• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

WEASEL ALERT - UN "OIL-FOR-FOOLS" SCAM - Audits show rampant Bilking

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.
Originally posted by: Rogue
Ummmm...as an impartial party to this argument as it stands, I think that the onus is on you Bowfinger to provide at least half of your "100 or so" nations opposed and then state their reasoning with regards to the situation. You're doing the equivalent of asking a question that you don't know the answer to just for the sake of sounding like you know what you're talking about and it doesn't make your views look very "reputable" in this discussion at all. You could solve at least part of this dispute by naming at least some of these "100 or so" nations yourself, but alas it seems you're sidestepping your own question while expecting everyone else to answer it for you.

]Originally posted by: Bowfinger
Your transparent hypocrisy is bad enough, suggesting Bush and his minions act only out of noble motives while all the countries who opposed him acted out of greed and crass commercial interests. The real farce is the way you conveniently ignore the other 100 or so countries who also opposed the war but were not participants in your global conspiracy with Hussein. I suppose they just wanted to make Bush look bad because they are so jealous of his charm and wit.[/quote]

i think you have a point Rogue.



 
Originally posted by: Bowfinger
Originally posted by: tcsenter
You're more optimistic than I. Consider whom you're dealing with.

It has been widely reported for more than five years that Hussein was overtly buying influence in the UN Security Council.

Even after it was revealed without dispute that France and Russia had substantial financial interests in the continued operation of the Oil-for-Food program indefinitely, and even greater interests in the continued existance of the Hussein regime (TotalFinaElf and Lukoil), with zero interest in seeing this lucrative status quo come to an end, it was of course all Bush's fault for failing to get the UN's blessing for war or build a larger coalition.

It would be like expecting a member of Congress to build support among officials in NEVADA for an effort to make gambling illegal. I'm sure that the failure to secure such support would reflect entirely upon that member of Congress and not the sheer lunacy of the expectation. lol!

Even more astounding, our resident US-haters actually "spun" these facts, which they themselves did not dispute, not as evidence that the United Nations Security Council had been compromised, or that opposition to the US and Britain within the UNSC was motivated purely by greed and not by principle, but evidence that the United States and Britain wanted Iraq's oil.

IOW, it was A-OK with them that the United Nations was being used to do the bidding of a murderous tyrant while millions of Iraqis suffered in the extreme - all for oil - as long as it wasn't the US and Britain getting the oil.

Wow. That puts things into perspective.

Not surprisingly, these are usually the same folks who constantly accuse the US of arming Iraq (with Russian and French hardware) and actively supporting the rise of the Hussein regime.

Where else on earth would you find a single person, let alone thousands, who believe the US makes Russian tanks and French air defense installations? Only in America....
What a crock. Typical attacks on those who disagree with you and your boy in the White House. Can you support these claims, or should we save time and dismiss them out of hand as more of your dishonest nonsense?

Your transparent hypocrisy is bad enough, suggesting Bush and his minions act only out of noble motives while all the countries who opposed him acted out of greed and crass commercial interests. The real farce is the way you conveniently ignore the other 100 or so countries who also opposed the war but were not participants in your global conspiracy with Hussein. I suppose they just wanted to make Bush look bad because they are so jealous of his charm and wit.

Why don't you get a job and stop polluting P&N with your hateful apologist tripe?
Let's break this into your assorted unsubstantiated claims and attacks:

A) It has been widely reported for more than five years that Hussein was overtly buying influence in the UN Security Council.

B) it was revealed without dispute that France and Russia had substantial financial interests in the continued operation of the Oil-for-Food program indefinitely, and even greater interests in the continued existance of the Hussein regime (TotalFinaElf and Lukoil), with zero interest in seeing this lucrative status quo come to an end

C) Even after it was revealed ... it was of course all Bush's fault for failing to get the UN's blessing for war or build a larger coalition.

D) our resident US-haters

E) our resident US-haters actually "spun" these facts, which they themselves did not dispute

F) our resident US-haters actually "spun" these facts, which they themselves did not dispute, not as evidence that the United Nations Security Council had been compromised, or that opposition to the US and Britain within the UNSC was motivated purely by greed and not by principle, but evidence that the United States and Britain wanted Iraq's oil.

