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American Iraqi Foundation
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American Iraqi Foundation
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These records pertain to the Persian Gulf War and the Middle East Peace process.
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s): FOIA Number: 1998-0099-F; 2003-0257-F 2003-0257-F FOIA MARKER This is not a textual record. This is used as an administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential Library Staff. Record Group/Collection: George H.W. Bush Presidential Records Collection/Office of Origin: Public Liaison, White House Office of Series: Schaefer, James, Files Subseries: OA/ID Number: 07541 Folder ID Number: 07541-040 Folder Title: American Iraqi Foundation Stack: Row: Section: Shelf: Position: G 19 4 4 2 C 90,00RICANP TRAGIT FOUNDATION Telefax Message Date: 7 DEC 90 To: THE WHITE HOUSE Attn: MARY DELEYIANNIS/MARY/SATALLA ofc. Fax: 202 456 - 6218 From: FUAD K TAIMA, FOUNDER, EXEC.Vice PRESIDENT Re: Our TELECON of THIS DATE Number of Pages (including cover page): 10 PAGES Message: RR Our TELECON of Atis DATE; /- As STATED ON THE Phone I Am RESPONSIBLE FOR FOUNDATION'S Public hiAiSON AnD OPERATIONS. PLEASE REFERE All INQUIRIES TO my ATTEN Tion AT Addresses, Phones, FAX LISTED SELOW. 2-I Am ENCLOSING for YourPERNSAC: b. PRESS MEMO RE MEETIMUS with PRESIDENT SADAM a. lapy of Aug 90 Position PAPER Hossein AnD His CABINET CAST OCVOSEK90 C. Copy rf PERSONAL C.V. -1 P.O. Box Virginia 22101 Telephone: (703) 356-4077. Telefax: (703) 356-3680 F 02 FUAD K. TAIMA P. O. BOX T McLEAN, VA 22102 Tel: (703) 749-2951/2 - 356-4077 Fax: (703) 749-2954 - Tlx 5101012883 356-3680 6730393 EXPERIENCE Designed and implemented diverse multinational political, economic, financial and marketing systems for governmental and private sector clients, such as Embassies of Kuwait, Yemen Arab Republic, Sudan, Algeria, U.N. Delegations of League of Arab States, General Telephone and Electronics, World Airways, Challenge Cook Brothers, Blount International, Dar Al-Handassah (Shair & Partners), Lucky Development Corporation, Thiokol E.D.O., B.D.M. Inc., Pfizer International, among others. Project development and financing assignments undertaken throughout US, Africa, The Middle East, Southeast Asia, via World Bank, AID, Eximbank, OPIC, US Departments of Commerce and State, UNDP/OPE, Asian Development Bank, Inter American Development Bank, OPEC International Fund, Kuwait Fund, Arab Fund, Saudi Fund, Abu-Dhabi Fund, Iragi Fund, and major international and Arab Banks. Developed international network of Banking, Engineering, Construction and Trade affiliates. Established extensive commercial relationships with major international engineering, construction and industrial firms throughout above mentioned regions along with respective trade associations such as US Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers and European counter trade specialists. Authored studies on Middle Eastern political, financial, economic, trade and construction sectors. Promulgated linkages between US-Arab Chamber of Commerce, New York and similar Chambers in Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, 20 national Arab Chambers of Commerce, major US and international financial institutions, manufacturing, exporting and shipping organizations serving Arab World, European and African markets. Organized and implemented first and largest trade mission to Iraq, largest mission from Arab World to USA, extensive cooperative interfacing with World Bank and its co-financing network, national trade associations, US government agencies, Congress, Diplomatic Missions, Trade/Banking entities, and US-Arab business communities during five years tenure as Director and Regional Vice President, Washington, D.C., Branch of US-Arab Chamber of Commerce. = 23 EMPLOYEMNT HISTORY President, American Iraqi Finance & Trade, Inc., McLean, Virginia, 1988-present. President, Averroes, Inc., McLean, Virginia, 1971-present. Regional Vice President, US-Arab Chamber of Commerce, New York, and Branch Director, US-Arab Chamber of Commerce, Washington, DC., 1977-1982 Director, Middle East and North Africa, Crystal Management Services Inc., Beirut Lebanon; political, economic and financial consultant 1968-1971. Economic and political consultant to several Arab Delegations to the United Nations, New York, 1960-1968. EDUCATION Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, B.S. and M.B.A. Program, Finance and International Trade. One of two Wharton undergraduates admitted to Graduate division. New York