The topic of Iraq's procurement of weapons has been a complex narrative involving numerous international actors and a tangle of geopolitical motivations. The multifaceted journey of arms acquisition by Iraq under Saddam Hussein's regime draws a detailed picture of international relationships entwined with economic interests and political stratagems.
The Role of Western Suppliers in Iraq’s Military Build-up
Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Iraq was able to build a formidable arsenal with the assistance of several Western nations. It is documented that companies from these countries participated in the sale of arms and dual-use technologies that significantly contributed to Iraq's military capabilities. Special reports by journalists such as Neil Mackay and Felicity Arbuthnot highlight British firms' involvement in supplying weapons to Iraq, further supported by Jason Burke's expositions on the global weapons bazaar where these exchanges flourished.
US Contributions to Iraq's Weapon Programs
The United States, often seen as a staunch opponent of the Middle Eastern regime, paradoxically played a critical role in Iraq's military empowerment. According to Sean Gonsalves, it was a key supplier to Saddam, providing not just military equipment but also intelligence that bolstered Iraq's tactical proficiencies. This involvement underscores the complexity of international relations where strategic interests often overshadow ideological stances.
The Financial and Technological Aspects
Apart from direct military assistance, Iraq also navigated through various financial and technological channels to consolidate its arsenal. Articles like the one by John Kelly and colleagues delve into the economic undercurrents, questioning the allocation and movement of funds, specifically looking into military budgets that were sometimes veiled under other development projects.