G) IOW, it was A-OK with them that the United Nations was being used to do the bidding of a murderous tyrant

H) these are usually the same folks who constantly accuse the US of arming Iraq

I) arming Iraq (with Russian and French hardware)

J) these are usually the same folks who constantly accuse the US of ... actively supporting the rise of the Hussein regime

K) a single person, let alone thousands, who believe the US makes Russian tanks and French air defense installations

There you go. If it's a claim about what did or didn't happen in the U.N., show us your documentation. If it is an allegation about people here, e.g., "US-haters" or "it's A-OK with them ...", produce the threads that document your claims and characterizations. The simple fact is you spewed one of your signature mixes of factoids, lies, ad homs, and pompous delusions of grandeur. Given your track record, it's not reasonable to expect us to sort them into the appropriate piles. Document what you can; we will ignore the rest.


 
Originally posted by: charrison
You continue to fail to list those 100 countries, so it seems like an ignorable point.
It is tcsenter's contention that the U.N. opposed the invasion of Iraq because they were on the take with Hussein. My contention is that even if this red herring happened to be true, it ignores all of the other countries opposed to the invasion, yet not part of his oil-for-food conspiracy. Is it your contention that France, Germany, and Russia are the only three countries who opposed our invasion of Iraq? If not, if there were other countries, then the exact number DOES NOT MATTER to the point I raised.

I indicated in my very first post that 100 was an approximate number. I invited you to offer a number you feel is more accurate if you feel 100 is too high or too low. I am OK with that because the exact number is irrelevant. In the meantime, you all continue to avoid the point, diverting attention to this irrelevant detail.


 
Originally posted by: sandorski
Alright, do some simple math guys: Total Nations - Coalition of the Willing = Voila answer.

Remember: "If you are not with us, you are against us" Using that, those "For" are 40ish Nations, grab he figure of "Total Nations" - 40ish = ??
They can do the math. They just don't want to answer the question. One of the key rationalizations many Bush supporters cling to re. global opposition to the war is that France, Germany, and/or Russia were in bed with Hussein. Their motives were tainted; George's were pure. This ridiculous red herring ignores the fact the opposition included most of the countries of the world, including some listed with the "Coalition of the Willing". Should they give in on this point, they have to acknowledge that other countries opposed the invasion for moral reasons. That weakens their support for George.
 
Yes, but these "100 or so" other nations you speak of had no direct power in influencing the US NOT to go to war with Iraq, so in essence, although they should have a voice on the global stage, they bear little if any relevance to the opposition found in the UN, primarily by large nations with great influence who also happened to be benefitting greatly from the "Oil for Food" program in Iraq. It's like saying that you should go to Chuck-e-Cheese because the kids say so, when mom and dad really have the final say. It's who opposes the war with influence and power that ultimately matter, not the nations with no vote at all in the UN. I hope this at least demonstrates the other side to your arguement Bowfinger.
 
Originally posted by: Rogue
Yes, but these "100 or so" other nations you speak of had no direct power in influencing the US NOT to go to war with Iraq, so in essence, although they should have a voice on the global stage, they bear little if any relevance to the opposition found in the UN, primarily by large nations with great influence who also happened to be benefitting greatly from the "Oil for Food" program in Iraq. It's like saying that you should go to Chuck-e-Cheese because the kids say so, when mom and dad really have the final say. It's who opposes the war with influence and power that ultimately matter, not the nations with no vote at all in the UN. I hope this at least demonstrates the other side to your arguement Bowfinger.
I understand your point but I think it answers the wrong question. The real question is why did so many countries oppose the invasion, not how influential are they. Since it's absurd to claim they were all on Hussein's payroll, one must accept the fact they opposed the war for moral reasons. They thought it was wrong, or at least unjustified. This undermines the Bush supporters who rationalize that only bad countries opposed us.
 
