Letter: Sanctions hit Iraqis but help Saddam
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: The Iraqi people face a situation that is close to starvation. Whoever is responsible, Saddam Hussein or the United Nations (letters, 20, 25 January), we cannot turn a blind eye to what is happening to millions of innocent people. We argue against the continuation of sanctions for the following reasons.
Sanctions, which are by definition imposed to create hardship, cannot be implemented in a manner which spares the vulnerable. It is against the spirit and letter of article 38 of the convention on the Rights of the Child (UN, 1989).
Sanctions have resulted in a crime explosion which the government is trying to control by decreeing new barbaric punishments.
The sale of a limited amount of oil to pay for food and medicine imports under Security Council resolution 986 will result in only very limited benefits to the ordinary Iraqi. Although this amount would certainly help the needy, implementation of this resolution would result only in prolongation of sanctions, with most of the population still in poverty and most families receiving less than the minimum daily food requirements. At the moment the government food ration provides two-thirds of energy needs. The implementation of resolution 986 will not significantly improve this situation.
Sanctions have weakened Iraqis' will for change and their ability to rise up to overthrow the dictatorship. The argument for lifting sanctions is overwhelming on both a simple humanitarian level and a political one. It is the Iraqi people, after all, who will decide Saddam's fate.
Evidence indicates that a democratic Iraq is not on the West's agenda; a weakened and unthreatening Iraq is.
Dr MOHAMED AL-RUBEAI
Iraqi Victims of War Appeal
London W6
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments