It's certainly not Saddam Hussein -- it's not as if Saddam invites the poor, starving people of his country over to his palace for dinner. It is the Iraqi people who feel the results of economic sanctions such as the ceiling on the amount of oil Iraq can export, which was placed on the country after Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990.

The United States proposed last week that the ceiling on Iraqi oil sales be lifted incrementally if Iraq promises to use the profits to purchase food and humanitarian supplies. The proposal also allows for contributions from private groups or other governments to the United Nations account that funds the relief effort in Iraq.

Sounds like a beneficial solution to a terrible problem. People do not deserve to suffer simply because they live in an authoritarian country with a crude dictator in charge. Although this solution sounds feasible, and it may even work, there is one problem. Saddam has a little history of not keeping his promises.

France has proposed lifting the oil embargo completely and implementing a monitoring system to prevent Iraq from acquiring weapons of mass destruction.

But France's proposal is too drastic for a leader who has proven himself reckless and untrustworthy. It would be better and more successful if the ceiling were lifted at various increments, and a careful monitoring system be put in place to be certain the plan will accomplish its goals instead of allowing Saddam to acquire more weapons of mass destruction.

The oil embargo on Iraq has accomplished nothing -- except for depleting the economy of Iraq and preventing innocent people from getting the food and supplies necessary to live. Has the embargo improved relations with Iraq? Has Iraq stopped threatening neighboring countries? Has Iraq allowed United Nations weapons inspectors into the country? No, no and no. The time has come to try a new strategy with Iraq.