Using their post-Saddam rights to free speech, Iraqi newspaper al-Mada published a list of influential foreigners who were given oil coupons (worth millions of dollars) in exchange for attempting to eliminate the sanctions against Saddam's regime. According to the BBC, There are at least 11 French names on the list of more than 270 foreigners published by al-Mada. One of those names was that of former French Interior Minister Charles Pasqua. I found his denial quite interesting and quite French.

Mr Pasqua denied knowing that any such transactions were taking place in the 1990s but he said it did not surprise him.

"Former Interior Minister Charles Pasqua is not involved, but maybe other former ministers are involved," he said.

I did not take a bribe. I knew nothing about these bribes. But if my fellow French ministers took bribes, I would not be surprised.

I don't know if Pasqua is an honest man being frank with the media about the lack of ethics in French government, or a dishonest man badmouthing his co-conspirators in order to distance himself from trouble. Neither explanation improves my opinion of the French government.

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