University, International Relations. Baghdad College, Baghdad Iraq, associated with Boston College and Holy Cross. Ranked #4 in class. RELATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOUNDER, EXECUTIVE Vice PRESIDENT, AMERICAN IRAQ FOUND Founder, Mid Atlantic US-Arab Chamber of Commerce, Baltimore; negotiated merger with US-Arab Chamber of Commerce to establish Washington, DC., Chamber branch. Co-Founder, Global Economic Action Institute, with Robert B. Anderson, former Secretary of Treasury, New York, New York. Co-Founder, Northern Virginia Export-Import Trade Association (presently known as International Trade Association, Northern VA). Co-Founder, National Association of Arab Americans, Washington, DC. Co-Founder, Organization of Arab Students, Philadelphia, PA. Vice President, Association of Arab American University Graduates, Washington, DC. Member, Shaybani Society of International Law, Washington, DC. Member, Middle East Institute, Washington, DC. Member, Society for International Development, Washington, DC. Member, Washington International Trade Association, Washington, DC. Member, Northern Virginia International Trade Association. Member, Arab Bankers Association of North America, New York, New York. Member, Wharton School Club of Washington, DC. Member, Les Ambassadeurs, London, United Kingdom. Member, Clermont Club, London, United Kingdom. Listed in : Who's Who in Finance & Industry, USA, 1986, 25th Edition. Who's Who in the Intellectual World, United Kingdom, 1985. Who's Who in the Arab World, United Kingdom, 1984. Extended Page 3.1 Role of the Arab Funds in International Project Financing, E.N.R. / McGraw Hill Conference, Athens, Greece, 1982. Frequent political, economic and financial T.V. and Radio commentaries since 1956, via US Networks, BBC and Voice of America. Languages : English, Arabic, most of dialects of Arab World. Knowledge of Spanish and French. Birthplace : Baghdad, Iraq. Recipient of Government of Iraq Expatriates Card. US Citizen. Current US Department of Defense Clearence, Secret Level. 1958-1990 Prelude to the oil War, Britain's Role & U.S Interests. By : Fuad K. Taima P.O.Box T, McLean VA 22101 July 1958 was a bad month for Iraq, the USA, Britian, and most of the Arab world. A few months earlier, Prime Minister Nouri Al Saeed, of Iraq, who was known as a wily pro-Western politician, and as the architect of the "Baghdad Pact", had informed Britain during May 1958, that Iraq is seriously exploring the possibility of reclaiming the Sheikhdom of Kuwait, a small impoverished British protectorate, as part of the Kingdom of Iraq. He stated Iraq's need to re-annex Kuwait on the basis that the Sheikhdom of Kuwait has always been an integral part of Iraq, though, spun off Iraq by the British occupation forces in the post World War I period. Britian was not very pleased by Iraq's Prime Minister intention, notwithstanding the fact, that he was always known throughout Iraq and the Arab world, for nearly 30 years, as an Anglophile. The Kingdom of Iraq governed by King Faisal II, was until this juncture in time, well known for its deeply rooted pro-West committments and directions. Iraq was a loyal ally of Britain and the USA, and as the main player within the "Baghdad Pact", which comprised the United Kingdom, Turkey, Pakistan, and the USA, among others. It was well positioned to defend Western interests against any expansion of Soviet influence in the Arabian Penninsula. As such the Kingdom of Iraq, and its Government, served as a shield against any encroachment by the USSR into the region. Iraq and Jordan formed the "Hashemite Federation" in may 1958. King Faisal II was expected to marry a prominent Turkish national, at the urging of Prime Minister Adnan Menderes of Turkey, and the blessing of Prime Minister Nouri Al-Saeed. Britain's reaction to Iraq's intention regarding Kuwait were quick and bloody. A military coup, headed by General Abdul-Karim Qassim, was engineered successfully, whereby, the Kingdom of Iraq was liquidated. The Royal Family was murdered, so was Prime Minister Nouri Al-Saeed, along with hundreds of Iraqi Government officials and private citizens who were sympathatic to the West. The coup took place a few hours before King Faisal II was scheduled to depart for Turkey to formalize his bethrothal to his Turkish fiancee. Prime Minister Menderes was subsequently hanged by a military junta which toppled his Government. It was the begining of Draconian military rule, by several successive juntas which plagued Turkey for many years, until the return of democracy, a few years ago. It was the begining of the end of