(November 16, 2003) The World Bank’s refusal to help fund a Canadian company’s controversial development of a huge open pit gold mine in Romania has raised concerns the Canadian government will step in with money.
The president’s state visit to Britain: Advancing the Anglo-U.S. special relationship
(November 14, 2003) The White House and Downing Street should formulate a joint position on the Iraqi debt question, calling for the forgiveness, not restructuring, of Iraq’s international debt.
High crimes in Lesotho: transnational criminals (Part 3)
(November 1, 2003) In principle, First World development banks and export credit agencies could curb corrupt behaviour by transnational companies in developing countries but apparently don’t want to offend their First World constituents by doing so.
Outcome of the workshop on external debt: Issues of sustainability and legitimacy
(October 17, 2003) "Iraq with a total debt of approximately 380 bn US/Dollars and a GNP of 25 bn is a star case of not just an unsustainable burden, but also of highly questionable claims by reditors."
Prosecuting bribery in Lesotho
(September 5, 2003) "Lesotho is committed to completing these prosecutions, primarily in order to eradicate corruption in Lesotho. But also to set an example for other countries." – L. F. Maema, KC, the Attorney General of Lesotho.
Iraq: Debt and devastation
(August 21, 2003) This paper, by investment analyst Justin Alexander and economic lecturer Colin Rowat, calls for the establishment of an international arbitration tribunal to assess Iraqi debt in the light of the doctrine of odious debt.
Africa’s odious debts
(July 6, 2003) The war in Iraq might have succeeded in dismantling at least one weapon of mass destruction, the debt bomb.
Bean counting in Baghdad: Debt, reparations, reconstruction, and resources
(June 2, 2003) Robert Looney, professor of National Security Affairs, and Associate Chairman of Instruction, Department of National Security Affairs at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, examines Iraq’s fiscal challenges and possible financial strategies. "Establishing the right of a country such as Iraq to write off odious debt would have potentially huge benefits, not the least by discouraging banks from lending to similar tyrants that might one day be overthrown," argues Mr. Looney. He says, "using the odious debt doctrine.
A fresh start for Iraq: The case for debt relief
(May 30, 2003) "Powerful as the economic case for debt relief may be, it is reinforced by the fact that much of Iraq’s debt is illegitimate in a wider sense. The doctrine of ‘odious debt’ clearly sets out the reasons for this illegitimacy." says Oxfam.
How much did Saddam Hussein borrow and from whom?
(May 27, 2003) Odious Debts Online has compiled the best estimates to date but, be warned. Experts agree that there is likely a wide range of error in these estimates because of the absence of reliable records.
Iraq’s Odious Debts
(May 15, 2003) There’s a silver lining to the war in Iraq, it is this: The arms merchants who supplied Saddam Hussein’s military machine will not berepaid. The foreign financiers who financed Saddam Hussein’s undemocratic regime will not be repaid.
A Wiser Peace – Background Information on Iraq’s Financial Obligations
(April 28, 2003) This is a supplement to “A Wiser Peace: An Action Strategy For A Post-Conflict Iraq” with percentage breakdowns of Iraq’s foreign debt, compensation claims and pending contracts.
Russische Interessen an der Außenschuld des Iraks
(April 18, 2003) This paper argues Russia has rejected the American proposal for debt relief in Iraq, and favours using Iraq’s debt to drive negotiations to improve its own economic position in post-Saddam Iraq.
A Wiser Peace: An Action Strategy For A Post-Conflict Iraq
(January 1, 2003) To call for a debt restructuring conference and push the United Nations Security Council to begin a review of past war-related claims against Iraq is one of ten key actions recommended by this paper.
PRESS RELEASE Lesotho Court suspends bribery fine for Canadian multinational
(December 12, 2002) Lesotho’s Court of Appeal suspends payment on the landmark US$2.25-million fine levied against Canadian engineering giant, Acres International.


