(December 7, 2003) Saying "No" to America on the request for troops in Iraq was easy. For South and North Blocks, the next phase of US pressure on India in sorting out the post-war mess is going to be much more difficult.
James Baker: Negotiating through a minefield of debt
(December 6, 2003) Can Iraq’s debt be classified as odious? Yes, say many experts.
Bush turns to Baker as Iraq debt envoy
(December 5, 2003) U.S. President George Bush appoints longtime family friend and troubleshooter to be his personal envoy in seeking an international deal to lower and refinance Iraq’s staggering foreign debt.
Iraq strives to escape $200 billion debt trap
(December 4, 2003) Iraq’s debt has become a politicised issue and a means for countries like Germany and France which opposed the war to try to influence the reconstruction and political future of Iraq.
French official sees no quick Iraq debt reduction
(December 4, 2003) A senior French official said on Thursday that he does not see an easy way to quickly reduce some of Iraq’s huge $200 billion in outstanding debt because the U.S.-occupied land is not a sovereign country.
Canada’s prime minister tells African countries to crack down on corruption while winking at it at home
(December 4, 2003) Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien this week told African leaders that they must tackle corruption and government mismanagement to attract foreign investment.
Odious Debts Online exclusive: Iraq’s Odious Debts
(December 4, 2003) New York Times op-ed, arguing the author was wrong to ignore the legal principle, illegitimate contracts need not be honored.
PM tells African leaders: clean up corruption
(December 4, 2003) In a blunt message to African leaders, [Canadian] Prime Minister Jean Chrétien said they must tackle corruption and government mismanagement to attract foreign investment.
Saudis withhold money for Iraq
(December 3, 2003) Saudi Arabia will withhold the $1 billion (£582 million) in loans and credits that it pledged last month for Iraq’s reconstruction until the security situation is stabilised and a sovereign government takes office.
Pay the debt owed to the Iraqi people
(December 2, 2003) In a discussion paper published on its Web site, debt campaigner Jubilee South called for an investigation and audit of the alleged Iraqi debt. According to Jubilee South, the people of Iraq are not demanding handouts and debt relief but, rather, sovereignty and reparations.
Iraq urges quick debt rescheduling
(November 30, 2003) Iraq’s US-installed Governing Council has appealed to the international community to speed up the rescheduling of the towering debt accumulated by Saddam Hussein’s ousted regime.
McPherson addresses Iraq
(November 27, 2003) MSU president Peter McPherson after five months’ leave as the financial coordinator of ORHA/CPA in Iraq says, "We can’t have Iraqis paying for Saddam 25 years from now. To postpone the debt would be a geopolitical mistake."
Millions risked on BAE contract
(November 27, 2003) Taxpayers’ money used to underwrite massive arms deal with shaky Saudi government.
Iraqi sovereign debt cancellation
(November 26, 2003) At the new session of the UK Parliament this week, Labour MP Barry Gardiner tabled an Early Day Motion on Iraqi debt. The text for the motion reads: "This House . . . concludes that Iraq’s debt is unsustainable; [and] further welcomes and supports Jubilee Iraq’s proposals for debt cancellation."
Spie Batignolles next in line for Lesotho prosecution
(November 25, 2003) The prosecution of multinational companies on charges of corruption relating to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project is quietly continuing.


