Bush Helps Shield Iraq From Gulf War Legal Claims

Compensation could bankrupt country, it says; Americans hurt by Saddam differ

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Dec 11, 2008 11:25 AM CST

(Newser) – President Bush has wedged himself between Americans and Iraq by supporting a UN measure that stops financial claims against the fledgling democracy. Iraq faces bankruptcy if claims are added to $26 billion it already owes companies and individuals who suffered in the first Gulf war. But the temporary plug keeps scarred Americans from due compensation, the New York Times reports.

George Charchalis says it’s “terribly unfair” that he and others used by Saddam Hussein as human shields are left in limbo. US officials say Iraq won’t get a “free pass when it comes to accounting for the past,” so while Iraq will get a year-long reprieve from paying damages, an eventual showdown on the fate of claims like Charchalis’ seems likely.

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Bush agreed to the ban in compensation claims, which the UN instated in 2003. (AP Photo)

President Bush shakes hands with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. (AP Photo)

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These claims could affect reconstruction and economic transformation taking place in Iraq, and consequently constitute a grave threat to Iraq’s stability and security.
- Nouri al-Maliki, Iraq's prime minister

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Bush Helps Shield Iraq From Gulf War Legal Claims