UN work a lifeline for Iraqis and US forces alike

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L21584503.htm

BAGHDAD, Aug 21 (Reuters) - Iraqi tanker driver Abdel Karim has a simple job which serves a purpose greater than his small United Nations salary suggests.

Delivering water each day in a squalid corner of Baghdad, he not only fends off thirst and disease, but helps keep a lid on simmering resentment of the U.S. occupation.

The United Nations plans to resume full operations in Iraq on Saturday after an apparent suicide truck bomb killed 24 workers at the U.N. headquarters in Baghdad on Tuesday.

In the meantime, Karim carried on with his distributions to six streets in the impoverished district of Saba Kisur which has been without mains supply since the U.S.-led war.

more

[Devils Advocate NZ]

1. Huh? Why is the UN paying for this?

As the occupier, the US has the legal obligation to provide the neccesities of life, so why does the UN have to foot the bill for this?