Iraq's openness to the USA and vice versa, until late 1984. A period of nearly thirty years elapsed before Iraq's relations with Britain, and the USA reflected a significant positive shift. Diplomatic relations with the USA were resumed in 1984. They were severed in 1967 as a result of the Arab Israeli war. During these 30 years, Iraq and its people endured several bloody coups and countercoups, a Kurdish separatists Civil War, and an eight year war with Iran. The USA, Israel and the United Kingdom played a number of roles whereby Iraq was kept busy fending off internal and external enemies. -1- PUBLICATION & PRESENTATION SAMPLES US-Iraqi Relationships - An Appraisal, International Strategic Studies Association, Annual Meeting, Washington, DC., 1986. Arab World Project Financing Organizations : Impact on the Design Engineering and Construction Industry, American Arab Affairs Council, Special Construction Supplement, Washington, DC. Resumption of Iraqi-American Diplomatic Relations, International Strategic Studies Association, Annual Meeting, Washington, DC. Arab World Project Financing Organizations : Impact on the Design Engineering and Construction Industry, Journal of International Development Banking, India, 1984. Management of Latin America's External Debt, Global Economic Action Institute, Costa Rica, 1984. Role of the Arab Funds in International Project Financing, Synopsis, Business America, US Dpt. of Commerce, Washington, DC., 1984. Role of the Arab Funds in International Project Financing, Synopsis, Association of General Contractors, 1984. Role of the Arab Funds in International Project Financing, E.N.R. / McGraw Hill Conference, Athens, Greece, 1982. Frequent political, economic and financial T.V. and Radio commentaries since 1956, via US Networks, BBC and Voice of America. Languages : English, Arabic, most of dialects of Arab World. Knowledge of Spanish and French. Birthplace : Baghdad, Iraq. Recipient of Government of Iraq Expatriates Card. US Citizen. Current US Department of Defense Clearence, Secret Level. so The end of the Iran Iraqi war in 1988, promised a new era of political, economic and commercial cooperative ties with the USA. A substantial relaxation of Iraq's internal security measures became evident. A slow but steady growth of commercial ties with the USA was noticeable. By the end of 1989, Iraq became the second largest Arab trading partner with the USA. The Government of Iraq signed a joint venture partnership with GM, estimated at more than $2 billion, to manufacturer passengers and truck vehicles. Major US contractors, such as Brown & Root, Bechtel, Parsons ... were actively involved in Iraq's economic growth. President Saddam Hussein issued a Presidential order, whereby, US manufacturers of high technology products, were to receive priority as suppliers of expertise for Iraq's burgeoning oil, gas, heavy industry, data management and agriculture sectors. Iraq's imports of US agricultural products were in excess of $1 billion a year. The Government of Iraq initiated privitization of public sector entities. It began to sell its previously nationalized Service and Agricultural sector holdings to the Iragi private sector. A new Constitution guaranteeing freedom of speech, freedom of press, multi party system was being drafted by the National Assembly, and was completed in early 1990. During spring 1990, a high level National Assembly Delegation, headed by the Deputy Chairman of the Assembly, visited the USA. They met with key administration officials, senior Congressional leaders, and State legislators in Maryland, California, Texas and Louisiana. It was the first time in 45 years that such a delegation visited the USA. Its aim was to further develop and formalize the emerging ties between Iraq and the USA. The cornerstone of this visit was a formal offer by the Government of Iraq to the major US oil companies to consider a proposal for joint oil development and marketing of Iraq's vast oil and gas resources. It was an explicit invitation for a joint partnership between the Government of Iraq and the World's leading oil companies. Iraq was acknowledged as the World's Second largest oil/gas reserve holder, estimated at 140 billion barrels. This significant offer signaled a major shift in Iraq's tilt toward the US, at the expense of the United Kingdom because no similar offer was made to British oil companies. British oil companies were nationalized by Iraq during 1972. The relationship between Iraq and the UK began to deteriorate rapidly as of September 1989, subsequent to the arrest in Baghdad of an Iranian national, who had been