(October 27, 2003) "[The doctrine of ‘odious debt’] has two attractions. It relieves Iraqis from debt burdens undertaken by a hideous tyrant for hideous purposes, and it puts future creditors to other hideous tyrants on notice that such debts might go unpaid.

(October 25, 2003) All international organizations said Saddam Hussein does not represent the people of Iraq." Then why should the Iraqis be held responsible for the loans he had taken, argues a leading Iraqi economics professor.

(October 24, 2003) "I rule out a complete cancellation of the debt," run up by former president Saddam Hussein’s regime and estimated at $130 billion (110 million euros), Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul, Minister for Cooperation and Development, said.

(October 24, 2003) Why cancel Saddam’s debts and not those accumulated by former Congolese dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, to name just one notorious example. The US administration isn’t in favour of a blanket write-off either, but would like to see one in the case of Iraq.

(October 23, 2003) Iraq’s $100 billion plus debt was supposed to be off the agenda at a summit to raise money to rebuild the battered country, but it emerged on Thursday as one of the key issues hindering the fund raising effort.

(October 23, 2003) About $50bn is needed to rebuild Iraq, aid officials say United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has called on the international community to "give and give generously".

(October 22, 2003) Even a big debt write-off, which has been mooted, could still leave Iraq poor for many decades to come.

(October 22, 2003) As big powers gather, report indicates ‘unanimous’ Iraqi opposition to payment of Saddam’s ‘odious’ debts.

(October 21, 2003) The US will discuss Iraq debt forgiveness with several countries on the fringes of the conference. The Paris Club estimates Iraq’s existing debts at $21bn.

(October 21, 2003) Deep disagreement over Iraq’s crippling debt burden is expected to reanimate old quarrels and undermine progress at the Iraq donors conference, which meets for two days from Thursday in Madrid.

(October 19, 2003) The United States should not ask Iraq to repay a portion of the proposed $87 billion for postwar expenses, U.S. Sen. John Sununu said Friday. It would send the wrong message to the Arab world and American allies, he said.

(October 18, 2003) Independent agency will oversee reconstruction spending.