this issue is complex (not that anyone here has suggested otherwise) and i think it is important for people discussing 'excess deaths' in iraq to familiarize themselves with the information in this article.
http://www.thenewrepublic.com/061801/rubin061801.html
the author cites work that shows a great difference in mortality rates in kurdish areas of iraq. the work cited purports to show (and may very well succeed in showing -- i am not in a position judge that validity of the data but i've not yet seen anyone refute it) that saddam has it in his power to greatly curtail the 'excess deaths' but chooses instead to spend funds on the military and on personal luxury. the tnr author then concludes that saddam is solely responsible for the 'excess deaths,' thus absolving the u.s. and in his mind pulling the rug out from under leftists who blame the u.s. for the deaths.
i am currently arguing w/ someone about whether or not this really does pull the rug out from under those on the left who blame the u.s./sanctions for these deaths. i am interested in other opinions.