travelling in Iraq on British travel documents and employed by a major Britsh newspaper as a correspondent. He was accused of spying for Israel and the UK, was tried on said charges, and executed in spite of very strong appeals for clemency by the British Prime Minister. It should be noted at this point, that during the 1958-1990 period, Iraq had five Heads of State. The USA during the same period had seven Heads of State. At no time whatsoever, and until now, did these respective Iraqi and US Heads of State ever meet, or visited each other in their respective countries. The highest level of official -2- 90 d contacts was usually at the level of Foreign Affairs Ministers and respective Secretary of States. While President Saddam Hussein has been in power since 1968, as Deputy President and President, and while President Bush has been in the White House since 1980, neither of them has ever met, or spoken to each other on the phone. President Bush never visited Iraq, likewise President Hussein never visited the USA. Neither of these crucial leaders knows each other personnally or directly, and nor do they have an independent and direct knowledge of each other's country, institutions or interests. However, they do have one person in common, namely Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minsiter of England. She has consistently shown intense personal dislike of President Hussein, and the conduct of the Iraqi Government on a wide range of regional and international issues. President Bush shares a strong positive relationship with Mrs. Thatcher and her Government for several years. Mrs. Thatcher and her Government, since September 1989 have been waging an effective and negative campaign against the Government of Iraq. The conflicts arising between the Government of Iraq and England, should be viewed objectively in the context of England's interests, ambitions, committments and Colonial tradition and approach vis a vis the Arab World in general, and Iraq in particular. As an example, most major financial intitutions throughout the Gulf States, are effectively directed and managed by British citizens, and are, via their respective branches in the United Kingdom, closely impacted by the monetary policies of the Bank of England. US citizens are required to obtain visas to enter the Gulf States, usually to be issued, upon approval by each State's Ministry of Interior, which in many instances is directed by a retired or active British Government official. The same can be said about the management of many of the Gulf States Military and Internal Security Forces. The symbiotic relationships between England and many Gulf States, surpassed the normal independent relationships to be expected amongst truly "sovereign" Governments. The British Government and its institutions dominate the political, financial and commercial networks of the Gulf States. Sultan Qaboos, of Oman, was installed by the British Government after his father was toppled and exiled by her Majesty's Government. The Ruler of the United Arab Emirates, an entity created by Britain in the early 1970s, was installed as its Ruler, again by the British and so it goes throughout the Gulf States. Britain granted independence to Kuwait during 1961, whereby, the Iraqi Government restated its claim that Kuwait was part of Iraq, predating Britain's mandate over Kuwait. British forces were rushed to Kuwait's assistance, eventually, to be replaced by Arab League forces. Iraq and Kuwait, partially reconciled their conflict, whereby, Iraq recognized Kuwait's sovereignty yet leaving the question of boundary lines, currently in dispute, to be resolved at a later date. Britain, since 1964, has been urging Kuwait not ot resolve this simmering issue, Whereby, Iraq can gain access to the Gulf and have clear control of the southern tip of the Rumailah oil fields. Iraq's effort, dating back to the early 1920s, to regain its access to the Gulf, has been continuously and effectively blocked by Britain and its allies in the region. -3- The current crisis is threatening to become a major international war along religious, cultural, as well as ethnic lines. What started, as an Inter-Arab World dispute, amongst neigbhoring States, is rapidly becoming an uncontrollable and unpredictable bloody confliguration. Mrs. Thatcher and her Government should reverse its manipulations of the fundamental issues of this crisis, highlighted above, and devote its efforts to peaceful and diplomatic solutions. However, I am not optimistic, because, it is typically British to be very generous with the lives, interests and resources of other