An Overview of the Oil For Food Program

In 1996, the international community launched the Oil for Food Program in response to the persistent hardships of the Iraqi people, who lived under broad international sanctions. While generally the program was a success, there have been recent allegations of corruption and mismanagement, with the possibility of United Nations staff complicity. SecretaryGeneral Kofi Annan has announced that the U.N. will initiate a high-level investigation into the allegations. Assisted by the Coalition Provisional Authority, the Iraqi Board of Supreme Audit will conduct a separate Baghdad-based investigation.