Originally posted by: Bowfinger
Originally posted by: Rogue
Yes, but these "100 or so" other nations you speak of had no direct power in influencing the US NOT to go to war with Iraq, so in essence, although they should have a voice on the global stage, they bear little if any relevance to the opposition found in the UN, primarily by large nations with great influence who also happened to be benefitting greatly from the "Oil for Food" program in Iraq. It's like saying that you should go to Chuck-e-Cheese because the kids say so, when mom and dad really have the final say. It's who opposes the war with influence and power that ultimately matter, not the nations with no vote at all in the UN. I hope this at least demonstrates the other side to your arguement Bowfinger.
I understand your point but I think it answers the wrong question. The real question is why did so many countries oppose the invasion, not how influential are they. Since it's absurd to claim they were all on Hussein's payroll, one must accept the fact they opposed the war for moral reasons. They thought it was wrong, or at least unjustified. This undermines the Bush supporters who rationalize that only bad countries opposed us.

Different countries have different moral standards [hell, our own country cant make its mind up about where it stands on issues dealing with morality] So, what may appear to be a completely moral decision by one country may appear to be less so to another, depending upon moral standards.

My point being is that we cannot and should not rely upon what other countries think is good and right [moral and/or ethical] because it may [and most likely does] differ from our own perception of good and right [moral and/or ethical].
 
Originally posted by: Genesys
Originally posted by: Bowfinger
Originally posted by: Rogue
Yes, but these "100 or so" other nations you speak of had no direct power in influencing the US NOT to go to war with Iraq, so in essence, although they should have a voice on the global stage, they bear little if any relevance to the opposition found in the UN, primarily by large nations with great influence who also happened to be benefitting greatly from the "Oil for Food" program in Iraq. It's like saying that you should go to Chuck-e-Cheese because the kids say so, when mom and dad really have the final say. It's who opposes the war with influence and power that ultimately matter, not the nations with no vote at all in the UN. I hope this at least demonstrates the other side to your arguement Bowfinger.
I understand your point but I think it answers the wrong question. The real question is why did so many countries oppose the invasion, not how influential are they. Since it's absurd to claim they were all on Hussein's payroll, one must accept the fact they opposed the war for moral reasons. They thought it was wrong, or at least unjustified. This undermines the Bush supporters who rationalize that only bad countries opposed us.

Different countries have different moral standards [hell, our own country cant make its mind up about where it stands on issues dealing with morality] So, what may appear to be a completely moral decision by one country may appear to be less so to another, depending upon moral standards.

My point being is that we cannot and should not rely upon what other countries think is good and right [moral and/or ethical] because it may [and most likely does] differ from our own perception of good and right [moral and/or ethical].

Who is Good and Right?
 
Originally posted by: Bowfinger
Originally posted by: Rogue
Yes, but these "100 or so" other nations you speak of had no direct power in influencing the US NOT to go to war with Iraq, so in essence, although they should have a voice on the global stage, they bear little if any relevance to the opposition found in the UN, primarily by large nations with great influence who also happened to be benefitting greatly from the "Oil for Food" program in Iraq. It's like saying that you should go to Chuck-e-Cheese because the kids say so, when mom and dad really have the final say. It's who opposes the war with influence and power that ultimately matter, not the nations with no vote at all in the UN. I hope this at least demonstrates the other side to your arguement Bowfinger.
I understand your point but I think it answers the wrong question. The real question is why did so many countries oppose the invasion, not how influential are they. Since it's absurd to claim they were all on Hussein's payroll, one must accept the fact they opposed the war for moral reasons. They thought it was wrong, or at least unjustified. This undermines the Bush supporters who rationalize that only bad countries opposed us.

So you are a subscriber to the "with us or against us" thing? Welcome aboard!😀😛
But anyway - I thought those "other" countries even if vocally supportive or whatever would be "fraudulent" or "illegitimate" - would they not? That seems to be the excuse to blow off the other nations in support of the Coalition - is it not?
But the point really is that the oil-for-food program looks to have been corrupted not your question of why the war was opposed by the unlisted 100.

CkG
 
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
How much attention do you think it'll get here?
How about the rest of the press?

I know how I'd bet😉

CkG
I like to compare this situation to what Coach "Bear" Bryant once said (and later did).

