Article

2003-12-19 International

Iraq Debt Relief backing Rises. I Wonder Why?

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Posted by growler 2003-12-19 10:24:34 AM|| || Front Page|| [1 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 I'm leery of any notions about us twisting their arms with damaging info. A more likely cause of Frogreich's newfound spirit of cooperation, I suspect, is their realization that they're probably going to have to be dealing with Bush for another 5 years- that, and their increasing perception of having been outsmarted.

Posted by Dave D. 2003-12-19 10:40:27 AM|| 2003-12-19 10:40:27 AM|| Front Page Top

#2 Looks like they left themselves a bit of weasel room.

but the agreement can be signed only when the country has an internationally recognized leadership,

Posted by B 2003-12-19 11:53:39 AM|| 2003-12-19 11:53:39 AM|| Front Page Top

#3 One of the other posts implies that the contracts for rebuilding are being used as a lever. I am skeptical but, economically speaking, all three countries are experiencing nearly flat growth. Putin appears safe, but Chirac and Shroeder may need the contract and a percentage of the debt paid up to help their economic woes.

If this was the intention of the administrations quite generous rebuilding package from the get-go, this is a masterstroke. It will force the dissenters will have to acknowledge the new Iraq as legitimate and good.

Posted by Super Hose 2003-12-19 12:05:21 PM|| 2003-12-19 12:05:21 PM|| Front Page Top

#4 An ~~internationally~~ Frogistan recognized Iraqi leadership could also repudiate the debts as odious, so these guys are playing with fire. Presumably hoping that if they have a pre-cut compromise deal on the table, the new Iraqi gov't will take it. That leaves us plenty of capability to spend the next few months 'reminding' the Weasels that our recommendation in that matter could vary, depending on their behavior. Conclusion: Baker may not need to use Saddam intel or reconstruction contracts as leverage - simply the statement 'this is the best you are going to get, perhaps you should take it.'

Posted by Nero 2003-12-19 1:12:09 PM|| 2003-12-19 1:12:09 PM|| Front Page Top

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