On Thursday, Paul A. Volcker and the Independent Inquiry Committee announced that “more than 2,400 businesses… paid nearly $1.8 billion in illegal kickbacks to the former Iraqi government through the U.N. oil-for-food program.”

According to the report, via the Washington Post, “Iraq used its oil wealth to influence some countries’ policies at the United Nations, rewarding Russia $19 billion in oil contracts and France $4.4 billion in deals.”

My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Iraq who suffered under Saddam Hussein’s murderous regime far longer due to the corruption and incompetence of U.N. officials who facilitated their oppression.

Out of respect for all the service men and women who have paid the ultimate price while defending the United States and its allies, liberating Iraq of Saddam’s regime, hunting down terrorists and fanning the great flame of democracy, comments will be closed on this post. We owe them a moment of silence, and our gratitude.

UPDATE: A cartoon by Chip Bok