Tuesday, August 19, 2003 Good News From Iraq
A collection of stories first seen at On the Third Hand:- SADDAM'S ORPHANS
Ba'athists are not the only political and financial orphans left by Saddam. The Iraqi dictator financed hundreds of journalists, and supposedly independent politicians in virtually all Arab countries. Documents seized from the Iraqi Cultural Office in London include lists that read like a who's who of pan-Arab intellectual elite.
Over the years, Saddam financed dozens of Arab publications, including weeklies and dailies based in Beirut, Paris and London. Some prominent Arab journalists received "presidential presents" in the form of luxury homes in Europe, expensive cars and costly gold watches, the standard Arab gift.
Iraqi groups studying the documents estimate that Saddam spent more than $1 billion over 20 years to buy prominent Arabs, and finance Arab parties and politicians devoted to his personality cult. Arab writers were paid millions of dollars to produce hagiographical accounts of Saddam's life. Film-makers and TV producers received cash in exchange for footage devoted to the "Great Leader of Arabs."
Saddam also financed militant Palestinian groups, notably Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and terrorists such as Sabri al-Banna, Muhammad Abbas and Ahmad Jibril. In 2001, Saddam also started channeling funds to the Lebanese branch of the Hezbollah (Party of God).
The list of those who benefited from Saddam's handouts includes several Iranian opposition groups, including the Mujahedin Khalq (People's Combatants) and the Iranian Kurdish Communist Party, both of which are classified as "terrorist organizations" by the United States and several European governments.
Documents now being studied by the Iraqi research group also reveal that Saddam had a network of support in several European countries, notably Britain, France and Austria.
At least three French political parties received financial contributions from Saddam between 1975 and 1990. Several prominent French politicians, including former Cabinet ministers, received money from Saddam. Several British politicians, including at least one member of parliament, were among the recipients of Saddam's largesse.
Conducted by several groups, the current work on Saddam's secret documents is largely chaotic. It is, perhaps, time for the Governing Council to take control of the project and make sure that the seized documents are not used, and abused, for selective leaks and the settling of personal scores. - Marines open last legacy school
Dozens of teachers and students in An Najaf, Iraq joined 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment Aug. 14 in a ribbon cutting ceremony that marked the last First Marine Division legacy school to be reopened before the Marines return home.
The Al Gary Secondary School for Girls, which was heavily damaged during the war, was the target of a $72,000 renovation that was supervised by the Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4, Air Detachment, based in Port Hueneme, Calif.
Since the end of major combat operations on May 1, the division has focused a great deal of man-power and funding to repair dozens of schools in southern region that had been damaged or neglected due to the war with the former regime. In An Najaf province alone, the Marines and Seabees have repaired 13 schools.
The legacy that the Marines want to leave Iraq with is not one of war, but a legacy of freedom and education for the children of Iraq.
"It is appropriate that we celebrate education here, where the written language began," said Lt. Col. Christopher C. Conlin, the battalion commander, to the crowd that gathered around him at the newly rebuilt school. "Surely, educated people are a free people." - Soldiers, Airmen change lives at orphanages
The buildings have seen great improvements since the members of the Army�s 402nd Civil Affairs Battalion made their first 15-minute voyage from Tallil in Apri, Davis recalled. Recently, the Air Force piggybacked on the Army�s idea. As a result, the first joint Army and Air Force trip was made just a few weeks ago.
�When we first visited the orphanage there was no running water, no electricity, no sewage and no refrigeration,� Davis said. �The buildings had been looted -- and what the thieves didn�t want they set on fire.�
�To actually meet and spend time with the children we are helping is the most rewarding part,� Goodwin said. �They are very grateful for the things we provide and look forward to our visits.�
�It�s a blessing to be able to make a difference in this area,� Goodwin said. �Six months ago this wouldn�t have been possible.�
-- posted by Chuck at Tuesday, August 19, 2003 | E-mail | Permalink | Main |
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