Assessing Concerns for Iraq’s Children

Re the concern of Dr. James Kent of Huntington Beach over the continuing deaths of Iraq children due to malnutrition, disease and inadequate medical care. Dr. Kent lays the blame on the U.N. sanctions against Iraq. He makes no mention of Saddam Hussein’s role in this.

The U.N. offered Saddam Hussein the opportunity to sell his oil provided he agree to have the U.N. administer the money so that it would be spent on food, medicine and other necessities. This is to ensure that Saddam does not spend it on weapons and rebuilding his army. Saddam replied that such an agreement represented an infringement of Iraq sovereignty and refused it out of hand.

The U.N. position is correct. If Saddam Hussein is allowed to get his hands on the money, is there any doubt regarding what he would use it for? Why does Dr. Kent blame the U.N. (read U.S.A.)? He should direct his anger and comments against the real villain, Saddam Hussein, who could have food and medicine flowing to his people by a nod of his head to his U.S. ambassador.

G.H. BANCROFT, Anaheim