Global Policy Forum

Archived Articles

Bush Seeks Backing in Security Council (September 6, 2002)
In an effort to win Security Council endorsement for an attack against Iraq, the Bush administration is trying to win over veto-holder countries. The US also plans on presenting its case against Baghdad in a speech to the General Assembly, reports the Baltimore Sun.

US Presses for Security Council Vote to Overhaul Sanctions on Iraq (May 13, 2002)
After months of negotiations between the US and Russia, the Security Council is about to pass a resolution revamping sanctions against Iraq. Despite US eagerness for an immediate vote, Syria has proposed new amendments that might delay a decision. (Associated Press)

Russia Delays UN Vote on Iraqi Sanctions (May 9, 2002)
First Syria and later Russia request a delay on a UN Security Council vote for overhauling "UN sanctions against Iraq aimed at easing the flow of goods to Baghdad." (Reuters)

Iraq Puts Pressure On Russia to Block Smart Sanctions (April 2, 2002)
Iraqi Deputy Prime minister Tareq Aziz warns Moscow that US enforced smart sanctions "will affect not only the interests of Iraq but also those of Russia." The "smart" sanctions would allow Iraq to import any goods apart from those with a dual civilian-military use. (Agence France Presse)

US Team In Russia For Talks On Iraq Sanctions (March 26, 2002)
US diplomats meet their Russian counterparts to "dispel persistent differences" over a new sanctions formula over Iraq. The talks have recently "taken a turn for the worse" with Russia accusing the US of failing to take account of "traditional Russian trading interests with Iraq." (Agence France Presse)

Britain Accuses Syria of Violating UN Sanctions Against Iraq (January 29, 2002)
Britain charges Syria with the most serious violation of UN sanctions against Baghdad since 1990. Britain directly confronted the newly elected member to the Security Council with illegally importing and selling millions of barrels of oil from Iraq. (Associated Press)

Russia is Top Iraqi Importer (January 16, 2002)
Some UN diplomats believe that Russia blocked US efforts to overhaul UN sanctions against Iraq because Moscow is Baghdad's largest export customer. Russian companies have signed more than $4 billion in business deals with Baghdad under the oil-for-food program. (Washington Post)

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Iraq: Rolling Over Sanctions, Raising the Stakes (November 28, 2001)
The September 11 attacks have altered relations internationally and within the Middle East, but they have not necessarily produced consensus among the Security Council's Five Permanent members and interested states on what to do about Iraq (Middle East Research and Information Project )

US-Russia Compromise on Iraq Plan (November 28, 2001)
Following an agreement between the US and Russia, the permanent members of the Security Council agreed to extend the UN humanitarian program in Iraq for another six months. Russia, Iraq's closest ally on the Council and a major beneficiary of contracts to purchase Iraqi oil and to sell humanitarian supplies to Iraq, had previously threatened to veto any change in the sanctions regime. (Associated Press)

Straw Says No Deal Yet on Iraq Sanctions (November 14, 2001)
Taking advantage of the General Assembly debate, British Foreign Minister Jack Straw has met with his counterpart Igor Ivanov to discuss the revision of sanctions against Iraq opposed by Russia. (Reuters)

US Seen Set To Resurrect 'Smart Sanctions' On Iraq (October 24, 2001)
Taking advantage of the international support for its "war against terrorism," the US will reintroduce a proposal for "smarter" sanctions against Iraq in early December. Will the US gain backing of China and Russia? (Jordan Times)

UN Body on Iraq Sanctions Unable to Agree on US-UK Plan (September 9, 2001)
As the Committee monitoring sanctions against Iraq cannot agree on the US-UK plan for Iraqi oil prices, the committee's chairman, Ambassador Ole Peter Kolby, says he will have to refer the matter to the Security Council. (Associated Press)

Russians Oppose 'Smart Sanctions' (June 28, 2001)
Russia is threatening to use its veto to thwart US and UK plans to introduce the new ‘smart sanctions' regime against Iraq. Baghdad has praised Russia for "standing with its friends against imperialist schemes." (Guardian)

