They were supposed to coerce the Saddam regime into opening up its weapons research establishments to international inspection, thus ensuring that never again would Iraq threaten the region, and indeed the world, with weapons of mass destruction. The UN's Unscom inspection project uncovered some evidence of nuclear weapons research, but was frustrated by lack of cooperation. It finally collapsed in 1998, when Saddam refused to allow inspectors access to his many palaces, many of them believed to contain elaborate command-centre bunkers. The despot is now more secure than ever. The economy is shattered.
Hunger is endemic.
The UN's own agencies admit that up to 5,300 children are dying every month from disease, malnutrition and related conditions. Altogether, it is thought that more than 500,000 Iraqis have died since 1991 as a consequence of the sanctions and the air strikes. From the start, the west failed to understand the depth of Saddam's disregard for his own people. By redoubling the rule of terror, in which the smallest hint of dissent is punishable by death. Also by smuggling on a vast scale, mainly across the border with Jordan.