Saddam's charm offensive
Oct 10th 2002 | NEW YORK
>From The Economist print edition
American oilmen insist that any new regime would tear up existing contracts. After all, they were signed by a ruthless tyrant with companies eager to keep him in office. Why would any democratic Iraqi government, especially one brought to power by America's efforts, honour them? The head of the Iraqi National Congress, an umbrella opposition group, has openly declared that "American companies will have a big shot at Iraqi oil"-if he gets to run the show. Assorted other opposition leaders have been touring Texas making similar promises to the oil giants.
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