Doug Bereuter: “In recent weeks a number of well-meaning but misguided voices have been raised to urge the lifting of economic sanctions…”

“In recent weeks a number of well-meaning but misguided voices have been raised to urge the lifting of economic sanctions against Saddam Hussein's government in Iraq. It has been suggested that lifting the sanctions will alleviate the suffering of the Iraqi people. Iraq does face a humanitarian disaster, but it is a disaster that has been created and perpetuated by Saddam Hussein. The Iraqi leader bemoans the lack of food and medicine, but Saddam has amassed a personal fortune of over $6 billion, much of it the result of pilfering the donations the international community has provided. While his people have gone wanting, he has built scores of palatial mansions at an estimated cost of $2 billion. Recent studies from the Food and Agriculture Organization indicate that more than enough food is available to satisfy the minimal caloric requirements to sustain health. The problem is that Saddam is preventing adequate food and medicine from reaching those groups and regions that most actively oppose him. Mr. Speaker, Saddam Hussein remains a lethal adversary who has repeatedly sought to circumvent international sanctions and has tried to divert humanitarian aid into military strategic programs. While it is entirely appropriate for the American people to care about the pain inflicted upon the people of Iraq, lifting the sanctions will not alleviate the suffering. We must not be naive, sanctions must remain in force.”