Upon assuming the head coaching position at TAMU after leaving Kentucky in 1954, Coach Bryant viewed Aggie game film which was shot during the previous season. After watching the pathetic display of football, his words were:

"The rats have taken over, Smokey. Let's burn the barn!" 😉

In other words, we might say that we crashed more than one little party when soldiers, marines and warplanes came roaring across a berm last March.
 
Originally posted by: CADkindaGUY
Originally posted by: Bowfinger
Originally posted by: Rogue
Yes, but these "100 or so" other nations you speak of had no direct power in influencing the US NOT to go to war with Iraq, so in essence, although they should have a voice on the global stage, they bear little if any relevance to the opposition found in the UN, primarily by large nations with great influence who also happened to be benefitting greatly from the "Oil for Food" program in Iraq. It's like saying that you should go to Chuck-e-Cheese because the kids say so, when mom and dad really have the final say. It's who opposes the war with influence and power that ultimately matter, not the nations with no vote at all in the UN. I hope this at least demonstrates the other side to your arguement Bowfinger.
I understand your point but I think it answers the wrong question. The real question is why did so many countries oppose the invasion, not how influential are they. Since it's absurd to claim they were all on Hussein's payroll, one must accept the fact they opposed the war for moral reasons. They thought it was wrong, or at least unjustified. This undermines the Bush supporters who rationalize that only bad countries opposed us.

So you are a subscriber to the "with us or against us" thing? Welcome aboard!😀😛
But anyway - I thought those "other" countries even if vocally supportive or whatever would be "fraudulent" or "illegitimate" - would they not? That seems to be the excuse to blow off the other nations in support of the Coalition - is it not?
But the point really is that the oil-for-food program looks to have been corrupted not your question of why the war was opposed by the unlisted 100.

CkG
I agree most of the recent messages are off-topic from burnedout's article. Sorry about that, it started when I called tcsenter on yet another of his absurd claims. Worst of all, when I challenged him to back up his B.S., even laid it out for him point by point, he ran away and hid ... again. I'm sure he'll pop up in another thread, spouting the same refuted nonsense, and we'll start all over again. Blather - rinse - repeat.


 
Originally posted by: burnedout
"It's time to take a serious look at the U.N.'s oil-for-food program."

[...]

"One of the most eye-catching names on the list is easy to miss as it's the sole entry under a country one would not normally associate with Iraq--Panama. The entry says: "Mr. Sevan." That's the same name as that of the U.N. Assistant Secretary-General Benon V. Sevan, a Cyprus-born, New York-educated career U.N. officer who was tapped by Kofi Annan in October 1997 to run the oil-for-food program."

[...]

OP from The Wall Street Journal

Nice to see this topic finally getting some attention.
Perhaps I can help put this thread back on topic.
 
Did SADDAM HUSSEIN BUY SUPPORT IN RUSSIA AND THE WEST? (Part 1) - Radio Free Europe

The UN's Oil for Fools Program - Tech Central Station

[...]

Second, the U.N. may have done more damage than good in Iraq -- and may do so again. The U.N. oil-for-food officials knew about the global bribery effort and did nothing to stop it. Moreover, it is possible that the officials in that august body facilitated and benefited from at least some of the transactions.

This is not the first time that the U.N. has bungled major policy undertakings: the U.N. aid effort in the West Bank and Gaza called United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) only perpetuated the refugee problem. It did nothing to resettle the refugees, has been repeatedly caught aiding and abetting terrorists, and is thoroughly penetrated by Hamas.

Third, persistent rumors are worth checking. Stories about Saddam's global payola have been in circulation for years, with nobody investigating.


[...]

......Saddam's buddy list is just the tip of the iceberg.

More media exposure on this extremely under-reported topic. Heh. Enjoy!
 
Now the liberal media is warming to the idea.

10 cents a barrel: how Iraqi oil fuelled UK campaigns

Secret commissions paid to pro-Saddam middlemen by western oil firms found their way into George Galloway's anti-sanctions drives


Stay tuned...............
 
