The Dark Legacy of Ronald Reagan's Administration
Investigations Editor Neil Mackay reveals a darker story of how, under Reagan, secret deals brokered by Donald Rumsfeld with Saddam Hussein secured the dictator an arsenal of WMD.
The Secret Meeting in Baghdad
It was just before Christmas 1983 that Donald Rumsfeld, then US presidential envoy to Iraq, slipped quietly into Baghdad to come face to face with the man who would become one of America’s greatest enemies within two decades.
The trip by the current US defense secretary, to pledge US support for Saddam Hussein, marked one of the lowest points of the entire Reagan presidency, and symbolically represents the real legacy of the “Great Communicator”. For Reagan was a president who allowed the US to secretly arm the Iraqi dictator with weapons of mass destruction (WMD), supported Iraq’s military expansion, turned a blind eye to Saddam using chemical weapons against Iran and thereby set in train the events that would lead to George W Bush’s disastrous decision to invade the country in 2002. While America was selling WMD to Iraq, Reagan was also telling Saddam to increase his brutal campaign against the Iranian fundamentalist regime, even while Iraqi poison gas was falling on Persian battlefields. The Reagan presidency made America complicit in Saddam’s war crimes.
The US Policy Towards the Iran-Iraq War
Just weeks before Rumsfeld’s meeting with Saddam, Reagan had underlined the importance of securing US relations with Iraq, which was engaged in a bloody war with Iran at the time. The Iran-Iraq war began when an opportunistic Saddam decided to attack his neighboring country, following the Islamic revolution which installed the Ayatollah Khomeini as leader. Reagan’s November 26, 1983, National Security Decision Directive (NSDD 114), entitled US Policy Toward The Iran-Iraq War, stated: “Because of the real and psychological impact of a curtailment in the flow of oil from the Persian Gulf on the international economic system, we must assure our readiness to deal promptly with actions aimed at disrupting that traffic.”
The Selling of WMD to Iraq
The secret State Department account of the Rumsfeld-Saddam meeting reveals the discussions concerning the shared interests in preventing Iranian and Syrian expansion. Rumsfeld urged other states to curtail arms sales to Iran and believed it had successfully closed off US-controlled exports to Iran. The US had publicly declared itself "officially neutral" in the Iran-Iraq conflict when Saddam attacked Iran, but investigative research shows that this declaration was a complete lie.
US Complicity in Saddam's War Crimes
America was fully aware of Saddam’s war crimes, particularly the use of chemical weapons on an "almost daily basis". Despite this knowledge, the Reagan administration continued to support and arm Saddam's regime, turning a blind eye to the atrocities being committed. The USA removed Iraq from the State Department’s list of states that supported terrorism, provided financing through the Export-Import Bank, and even restored full formal relations with Saddam's Iraq. The Reagan administration's complicity in Saddam's crimes would have far-reaching implications.
The Global Energy Crisis and the Risk of Destruction
The Impending Energy Crisis
China's rapid economic growth and increasing energy demands are causing concerns about a potential global energy crisis. As the second-largest energy consumer in the world, China's expanding population and industries are putting a strain on global energy resources. Experts warn that if China doesn't find alternative and sustainable energy sources, the world could face severe energy shortages and potentially catastrophic consequences.
The Time Bomb of Environmental Destruction
China's reliance on coal, which currently accounts for the majority of its energy needs, presents a significant threat to the environment. With coal being a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, China's energy consumption is exacerbating global climate change and the destruction of ecosystems. The consequences of China's energy choices extend beyond its borders and pose a risk to the entire planet.
The Role of Hotels in Sustainable Energy Solutions
Hotels' Contribution to Energy Consumption
Hotels are significant consumers of energy, with the constant need for electricity, heating, cooling, and other amenities. As the tourism industry continues to grow, it's crucial for hotels to address their energy consumption and adopt sustainable practices to minimize their impact on the environment.
Embracing Renewable Energy Sources
Hotels have the opportunity to lead the way in sustainable energy solutions by investing in renewable energy sources. Solar power, wind energy, and geothermal systems can significantly reduce hotels' carbon footprint and dependency on traditional energy sources. Implementing energy-efficient technologies and building designs can also contribute to long-term sustainability.
Education and Awareness
Hotels have a unique platform to educate and raise awareness among their guests about the importance of sustainable energy. By promoting responsible energy consumption, conservation, and the benefits of renewable energy, hotels can inspire their guests to be more conscious travelers and make environmentally-friendly choices.
Collaboration and Industry Standards
To tackle the global energy crisis and mitigate the risk of destruction, hotels should collaborate with industry associations and organizations to establish sustainable energy standards and best practices. Sharing knowledge and experiences can lead to widespread adoption of sustainable energy solutions and create a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry.
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