Iraq For Sale? Get in on the ground floor.

A BTC News Exclusive

*********************

Bush To Auction Off Iraq?

18 November 2003
By WELDON BERGER, BTC News Writer

Brussels, Belgium - European Union sources say that an unusual classified advertisement appearing in newspapers throughout Europe is fueling speculation that the Bush administration may be planning to abandon its major strategic goals with respect to Iraq.

The advertisement reads as follows:

"For Sale By Owner:
Strategically located, resource-rich country
interesting neighbors, literate population
and large professional class. Some
structural damage, sold 'As Is,' financing
available, fire-sale priced.

Seller distressed and highly motivated.
Contact R. Armitage at 1-202-647-6575.
Principals only please.

Attempts last night to reach the telephone number in the advertisement were unsuccessful, but BTC News was able to contact Douglas Feith, undersecretary of defense for policy, who is widely regarded as the principal hands-on architect of the Iraq invasion and occupation.

Mr. Feith would not confirm on the record that the advertisement was placed by an agency of the US government in connection with Iraq, but he did note that he considered US deputy secretary of state Richard Armitage to be a "barrel-head son of a bitch."

MORE ...