Russia Said to Block US-British Plan on Iraq (June 26, 2001)
Citing trade interests, Russia announced that it would not accept the US-UK draft resolution on sanctions against Iraq. Russia's stern opposition will make it exceedingly difficult for the Council to meet its self-imposed July 3 deadline for revamping the sanctions. (Reuters)

Allies Allay Kuwait's Concern (June 11, 2001)
The biggest challenge in revitalizing sanctions against Iraq will be to convince Iraq's allies to stop importing Iraqi contraband oil. (Kuwait Times)

Russia Questioning Premise of New Iraqi Proposals (June 8, 2001)
Russian Ambassador Sergei Lavrov argues that both the French and British proposals for amending the sanctions against Iraq ignore key issues, as neither say what Iraq needs to do for the UN to suspend sanctions. (Agence France Presse)

US Wants to Pressure Iraq but Many Countries Balk (June 6, 2001)
A bourgeoning anti-Americanism in the Middle East combined with the collapse of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process will make it difficult to implement revised sanctions against Iraq—even if the UN Security Council can reach an agreement. (Associated Press)

US Backs Down Over Iraq Sanctions (May 31, 2001)
The US decided to postpone efforts to change the present sanctions against Iraq and to extend the Oil-for-Food program for six more months. The delay is a major setback for Powell, for whom revising the sanctions is a high priority. (BBC)

UN Iraq Draft May Be Delayed; France Has New Ideas (May 30, 2001)
France suggests a compromise proposal to the US-British draft resolution on Iraq, trying to bridge the gap between the Russian position, and the US and the UK. (Reuters)

Security Council Divided on Iraq (May 23, 2001)
France, Russia and China complain that the British proposal goes "too far, too fast". Russia submitted an alternative to the British draft, proposing a temporary extension of the existing oil-for-food program, along with a few incentives for Baghdad, including the reduction of Iraq's compensation payments to victims of its 1990 invasion. (Associated Press)

Russia and US Discuss the Fate of Iraq (May 3, 2001)
Moscow tries to persuade Washington to change its mind on Iraq, but the only point they agree on is the necessity to monitor Iraqi arms programs, reports the Nezavisimaya Gazeta.

Airstrikes May Complicate UN Talks (February 18, 2001)
Russia, France and China criticize the military attack on Iraq, which could delay weapons inspection and damage international efforts to resolve the sanctions issue. (Associated Press)

Iraq: Rolling Over Sanctions, Raising the Stakes (November 28, 2001)
The September 11 attacks have altered relations internationally and within the Middle East, but they have not necessarily produced consensus among the Security Council's Five Permanent members and interested states on what to do about Iraq (Middle East Research and Information Project )

US-Russia Compromise on Iraq Plan (November 28, 2001)
Following an agreement between the US and Russia, the permanent members of the Security Council agreed to extend the UN humanitarian program in Iraq for another six months. Russia, Iraq's closest ally on the Council and a major beneficiary of contracts to purchase Iraqi oil and to sell humanitarian supplies to Iraq, had previously threatened to veto any change in the sanctions regime. (Associated Press)

Straw Says No Deal Yet on Iraq Sanctions (November 14, 2001)
Taking advantage of the General Assembly debate, British Foreign Minister Jack Straw has met with his counterpart Igor Ivanov to discuss the revision of sanctions against Iraq opposed by Russia. (Reuters)

US Seen Set To Resurrect 'Smart Sanctions' On Iraq (October 24, 2001)
Taking advantage of the international support for its "war against terrorism," the US will reintroduce a proposal for "smarter" sanctions against Iraq in early December. Will the US gain backing of China and Russia? (Jordan Times)

UN Body on Iraq Sanctions Unable to Agree on US-UK Plan (September 9, 2001)
As the Committee monitoring sanctions against Iraq cannot agree on the US-UK plan for Iraqi oil prices, the committee's chairman, Ambassador Ole Peter Kolby, says he will have to refer the matter to the Security Council. (Associated Press)