Since Iraq had no WMD's left, there was no need for sanctions, and no need for that oil for food program anyways.
So Russia and France benefitted from oil for food? Big deal.
 
A New Job for Kay
Let him investigate the U.N. Oil-for-Food scam.

Oh no! Mr. Bill, Mr. Bill, not the Wall Street Journal again!

And, no, I am not talking about anything as exotic as the list of alleged bribe-takers from Saddam Hussein, published Jan. 25 by the Iraqi newspaper Al-Mada, and now under investigation. I speak simply about the U.N.-supplied numbers on Oil-for-Food's operations. Over the past 18 months, I have periodically tried to get these figures to add up. I am starting to believe the words of an unusually forthright U.N. spokesman, who at one point told me, "They won't."

[...]

If you want to get fancy, you can factor in the allegations that Saddam underbilled for oil and overpaid for goods via the U.N. contracts, in order to piggyback bribes and kickbacks atop the Oil-for-Food program. If true, then the two things we can bank on are that Saddam took in more than the U.N. reported, and the goods the Iraqi people received were worth less.

Which brings us back to Mr. Kay, who in reference to Oil-for-Food noted recently that "a lot of people took part in what was clearly a scam." I start to wonder whether Mr. Kay, given full powers to investigate, might return to report that whatever the U.N. may be reporting, we still don't have a clue about the real numbers.
[you may now resume your regularly scheduled program of USA bashing already in progress]
 
This are serious charges by a serious paper. I am glad to see this. Personally I think the UN needs some Viagra and grow some balls and get rid of the lifelong bureaucrats that are in it to be in it.



Please explain why 100 or so countries besides France, Germany, and Russia also opposed Bush's adventure in Iraq.
well if I were to sink to your level that you'd understand I'd say cause they a pu$$ies!
but the 40+ that are actually have an interest in the future of Iraq other than their pocketbook.
 
That's all very interesting, and pretty nebulous. What axe is the Wall Stree Journal grinding and why?

I'd certainly reserve my judgment but I'd say it's a bit early to be claiming Sevan was actually involved as alleged. It is very common for people in Third World countries to manufacture recommendations and facts. Many phony docs have surface from that part of the world.

So, even though this might look like it verifies what some right wingers have been saying all along I would hedge my bets. 🙂

-Robert
 
2. Please explain why 100 or so countries besides France, Germany, and Russia also opposed Bush's adventure in Iraq. What was their payola in your vast, pro-Hussein conspiracy?

First answer me this. Are you assuming that any country that didn't actively get on board the Iraq war train must be counted as actively opposed to it? I also call BS on that. I think the majority of them could easily fall into a sitting on the fence category. Basically many of them countries that had little or nothing to contribute and were staying neutral waiting for the best offer before falling in line on one side or the other. The UN is not about loyalty or doing whats right it is about power nothing more.
 
Originally posted by: SuperTool
Since Iraq had no WMD's left, there was no need for sanctions, and no need for that oil for food program anyways.
So Russia and France benefitted from oil for food? Big deal.

"Big deal"?!?!? When you, among many others, have cited French and Russian opposition to toppling Saddam as a reason against OIF? When you, among others, have cited the lack of UN sanction, made impossible by a threatened French veto, as a reason against OIF? Before the war, it was all about getting UN sanction for military action. Now, when reasons come to light about why such sanction was impossible to get, it's suddenly unimportant. Laughable.
 
**Breaking News**

Colin Powell: U.S. Looking into Oil for Fools Money

KUWAIT CITY - U.S. administrators in Iraq (news - web sites) have frozen records of a U.N. aid program to help investigators looking into possible corruption during the Saddam Hussein (news - web sites) era, Secretary of State Colin Powell (news - web sites) said Saturday during a stopover in Kuwait.

U.S. congressional investigators have charged that Saddam's regime amassed $10 billion through oil smuggling, illegal surcharges and kickbacks from the United Nations (news - web sites)' 1996-2002 oil-for-food program. An Iraqi newspaper has published a list of about 270 former Cabinet officials, legislators, political activists and journalists in about 46 countries suspected of profiting from the scam.
**Film at Eleven**
 
Back
Top