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"Iraq's stunted economic potential" I am disappointed that the BBC's bias in reporting on Iraq also extends to the business staff! No mention of the 1 million to 1.5 million dead civilians, mainly children, due to sanctions (UNICEF etc). The blame is with the US & UK which is why the BBC avoids mentioning deaths. No mention of the US/UK supporting Iraq in its war with Iran. "The reasons for Iraq's stunted growth range from dips in the oil price to President Saddam's fondness for turning off the country's oil taps to show his displeasure of Western 'meddling'"....... Another attempt to demonise Saddam Hussein (Government policy) - the turning off of the taps had no material effect on Iraq's lack of growth. "Iraq has also failed to upgrade its oil infrastructure. This is partly because the government has opted to spend much of its money on defence - possibly building up an arsenal of chemical weapons - and maintaining its power base. However, the UN regime has also made it difficult for the Iraqis to import spare parts for upgrading facilities. Requests for new equipment have frequently been held up by UN sanction committees because of concerns they might be put to military use."....... Another unfounded attempt to demonise SH. The 661 committee TOTALLY control Iraq's ability to upgrade its oil infrastructure. The US & UK are the ones deliberately putting holds on vital supplies. I won't comment on the assertion that Iraq will be better off economically after another US/UK war on the country! It all seems like part of the strategy to soften the public up ready for war again. _______________________________________________ Sent via the discussion list of the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq. To unsubscribe, visit http://lists.casi.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/casi-discuss To contact the list manager, email casi-discuss-admin@lists.casi.org.uk All postings are archived on CASI's website: http://www.casi.org.uk