Russians Oppose 'Smart Sanctions' (June 28, 2001)
Russia is threatening to use its veto to thwart US and UK plans to introduce the new ‘smart sanctions' regime against Iraq. Baghdad has praised Russia for "standing with its friends against imperialist schemes." (Guardian)

Russia Said to Block US-British Plan on Iraq (June 26, 2001)
Citing trade interests, Russia announced that it would not accept the US-UK draft resolution on sanctions against Iraq. Russia's stern opposition will make it exceedingly difficult for the Council to meet its self-imposed July 3 deadline for revamping the sanctions. (Reuters)

Allies Allay Kuwait's Concern (June 11, 2001)
The biggest challenge in revitalizing sanctions against Iraq will be to convince Iraq's allies to stop importing Iraqi contraband oil. (Kuwait Times)

Russia Questioning Premise of New Iraqi Proposals (June 8, 2001)
Russian Ambassador Sergei Lavrov argues that both the French and British proposals for amending the sanctions against Iraq ignore key issues, as neither say what Iraq needs to do for the UN to suspend sanctions. (Agence France Presse)

US Wants to Pressure Iraq but Many Countries Balk (June 6, 2001)
A bourgeoning anti-Americanism in the Middle East combined with the collapse of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process will make it difficult to implement revised sanctions against Iraq—even if the UN Security Council can reach an agreement. (Associated Press)

US Backs Down Over Iraq Sanctions (May 31, 2001)
The US decided to postpone efforts to change the present sanctions against Iraq and to extend the Oil-for-Food program for six more months. The delay is a major setback for Powell, for whom revising the sanctions is a high priority. (BBC)

UN Iraq Draft May Be Delayed; France Has New Ideas (May 30, 2001)
France suggests a compromise proposal to the US-British draft resolution on Iraq, trying to bridge the gap between the Russian position, and the US and the UK. (Reuters)

Security Council Divided on Iraq (May 23, 2001)
France, Russia and China complain that the British proposal goes "too far, too fast". Russia submitted an alternative to the British draft, proposing a temporary extension of the existing oil-for-food program, along with a few incentives for Baghdad, including the reduction of Iraq's compensation payments to victims of its 1990 invasion. (Associated Press)

Russia and US Discuss the Fate of Iraq (May 3, 2001)
Moscow tries to persuade Washington to change its mind on Iraq, but the only point they agree on is the necessity to monitor Iraqi arms programs, reports the Nezavisimaya Gazeta.

Airstrikes May Complicate UN Talks (February 18, 2001)
Russia, France and China criticize the military attack on Iraq, which could delay weapons inspection and damage international efforts to resolve the sanctions issue. (Associated Press)

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Meanwhile, Back in Iraq (November 20, 2000)
Stratfor writes on Russia's call for an end to US and British air strikes against Iraqi targets. Putin also declared "the Russian leadership's firm intention to obtain a rapid political settlement to the Iraqi problem, including the lifting of sanctions against Iraq."

UK Criticises French Policy on Iraq (November 7, 2000)
The dispute between France and the UK over application of Iraq sanctions continues, with Peter Hain, UK Foreign Office Minister, calling French policy on Iraq "contemptible and destructive". (BBC)

Iraq Sanctions Panel Chief Says It Still Has Authority (October 5, 2000)
The current chairman of the Iraq sanctions committee said that recent flights to Iraq have not broken the panel's authority, but there are concerns over Russia's and France's recent flights without authorization. The Committee has agreed to reconsider how flights to Iraq are handled. (United Press International)

Dutch Parliament Supports Easing Sanctions Against Iraq (September 14, 2000)
The Dutch Second Chamber wants to see their government taking a position within the UN favouring targeted sanctions that hurt the regime of Saddam Hussein and which spare the Iraqi people. (AEF)

Britain and US Isolated Over Tottering Trade Embargo on Iraq (August 2, 2000)
France, China, and Russia are for lifting Iraq sanctions. The UK and the US are adamant about imposing sanctions until the elimination of weapons of mass destruction is confirmed. However it seems that the UK is now starting to question this stance. (Daily Telegraph - London)

