U.S. battles Gulf War POWs on Iraq funds

[freetobegay]

WASHINGTON - The Bush administration urged an appeals court Wednesday to overturn a judge’s order awarding nearly $1 billion in Iraqi money to 17 Americans taken prisoner by Saddam Hussein’s government during the 1991 Persian Gulf War.

Attorneys for the POWs, who were tortured and starved, countered that the award — to be paid from Iraqi government assets frozen in this country — in no way threatens the rebuilding of Iraq, taking issue with the central argument of the administration.

Justice Department attorney Gregory Katsas said that foreign policy interests are at stake and that the POWs’ claims should be handled through diplomatic channels rather than the courts.

The administration maintains that countless people suffered at the hands of Saddam and plenty will be seeking compensation from the new government, jeopardizing its fragile existence. Once the Iraqi government gets on more solid footing, the administration believes reparations could be negotiated.

me:

What do you think Bush has planned for this money?


On edit: link

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4686912/

[asjr]

1. I think the money is just not there.

The administration has already spent it on Halliburton or some other Republican buddies.