The Karlsruhe Lawyer Brigitte Kiechle over economic interests in Germany in Iraq
The Karlsruhe Lawyer Brigitte Kiechle has been dealing with Iraq for years of human rights perspective. Already during the Saddam regime, she defended escape, which often sought asylum in Germany. In several beers, she has been critical of the domestic development of Iraq in recent years and always pronounced against the wrong alternative SADDAM regime or US occupation in her eyes.
Also in their youngest book The war-company Iraq is on political aspects, which usually fall under the table in the current discussion about Iraq. During commonly, the focus of the reporting on the interests of the US and its composites is addressed in the region, Kiechle in the book also deals with the current economic interests in Germany in Iraq.
What status is currently the economic commitment in Germany in Iraq? A: In recent years, the German government has specifically created the conditions for an increase in economic commitment in Iraq. A series of German companies is back in Iraq. The proportion of before 1990, when the FRG is obvious to the most important trading partners, but has not yet been reached. The reason is mainly in the bad security situation in the country, which at the moment still eliminate effective use of these opportunities. Has the at least verbal rejection of the Iraq war by the previous federal government not initiated the USA to keep Germany as far as possible in the post-war business as far as possible?
Brigitte Kiechle: In fact, in the first few months after the occupation, one of the German economy was repeatedly reason for investment. But with the so-called donor conferences, the countries that were not directly involved in the invasion were invited to financial investment. Thereafter, they could naturally no longer be held out of the economy of Iraq. What role played on Iraqi side, the fact that German companies have made good business with the Saddam regime until the end?
Brigitte Kiechle: That was more of an advantage for the German economy. In Iraq, many German machines are in use that had to be repaired and renewed. Since, of course, the German experts and spare parts was in demand. Are the poison gas supplies from Germany to the Saddam regime not at least for the Kurds reason to access?
Brigitte Kiechle: There must be different between the population and the ministers. At the German-Iraqi Economic Congress in early 2004, the Deputy Kurdish commercial ministers referred to traditionally good relations with the German chemical industry and demanded the German economy for strong commitment to Iraq. With parts of the Kurdish population, which further demands reparations for the victims of poison gas use in Halabja, this course stabs resistance. Also, the increasing differences between Iraqi politicians and the USA benefit Germany?
Brigitte Kiechle: Definitely. Immediately after the occupation of Iraq, all sessions were given to survivored US subcontractors. This had caused rough displeasure in Iraqi population but also with parts of the government. The Iraqi Government welcomes the commitment of the German economy because this increases its room for maneuver against the USA. However, the basic decisions are placed for the neoliberal conversion of the Iraqi economy. I remember the Bremen adopted, named after the then US civilian administrator Paul Bremer, which was committed to that foreign investors can export their profits to 100% from Iraq. Thus, the sale of Iraq was decided. In the discussion of the adoption of Iraqi debts from the Saddam Ara, the German government has enforced a 3-step model together with the USA. The debt is associated with the enforcement of the IMF requirements and the privatization of the OLINDustry. These are the framework conditions under which the German economy in Iraq wants to make profits. Why are the German businesses in Iraq hardly discussed at anti-war movement in Germany?
Brigitte Kiechle: The peace movement, in fact, has too much militar strategic view of Iraq. The neo-liberal transformation of the country plays a too little role in the discussion. There are many things here to Germany. Thus, in the program of the NATO Security Conference 2005 in Munchen, a changed concept of security was discussed, which reflects the protection of economic interests. A strong economic commitment also requires hedge by militar. (Peter NowakTo)