"And in Iraq we tried to implement the same policy that was so successful in Saudi Arabia, but Saddam Hussein didn't buy. When the economic hit men fail in this scenario, the next step is what we call the jackals"
- John Perkins
About this Quote
John Perkins is describing the US policy of using economic incentives to influence foreign federal governments. In Saudi Arabia, this policy achieved success in getting the federal government to cooperate with United States interests. However, when the United States tried to implement the same policy in Iraq, Saddam Hussein refused to comply. When economic rewards stop working, the United States then relies on what Perkins calls "jackals" - concealed operatives who utilize more severe methods to achieve US objectives. This might consist of assassination, sabotage, and other forms of concealed action. Using jackals is a last hope, and is just used when financial incentives fail.
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