Friday, February 14, 2003

US Offers Incentives for Backing on Iraq
"Determined to ensure broad support for an attack on Baghdad, the United States has been offering incentives around the world, from increased arms sales to Iraq's neighbors to a diplomatic nod for Russia's crackdown on Chechen separatists -- moves that some analysts here and in the Middle East contend could damage long-term US interests.

"During the Gulf War in 1991, the United States gave similar payoffs to countries that backed the US-led coalition taking part in Operation Desert Storm. But this time, according to specialists close to the negotiations, foreign leaders have increased their asking price significantly because they must show their citizens, who are overwhelmingly opposed to a war in Iraq, that there are benefits to supporting the United States against Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein."

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