US Documents Prove 80's US/Iraqi "Co-operation"

[RBHam]

Fear of Iraq Collapse in Iran-Iraq War Motivated Reagan Administration Support; U.S. Goals Were Access to Oil,
Projection of Power, and Protection of Allies; Rumsfeld
Failed to Raise Chemical Weapons Issue in Personal Meeting
with Saddam
http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB82/press.htm

Washington, D.C., 25 February 2003 - The National Security Archive at George Washington University today published on the Web a series of declassified U.S. documents detailing the U.S. embrace of Saddam Hussein in the early 1980's, including the renewal of diplomatic relations that had been suspended since 1967. The documents show that during this period of renewed U.S. support for Saddam, he had invaded his neighbor (Iran), had long-range nuclear aspirations that would "probably" include "an eventual nuclear weapon capability," harbored known terrorists in Baghdad, abused the human rights of his citizens, and possessed and used chemical weapons on Iranians and his own people. The U.S. response was to renew ties, to provide intelligence and aid to ensure Iraq would not be defeated by Iran, and to send a high-level presidential envoy named Donald Rumsfeld to shake hands with Saddam (20 December 1983).

[Catch22Dem]

1. documents hell

If you were alive then, it was just common knowledge. Iran was the enemy and they were at war with Iraq. We supported the side who was not our enemy.

ON EDIT: But very good post indeed. I didn't mean to sound like an asshole.

[Wonk]

2. If Saddam gets a fair trial it could be quite interesting indeed.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=109&topic_id=3587

[sistersofmercy]

3. Guernica, how appropriate for now.

I've always been hesitant to admit to liking that one but I actually do because of the story behind it and the art itself, of course.

[G_j]

4. I suppose it's not still covered up at the UN?

wonderful painting..

[G_j]

5. good find! n/t

[theboss]

6. It's not like this is a revelation

I was ten during the Iran-Iraq War. It was just understood that Iraq was "the good guys."

I don't think Bush is going to get any grief about our past relationship with Saddam. No President has ever really suffered for our support of a dictator. The only exception is Carter who suffered because he STOPPED supporting a dictator.

[Wonk]

7. kick