France Calls for Lifting of Sanctions Against Iraq (August 1, 2000)
The US-UK bombing is "useless and not understandable" and sanctions against Iraq are "cruel, inefficient and dangerous," says the French Foreign Minister. (Xinhua News Agency)

UN, Iraq Still at an Impasse Over Arms a Decade After Gulf War (July 24, 2000)
In 1991, the UN Security Council agreed to lift sanctions if the UN certified Iraqi disarmament. 10 years later, Iraq is rejecting UN weapons inspectors, and the UN Security Council will not press the disarmament issue until after the US presidential election in November. (Agence France Presse)

Putin to Meet Iraq's Aziz, Discuss End of UN Sanctions (July 26, 2000)
The meeting between the Russian President and Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister will be cozy as Russia heavily presses the UN Security Council to lift the Iraqi sanctions. (Agence France Presse)

Russia to Gain if UN Lifts Iraq Sanctions (July 11, 2000)
Russian experts play a discordant tune in concluding whether lifting Iraq sanctions will benefit them or not. For example, Iraq could be a potential market for Russian goods and Iraq certainly owes a large debt to Russia. (ITAR-TASS News Agency )

UN Council Seeks Study of Iraqi Situation (June 9, 2000)
Some members of the UN Security Council hope that the expert panel's study, which concerns the humanitarian situation in Iraq, would be a persuasive tool to force the US to agree to ease the sanctions against Iraq. (Washington Post )

Russia Strongly Criticizes US-British Patrol of Iraq Zones (June 9, 2000)
During the UN Security Council discussion concerning the renewal of Iraq's oil-for-food program, Russia criticized the sanctions as "not dealing with the crux of the problem," and joined with China in condemning the US and UK air strikes. ( Associated Press )

British, French Issue Dueling Proposals on Iraq Humanitarian Program (June 2, 2000)
Britain and France's rivaling draft resolutions, which concern Iraq's oil-for-food program, re-emphasize the deep-rooted disagreements over the questions of Iraq sanctions in the UN Security Council. ( Associated Press )

Hain Concedes that Ethical Foreign Policy is an Albatross (April 3, 2000)
Foreign Office minister, PeterHain, expresses exasperation with those campaigning against sanctions and claims that the campaigners offer no alternative strategy. He maintains that Saddam is still developing chemical weapons. (Guardian)

Annan Exhorts UN Council on 'Oil for Food' for Iraqis (March 25, 2000)
Secretary General Annan raises questions about UN policy on Iraq as the Council undertakes a stormy debate. (New York Times)

Oil Prices in the Sanctions Balance (March 9, 2000)A critical article from New World Communications stating that if Iraq sanctions come to an end it will be due to Western concern over oil prices, and not over the plight of Iraqi people.

UN Envoys Debate Briefing with Outgoing UN Official in Iraq (February 17, 2000)
Many would love to hear Hans von Sponeck share his experience with the council but two countries will do all they can to prevent him from speaking. (Dow Jones Newswire)

Between Iraq and a Hard Place: A Critique of the British Government's Narrative on UN Economic Sanctions
Posted by Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq, this page gives introduction and conclusion of the paper written by Dr Eric Herring from University of Bristol's Department of Politics.

A Shameful Policy on Iraq (January 25, 2000)
A Chicago Tribune editorial discussing the callousness of Security Council members in failing to agree on a head for Iraq's new arms inspection commission. This is the latest in a series of events that has deadlocked UN policy on Iraq and allowed crippling sanctions to continue.

Annan Faces Growing Split Over Arms Inspector for Iraq (January 19, 2000)
Growing opposition in the Security Council regarding the appointment of Swedish disarmament expert, Rolf Ekeus, makes it unlikely that his supporters would try to force a vote soon.

France Rejects UN Nominee for Iraq Inspection Panel (January 18, 2000)
France and Russia oppose nomination of Swedish disarmament expert, Rolf Ekeus, to head inspection commission in Iraq. (New York Times)

The "Lift the Sanctions" Resolution that Doesn't (January 11, 2000)
Phyllis Bennis of the Institute for Policy Studies offers an in depth analysis of the December 17th Security Council Resolution on Iraq.

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