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On Sat, 24 May 2003 04:49:59 -0400 "ppg" <ppg@nyc.rr.com> writes: >It is no wonder Franks is 'resigning'.. The Iraqis >suspected this from the beginning.. pg >US army chief says Iraqi troops took bribes to surrender >The Pentagon said that bribing the senior officers was a >cost-effective method of fighting and one that led to >fewer casualties. The Pentagon is correct -- it was smart tactics. Franks has no need to regret such actions. The ethical problem is not that bribes were offered -- although those who accepted bribes might be criticized -- but that the attack took place at all. Strategically, however, if the US attacks another nation, some problems can arise. Leaders might offer large rewards to officers who stay loyal, at the expense of the people, and might also clamp down on security resulting in more tyranny. There is also the possibility of using double agents, where officers would be paid and still remain loyal, and some of the money could be used to bolster defenses. Also, pubic knowledge of bribery will tend to anger other nations and lead to further distrust of the US -- and more deterioration of international relations and diplomacy. On the other hand, if the US considers it OK to bribe officers, than why not a whole nation -- as with North Korea? ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today! _______________________________________________ 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