This is why the French, Germans, Russians and Chinese were not on board with the invasion
You mean, aside from what they were being paid, don't you?
Look at what the situation was and what the options were:
1. Sanctions / containment continue. The US continues to pay the costs (military & diplomatic), while France, Russians etc. continue to collect Oil for Food bribes. Not too bad from their point of view.
2. Sanctions / containment break down; Saddam resumes position as chief Arab leader. France and Russia clean up with promised oil contracts, reaping billions. US takes the hit. If Saddam should make trouble again, the US will have to handle it. Not too bad from their point of view.
3. The US declares Saddam in violation of truce agreement and invades. Oil for Food bribes stop, all prospect of rich oil contracts disappear. Destabilization of Mideast occurs, possibly triggering refugees. No benefit from their point of view, very possible downside. Lousy from their point of view.
Of course, from the point of view of the US and Iraq, the priorities were a little different.
This is why the issue of WMDs is and was basically a diplomatic convenience, or if you prefer, a red herring. Cui bono? is the question to ask. |