nations and cultures, in the pursuit of British goals. The remarkable absence of a large UK land force and financial contribution to the costs of "Desert Shield", proportionate to its interests in the Gulf, is a case in point. We must not waste our resources, prestige, nor lives on behalf of Mrs. Thatcher and her Government. We must be very careful in this matter, otherwise, there is a strong potential for a major and long lasting disaster for US interests in the region, if we automatically embrace and support dogmatically Britain's colonial Regency throughout the Gulf States. Our support for Britain's invasion of the Falkland Islands, cost us dearly throughout Latin America and the Third World Countries. It is also casting serious doubts about our true motives and approaches in this crisis. President Bush and his administration needs to reexamine whatever policy recommendations, regarding this explosive conflict, may be suggested by the Government of Mrs. Thatcher. It is very likely that her preceptions and motivations are not always in the best independent interest of the US vis a vis Iraq in particular and the Arab world in general. It is my opinion that our policy is being manipulated by Mrs. Thatcher and her Government on a wide range of Arab world issues. She still views the region, its resources and interests as an exclusive province for British benefit. We need to recognize this self appointed position by Mrs. Thatcher and her Government and act accordingly. Iraq has a genuine need for free access to the Gulf, to meet its maritime and international trade needs. The ultimate political and hopefully peacefull resolution of this conflict, therefore, must not ignore this vital issue. It was ignored and obstructed for the last 70 years. Thus, we face this international crisis, courtesey of British policies and ambitions. 88 = AMERICAN IRAQI FOUNDATION P.O.BOX 10623 MCLEAN, VA 22102 PRESS RELEASE The American Iraqi Foundation, a National Public Interest organization was established in Washington D.C. U.S.A on the 14th July 1990 to promote and develop strong cultural, economic and political ties between the American and Iraqi peoples and institutions. The primary purpose of our visit to Iraq is for promoting a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the Gulf crisis. President George Bush and the State Department are aware of the visit and have been encouraging our aspirations for a peaceful and diplomatic resolution of this explosive problem. The Iraqi Leadership clearly does not wish for, nor believes in a military solution, which can quickly and easily engulf the region and beyond, in a lengthy and bloody holocaust. The Foundation's team is composed of Dr. Salim Mansoor, President , Mr. Fuad K. Taima, Executive Vice President, Dr. Ali Al-Hussaini, Secretary and Regional Vice President ( Washington D.C Metropoliotan Area ", Dr. Riyadh A1 Khudairy, Regional Vice President ( Southwest Area " Mr. Faisal Arabo, Regional Vice President, Michigan, Mr. Klames Ganji, Regional Vice President, Illinois and Dr. Ibrahim Lutfi, Member of the Board of Directors we have been privileged to meet with His Excellency President Saddam Hussein, President of the Republic of Iraq. We were also pleased to have met with the President of the National Assembly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Minister of Information, The Minister of Industry and Military Industrialization, The Minister of Oil, The Minister of Affairs. Trade, The Minister of Health and The Minister of Religious His Excellency President Saddam Hussein met with our delegation and on 21 October 1990. The President, during a two hours pleasant intermingling of U.S and Israeli Interests. He focused the conflict dating back to 1948, especially the impact of this affectionate meeting Highlighted the background of the especially end on the deterioriation of U.S - Iraqi relations Vain Hussein indicated that the Government of Iraq tried Baker. President Mr. Tariq Aziz and Secretary of State Mr. James Foreign Affairs, of 1989 and the discussions between Minister of around role in Government played and continues to play an obstructionist and her the British Prime Minister, Mrs. Margaret Thatcher issues. However, to resolve diplomatically the various outstanding in the resolution of these serious issues. Governement President Hussein expressed repeatedly, the quest of Iraq for an equitable, peaceful and diplomatic by the Extended Page 9.1 resolution of this crisis. He reiterated his initiative, detailed in the 12 August 1990 proposal and the need for an Arab solution under the aegies of the Arab