The more or less final (some would say "cooked") figures are in, and
Europe's performance is not entirely as shabby as I earlier posted.

Japan says it will provide $5 billion, including $3.5 billion in loans
(as if Iraq needed any more of those, after what Germany, France, and
Russia extended to Saddam Hussein so that he could advance his
mischief).

Saudi Arabia says $1 billion, most or all of it loans.

The European Union has upped its claim to $826 million. Dunno how much
of that is real, but couldn't it at least have matched the Saudis?

Iran (Iran!) pledged $300 million, very generous indeed coming from a
former victim of Saddam, especially when compared to Europe's pledge.

Vietnam pledged $500,000 in rice. Sri Lanka will provide 100 tons of
tea. (I wonder how much of that tea the European will drink as they
drive around in their air-conditioned Land Rovers looking for business
opportunities and American malfeasance?)

Oh, yes, and the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have
also pledged considered billions of dollars, but we all know who
provides their money, don't we?


all the best -- Dan Ford
email: www.danford.net/letters.htm#9

see the Warbird's Forum at www.warbirdforum.com
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