Hi All...

This U.S. Presidential Directive 26 of 1989 is about
as close to a "smoking gun" as I am able to come up
with to explain the underlying reasons for the current
U.S. - led invasion of Iraq, and the unleashing of its
weapons of mass-murder upon the Iraqi people.

======================================================

U.S. President.
10-2-1989. Presidential Directive 26. October 2.

COVER SHEET FOR NSD 26

ADDRESSEES
TO: THE VICE PRESIDENT
THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY
THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
THE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR NATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS
THE DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF
THE DIRECTOR, UNITED STATES ARMS CONTROL AND DISARMAMENT AGENCY
THE DIRECTOR, UNITED STATES INFORMATION AGENCY


October 2, 1989

U.S. Policy Toward the Persian Gulf

Access to Persian Gulf oil and the security of key friendly states in 
the area are vital to U.S. national security. The United States remains 
committed to defend its vital interests in the region, if necessary and 
appropriate through the use of U.S. military force, against the Soviet 
Union or any other regional power with interests inimical to our own. 
The United States also remains committed to support the individual 
and collective self-defense of friendly countries in the area to enable 
them to play a more active role in their own defense and thereby reduce 
the necessity for unilateral U.S. military intervention. The United States
also will encourage the effective support and participation of our western 
allies and Japan to promote our mutual interests in the Persian Gulf 
Region.  

[several paragraphs deleted]

Iraq

Normal relations between the United States and Iraq would serve our 
long-term interests and promote stability in both the Gulf and the 
Middle East. The United States Government should propose economic and 
political incentives for Iraq to moderate its behavior and to increase 
our influence with Iraq. At the same time, the Iraqi leadership must 
understand that any illegal use of chemical and/or biological weapons 
will lead to economic and political sanctions, for which we would seek 
the broadest possible report from our allies and friends. Any breach by 
Iraq of IAEA safeguards in its nuclear program will result in a similar 
response. Human rights considerations should continue to be an 
important element in our policy toward Iraq. In addition, Iraq should 
be urged to cease its meddling in external affairs, such as in Lebanon, 
and be encouraged to play a constructive role in negotiating a settlement 
with Iran and cooperating in the Middle East peace process.  

We should pursue, and seek to facilitate, opportunities for U.S. firms 
to participate in the reconstruction of the Iraqi economy, particularly 
in the energy area, where they do not conflict with our non-proliferation 
and other significant objectives. Also, as a means of developing access 
to and influence with the Iraqi defense establishment, the United States 
should consider sales of non-lethal forms of military assistance, e.g., 
training courses and medical exchanges, on a case by case basis.  



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                              -==-

Source: Cooperative Research Org -
http://www.cooperativeresearch.org/archive/1980s/uspresident100289.htm

Images of vetted, unclassified pages of Directive:
http://www.cooperativeresearch.org/archive/1980s/uspresident100189image.htm


Cheers, Steve..

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