BAQ, Delegate from France
Security Council

Articles: "Bush vs. Iraq: The Rematch" by Watsona nd Gutman
"Let's Get Read about Iraq" by Zakaria

The major point showcased in these two articles is that sanctions work more against those who impose them than the government they are intended to weaken.

France, along with Russia, is "eager to resume all-out trade with Iraq.

There are 5 reasons that the sanctions on Iraq aren't working to destabilize the Iraqi government.

1. Iraqis are blaming the US and UN for their problems
Saddam claims the US led sanctions are "starving his people" and they believe him. Western experts estimate that 100,000-500,000 children under 5 have died in the last 10 years due to poor economic and medical conditions in Iraq. This results in the Iraqi people hating the US and UN.

2. Saddam is getting richer, not poorer.

Under the sanctions, Saddam is allowed to sell oil with the provision that he be permitted to spend the money earned on food and medicine. He has refused, so the $13 billion earned has piled up in an escrow account administered by the UN.

3. Smuggling and other illicit commerce compromise affect of sanctions.

4. There is little international support for the sanctions, as Iraq is an important oil contributor.

Jordan receives oil at a discount from Iraq. Turkey needs Iraqi oil. An international energy crisis is looming and the oil cartel has increased its prices.

5. The UN inspectors, since 1993, found nothing.

Zakira suggests a reasonable new 4 part plan for Iraq that will target the Iraqi population less and the government more. She thinks the US should offer its allies "a new bargain on Iraq." France would support the following proposals.

1. Welcome trade and tourism with Iraq.
2. Charge the Iraqi Baath Party's top 100 leaders with war crimes, arresting them if they leave Iraq.
3. Do not demand UN inspections, but announce that if provoked, the US should use "ground forces to take control of part of Iraq."

Special note for Gavin: Saddam is being seen as someone standing up to America. His picture is being hung up in Palestinian homes as an inspiration. Allowing this kind of disrespect for US and UN authority sets a dangerous precedent and possible slippery slope.