League. During an extensive exchange of views between President Hussein and delegation members, the President asserted the need for a direct dialogue between the leaderships of the two countires, Iraq and the United States of America. He also emphasized repeatedly his commitment to a non-military solution, unnless Iraq is attacked. He also indicated that Iraq is prepared to allow the foreign guests to return to their respective countries immediately, conditioned upon receiving guarantees from the U.S.A that Iraq will not be attacked. Other options include 1) a guarantee by the Permenant Members of the Security Council, or 2) the General Assembly and 3) if the Iraqi Leadership is assured the tide of the international community is moving in the direction of a peaceful solution. President Hussein expressed the need for an immediate lifting of the blockade and making available baby milk and medicine. The Foundations delegation was very impressed by President Hussein's quest for a peaceful solution, and his sincerity. We were also impressed by the professional caliber and dedication to a peaceful resolution by every member of the Government and its people. The foundation is very concerned about the fate and hardships of Iraq's population. A Nation of 18 million hard working and intelligent people, being held hostage due to the unwillingness of the Security Council members, especially the U.S.A and the U.K, to respond equitably to the Region's simmering issues. Iraqi's children and its elderly are especially affected by the embargo. As U.S citizens of Iraqi Origin, we urge our President, Mr. George Bush to commence an immeidate dialogue with President Saddam Hussein. We also urge Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to do likewise. We are convinced that such a dialogue will lead to a peaceful and equitable solution. The need for such a dialogue is long overdue. This in turn will strengthens the U.N system P which at the moment is at a critical juncture of its existance. Extensed Page 10.1 AMERICAN IRAQI FOUNDATION P.O.BOX 10623 MCLEAN, VA 22102 RELEASE The American Iraqi Foundation, a National Public Interest organization was established in Washington D.C, U.S.A on the 14th July 1990 to promote and develop strong cultural, economic and political ties between the American and Iraqi peoples and institutions. The primary purpose of our visit to Iraq is for promoting a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the Gulf crisis. President George Bush and the State Department are aware of the visit and have been encouraging our aspirations for a peaceful and diplomatic resolution of this explosive problem. The Iraqi Leadership clearly does not wish for, nor believes in a military solution, which can quickly and easily engulf the region and beyond, in a lengthy and bloody holocaust. The Foundation's team is composed of Dr. Salim Mansoor, President , Mr. Fuad K. Taima, Executive Vice President, Dr. Ali Al-Hussaini, Secretary and Regional Vice President ( Washington D.C Metropoliotan Area ", Dr. Riyadh A1 Khudairy, Regional Vice President ( Southwest Area ), Mr. Faisal Arabo, Regional Vice President, Michigan, Mr. Klames Ganji, Regional Vice President, Illinois and Dr. Ibrahim Lutfi, Member of the Board of Directors We have been privileged to meet with His Excellency President Saddam Hussein, President of the Republic of Iraq. We were also pleased to have met with the President of the National Assembly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Minister of Information, The Minister of Industry and Military Industrialization, The Minister of Oil, The Minister of Trade, The Minister of Health and The Minister of Religious Affairs. His Excellency President Saddam Hussein met with our delegation on 21 October 1990. The President, during a two hours pleasant and affectionate meeting Highlighted the background of this conflict dating back to 1948, especially the impact of the intermingling of U.S and Israeli Interests. He focused especially on the deterioriation of U.S - Iraqi relations around the end of 1989 and the discussions between Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Tariq Aziz and Secretary of State Mr. James Baker. President Hussein indicated that the Government of Iraq tried in Vain to resolve diplomatically the various outstanding issues. However, the British Prime Minister, Mrs. Margaret Thatcher and her Government played and continues to play an obstructionist role in the resolution of these serious issues. President Hussein expressed repeatedly, the quest by the Governement of Iraq for an equitable, peaceful and diplomatic