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[ Presenting plain-text part of multi-format email ] I've read a few articles - this included that allude to the wonderful state of Iraqi healthcare before the Gulf War. Hmmm, before the Gulf War, WITH SADDAM IN CHARGE, healthcare for ALL. AFTER Gulf War, Saddam still in charge, but WITH SANCTIONS, millions are dying. Sounds to me like the lie about this being Saddam's fault doesn't stand up to scrutiny (common sense)... >> Before 1990, Iraq's health care system was the pride of the Middle East and was described by the World Health Organisation as "first class". The ensuing Gulf War and sanctions have crippled the healthcare system causing death rates of children under five to double over the past decade with 70 per cent of deaths caused by easily avoidable bowel diseases and respiratory infections. Despite grave concerns at the highest levels, UN agencies are unable to prepare for an emergency that has yet to happen without being accused of clearing the way for war. The World Food Programme is preparing to feed up to one million Iraqis for at least three months, but once the shooting starts it will have to pull out its expatriate staff. Iraq's civilian population of 22 million is particularly vulnerable. Some 16 million – half of them children – are totally dependent on monthly government-distributed food rations. The last 12 years of sanctions and corruption within the regime mean that few if any families have stockpiles of food to get them through a war of any length. The World Food Programme supplies basic foodstuffs, but deliveries are left to the Iraqi government and a bombing campaign that destroys bridges over the Euphrates and Tigris rivers will stop distribution in its tracks.<< http://news.independent.co.uk/world/middle_east/story.jsp?story=377622 --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Web Hosting - establish your business online _______________________________________________ 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