Rapprochement Between Iraq and Syria Amidst US-Led Sanctions

Strategic Insights -

As the US-led coalition continues its efforts to isolate Iraq, a recent rapprochement between Iraq and Syria has highlighted the growing divide between Washington and its European allies. The resumption of rail links between Baghdad and Aleppo, a crucial development that ended a 20-year break in service, has been seen as a significant victory for Baghdad. This move comes as the United Nations' comprehensive sanctions on Iraq, now in their 10th year, have become a major source of frustration for the US.

Key Takeaways:

  • The resumption of rail links between Iraq and Syria marks a significant shift in the region's geopolitics, highlighting the growing divide between Washington and its European allies.
  • The US-led embargo has been in place for 10 years, with Iraq allowed to sell oil for humanitarian aid under the oil-for-food programme since 1996.
  • The visit of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to Baghdad, where he was received by President Saddam Hussein, was seen as a snub to US claims that the Iraqi leader is weak and isolated.
  • Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid has announced plans to visit Baghdad in the coming months, echoing Chavez's opposition to sanctions.
  • The US is pushing forward with its propaganda campaign, distributing pamphlets that blame Iraq's plight on the regime rather than the sanctions.
  • The US state department, under Secretary Thomas Pickering, has launched a propaganda drive to sell its policy to the international community.
  • Britain, Washington's strongest ally, is seeking ways to persuade Iraq to accept UN resolution 1284, which includes measures to alleviate the suffering of ordinary Iraqis.
  • An Iraqi official believes that Britain may be key to changing the US policy on Iraq, citing the UK's role in softening the US position on Libya.

Statistics:

  • The UN's comprehensive sanctions on Iraq have been in place for 10 years.
  • Iraq has been allowed to sell oil for humanitarian aid under the oil-for-food programme since 1996.
  • The visit of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to Baghdad was the first by an elected head of state since the 1991 Gulf war.
  • According to Baghdad, the weekend bombings of Iraq's northern and southern no-fly zones killed 2 Iraqis and injured 19 others.
  • The US state department has distributed over 10,000 copies of its pamphlet on "myths and facts" about Iraq.

Sources:

  • "US tries to sell Iraq war story to world" by the **BBC News**, no date mentioned.
  • The **UN Resolution 1284**, passed last December, aims to alleviate the suffering of ordinary Iraqis and return UN arms inspectors to Baghdad.
  • "Iraqi President hails Chavez visit" by **Reuters**, no date mentioned.
  • "US bombs Iraq despite opposition" by **The Guardian**, no date mentioned.