Who do you think ARMED Iraq to begin with?

[Octafish]

19. Alan Friedman: ''Spider's Web'' & Banca Nazionale del Lavoro (BNL)

The author documented how the US illegally armed Iraw in the 1980s.

IRAQGATE: United States Illegally Armed Saddam Hussein

EXCERPT...

Iraqgate Scandal Documents
National Security Decision Directive

Text Transcript | Document Image 1 | Document Image 2 | Document Image 3 |

This National Security Decision Directive, signed by President George Bush on October 2, 1989, states that "normal relations between the United States and Iraq would serve our long-term interests" and mandates a series of moves to strengthen economic and military ties. One year after ordering these attempts to improve relations with Saddam Hussein's government, Bush was preparing for war against "the butcher of Baghdad."

Secret Message From James Baker to Tariq Aziz

Text Transcript | Document Image 1 | Document Image 2 |
This October 21, 1989 cable carries the text of a secret message from Secretary of State James Baker to Iraqi Foreign Minister Tariq Aziz. Baker informs Aziz, whose government 13 months previously had gassed Kurdish villages, that "the United States seeks a broadened and deepened relationship with Iraq." President Bush's policy, writes Baker, "is to work to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Iraq whenever possible."

CONTINUED...

http://www.apfn.net/messageboard/8-10-03/discussion.cgi.53.html

I know bobthedrummer remembers the late, great US Rep. Henry B. Gonazalez (D-TX) busting BFEE balls over this. The guy was ready to take on an armed E Howard Hunt:

From the Congressional Record:

ARTICLE ARCHIVE

From 1992: On the floor of the House, an exasperated Henry Gonzalez exposes the first Bush administration's longstanding support for Saddam Hussein, and the insanity of imperial war.

THE BANCA NAZIONALE DEL LAVORO SCANDAL:

HIGH-LEVEL POLITICS TRY TO HIDE THE EVIDENCE

Henry B. Gonzalez, (TX-20)

(House of Representatives - September 14, 1992)


The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Dooley). Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from Texas is recognized for 60 minutes.

SNIP...

You had E. Howard Hunt. The only thing I know about E. Howard Hunt was 2 years ago in July, in fact July 14, I go back to my district every weekend, and I came in that Saturday morning. I arrived at the San Antonio Airport, and there was a couple there that used to be in my district and moved to a small town up in what we call the hill country.

They recognized me and said, `Oh, Congressman. How are you? We are so glad to see you.'
I saluted them and addressed them. I was leaving when this individual comes up. I had never met him before, but from his pictures and all I could tell that what he said was true.

He said, `You are Congressman Gonzalez?'

I said, `Well, I am E. Howard Hunt, and you are nothing but a--' and then he used a bad word.
Well, I had two little bags I was carrying, very small, so I just dropped them. I noticed he had a shoulder holster with a pistol. It was obvious.

So I said, `Mister, since you want to use sailors' language, here is what I think of you.' And then I used some choice words.

I said, `Let me tell you something else. You take one step forward closer to me or you make a move for the gun in your shoulder holster, and I will swear to you I will take it from you and in self defense I will kill you with it.'

He looked at me startled, turned around, and walked away. I picked up my bags and walked out of the airport.

That is all I know. Now, was he E. Howard Hunt? Well, he sure looked like him. What was his beef? I do not know. What was he doing in San Antonio? I do not know. Why does he still have a shoulder holster and pistol? I do not know. He is ex-CIA. They say ex, but there ain't no such thing.

(Page: H8353)

SOURCE: http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/congress/1992_cr/h920914g.htm

Mr. Gonzalez was a man, a patriot, and one brave fellow. He was a real American.

Most rest of the DEMs, not so much. Otherwise, they'd have put the crooks and traitors behind bars.