Cracks appeared in the U.N. trade embargo against Iraq. The State Department reports that Cuba and Romania have struck oil deals with Iraq as others attempt to trade with Baghdad in defiance of the sanctions. Iran has agreed to exchange food and medicine for Iraqi oil. Saddam has offered developing nations free oil if they send their tankers to pick it up. Local news reports said the aid would be extended through the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, and $600 million would be sent as early as mid-September. Thus far, none has accepted. In a recent interview on CNN, President Bush said he was not concerned about Iraq's ability to produce weapons or its willingness to use them. President Bush has promised that Saddam's aggression will not succeed.
Cracks appeared in the U.N. trade embargo against Iraq. The State Department reports that Cuba and Romania have struck oil deals with Iraq as others attempt to trade with Baghdad in defiance of the sanctions. Iran has agreed to exchange food and medicine for Iraqi oil. Saddam has offered developing nations free oil if they send their tankers to pick it up. Thus far, none has accepted. In a recent interview on CNN, President Bush said he was not concerned about Iraq's ability to produce weapons or its willingness to use them. President Bush has promised that Saddam's aggression will not succeed.