[PEN-L:36315] Re: Spreading the cost, legitimizing aggression

[Peter Dorman <dormanp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The American invasion of Iraq is essentially a hostile takeover --
financing the acquisition of another country by liquidating the latter's
assets.  Truly government along modern business lines...

Peter

k hanly wrote:

> http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?SectionID=15&ItemID=3341
>
>
> Aid Conundrum
>
> by Phyllis Bennis; March 28, 2003
snip

> Should oil-for-food funds be released and used to pay for emergency
> supplies?
>
>  No -- international law, specifically Geneva Conventions, requires
> belligerent --and occupying power -- to take responsibility (meaning pay)
> for humanitarian needs of civilian population under occupation. Currently
> that includes most of Iraq. The oil-for-food money is Iraqi money; it
> belongs to the people of Iraq, and should remain in the bank until there is
> a functioning government in Iraq to whom it can be turned over.
>
> 2) Then how should emergency food, medicine, other needs be paid for? The
> U.S., the occupying power and belligerent, should pay all costs for
> emergency care and initial rehabilitation efforts, at least during period
> while hostilities continue.

etc.