BARGAIN BASEMENT BA'ATHISTS:

Iraq oil cash funded MPs' campaigns: Businessmen handed on money illicitly siphoned from UN deals to pressure groups run by George Galloway and Tam Dalyell (David Leigh and David Pallister, February 17, 2004, The Guardian)

Money illicitly siphoned from the UN oil-for-food programme by Saddam Hussein was used to finance anti-sanctions campaigns run by British politicians, according to documents that have surfaced in Baghdad.
Undercover cash from oil deals went to three businessmen who in turn supported pressure groups involving the ex-Labour MP George Galloway, Labour MP Tam Dalyell, and the former Irish premier Albert Reynolds, it is alleged in documents compiled by the oil ministry, which is now under the control of the US occupation regime. [...]

The so-called oil list has already caused worldwide embarrassment, with allegations made against prominent people and companies in France, Russia, Switzerland and South Africa, as well as employees at the UN.

Across the world, some of those named agree the lists seem authentic. Others deny it, or say details are exaggerated.

Of course, you don't have to have been in his employ to have been his de facto ally, but it does provide clarity.

Posted by Orrin Judd at February 17, 2004 11:34 AM