Not that we're the only ones willing to buy and sell life and death.
latimes.com
Backing on Iraq? Let's Make a Deal
Allies: Behind-the-scenes talks get underway to see which inducements might sway nations.
By PAUL RICHTER and GREG MILLER, TIMES STAFF WRITERS
WASHINGTON -- After struggling for months to talk other nations into helping oust Saddam Hussein, President Bush is beginning to use terms they might find easier to understand: cash, weapons, business deals and favors.
Bush's speech Thursday at the United Nations marked the start of intense behind-the-scenes negotiations to see what inducements will help convert countries that so far have been balking, at least publicly, at joining the anti-Hussein campaign.
U.S. officials expect the Turks to ask for weapons and debt relief, the Russians and French for access to Iraqi oilfield business, the Qataris for cash to build an air base, and the Jordanians for guarantees of oil and trade. Officials expect many other countries to join the horse trading, and predict that they won't be shy.
"Countries in the Middle East take the bazaari approach," said Danielle Pletka, a former Senate aide who now works at the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research. "Once they know we want to buy ... the sky's the limit."
Said a senior congressional aide, "This is a great time to step forward and get something you want from the United States."....
Makes you feel proud to be part of the human race.
jttmab |
