court, trying Wyatt for paying kickbacks to Saddam:
"You are one of them."
Wyatt allegedly replied:
"I appreciate the gesture, Mr. President. I feel the same way about Iraq."
Vincent, appearing for the prosecution, said that he accompanied Wyatt on seven or eight trips to Iraq between 1991 and 1997.
Vincent identified a photograph he said showed Saddam sitting with Wyatt, Vincent and Tariq Aziz, Iraq's former deputy prime minister.
At that time Iraq was under international sanctions, and Americans were barred from spending any money to travel to Iraq without the U.S. government's permission.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Class Action Filed Against AWB
Australia's main wheat exporter AWB Ltd has stated that a class action has been filed against it, and its United States subsidiary AWB (USA) Ltd, by lawyers acting for Iraqi citizens.
The class action, filed in the Southern District of New York, is being undertaken by victims of crimes perpetrated by the Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq from 1996 to 2003, or their surviving immediate family members.
The action, which also names French bank BNP Paribas as a defendant, alleges that the defendants contributed to the injuries and damages sustained by the plaintiffs by giving substantial assistance to the Saddam regime.
AWB was found by an Australian judicial inquiry to have paid kickbacks of $222M to the regime to secure sales.
The class action, filed in the Southern District of New York, is being undertaken by victims of crimes perpetrated by the Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq from 1996 to 2003, or their surviving immediate family members.
The action, which also names French bank BNP Paribas as a defendant, alleges that the defendants contributed to the injuries and damages sustained by the plaintiffs by giving substantial assistance to the Saddam regime.
AWB was found by an Australian judicial inquiry to have paid kickbacks of $222M to the regime to secure sales.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
The Wyatt Trial
Oscar Wyatt, a Texan oil billionaire, is now being tried in the US accused of paying millions of dollars in kickbacks to Saddam Hussein's government.
Wyatt, 83, is pleading not guilty. However, if convicted, he faces 74 years in jail.
Assistant US Attorney Stephen Miller opened for the prosecution by stating:
"When the world imposed sanctions on Iraq, Oscar Wyatt stepped up to help them evade sanctions."
Wyatt's lawyers contend that he "did not pay any surcharge to the Iraqis".
Wyatt faces five charges, including engaging in prohibited financial transactions with Iraq.
Wyatt, 83, is pleading not guilty. However, if convicted, he faces 74 years in jail.
Assistant US Attorney Stephen Miller opened for the prosecution by stating:
"When the world imposed sanctions on Iraq, Oscar Wyatt stepped up to help them evade sanctions."
Wyatt's lawyers contend that he "did not pay any surcharge to the Iraqis".
Wyatt faces five charges, including engaging in prohibited financial transactions with Iraq.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Tip Off Trial
U.S. District Judge Denny Chin has ruled that prosecutors can introduce evidence (in the form of a diary) in the trial of Oscar Wyatt, a Texas oil tycoon, that shows that Wyatt tipped off Iraq about the impending 2003 US invasion.
Judge Chin also allowed evidence that the defence claims unfairly suggested that payments made by Wyatt to Iraq's state oil marketing organisation were bribes passed on to Saddam Hussein.
Wyatt will stand trial on September 5, at a federal court in Manhattan, accused of paying millions of dollars in kickbacks to Iraq to win oil contracts and corrupting the oil-for-food program.
The judge agreed with prosecutors who said that the diary was needed to show Wyatt's close ties with Iraqi officials.
Quote:
"It shows Mr. Wyatt was trying extremely hard to get additional (oil) allocations," the judge said. "Why was the Iraq government treating Mr. Wyatt so well? Why did he get the first (oil) allocation? ... This is further evidence of that relationship."
Judge Chin also allowed evidence that the defence claims unfairly suggested that payments made by Wyatt to Iraq's state oil marketing organisation were bribes passed on to Saddam Hussein.
Wyatt will stand trial on September 5, at a federal court in Manhattan, accused of paying millions of dollars in kickbacks to Iraq to win oil contracts and corrupting the oil-for-food program.
The judge agreed with prosecutors who said that the diary was needed to show Wyatt's close ties with Iraqi officials.
Quote:
"It shows Mr. Wyatt was trying extremely hard to get additional (oil) allocations," the judge said. "Why was the Iraq government treating Mr. Wyatt so well? Why did he get the first (oil) allocation? ... This is further evidence of that relationship."
Thursday, August 16, 2007
AWB Bill Passed
The Australian lower house of parliament has passed a bill that will punish those who break UN sanctions. It is ten years since allegations first surfaced that AWB might have been bribing Saddam Hussein.
Attorney-General Philip Ruddock said:
"I reject the suggestion the government has been slow in its response to the threat of money laundering or terrorist financing.
The government, of course, remains committed to ensuring that Australian businesses uphold our international obligations in relation to trade sanctions and combating foreign bribery.
Contravention of UN sanctions and bribery of foreign officials will not be tolerated."
AWB's $300M kickbacks to Saddam were uncovered after the government set up the Cole Commission.
The bill adds a new offence to the 1945 Charter of the United Nations Act which makes it illegal to break an Australian law which enforces UN sanctions, and creates a separate criminal offence for providing false or misleading information relating to sanctions.
Attorney-General Philip Ruddock said:
"I reject the suggestion the government has been slow in its response to the threat of money laundering or terrorist financing.
The government, of course, remains committed to ensuring that Australian businesses uphold our international obligations in relation to trade sanctions and combating foreign bribery.
Contravention of UN sanctions and bribery of foreign officials will not be tolerated."
AWB's $300M kickbacks to Saddam were uncovered after the government set up the Cole Commission.
The bill adds a new offence to the 1945 Charter of the United Nations Act which makes it illegal to break an Australian law which enforces UN sanctions, and creates a separate criminal offence for providing false or misleading information relating to sanctions.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Was Saddam Tipped Off?
The prosecution of Oscar S. Wyatt Jr., a Texas businessman accused of being involved in the Iraqi oil scandal, alleged that he told the Iraqi government crucial details of the impending 2003 American invasion of Iraq.
Lawyers for Wyatt said that the allegations, contained in an Iraqi official's diary, were highly prejudicial and irrelevant and should be kept out of his upcoming trial.
Quote:
"This document essentially alleges that Wyatt has committed the deplorable crime of treason and aided an enemy of the United States."
Wyatt is charged with conspiring to pay millions in kickbacks to Saddam Hussein's regime, to win contracts under the United Nations' oil-for-food program in Iraq.
The statements about him were contained in a diary kept by an employee of Iraq's State Oil Marketing Organisation. The diary suggests Wyatt notified the Iraqi government that the United States would bomb Iraq, when it would invade Iraq and how many soldiers would be sent.
Wyatt has pleaded not guilty, and is scheduled to go to trial in early September.
Lawyers for Wyatt said that the allegations, contained in an Iraqi official's diary, were highly prejudicial and irrelevant and should be kept out of his upcoming trial.
Quote:
"This document essentially alleges that Wyatt has committed the deplorable crime of treason and aided an enemy of the United States."
Wyatt is charged with conspiring to pay millions in kickbacks to Saddam Hussein's regime, to win contracts under the United Nations' oil-for-food program in Iraq.
The statements about him were contained in a diary kept by an employee of Iraq's State Oil Marketing Organisation. The diary suggests Wyatt notified the Iraqi government that the United States would bomb Iraq, when it would invade Iraq and how many soldiers would be sent.
Wyatt has pleaded not guilty, and is scheduled to go to trial in early September.
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