Was this a pact made between Russia and Iraq?
 

                 Russia's role in Iraq crisis questioned
                      November 21, 1997
                      MOSCOW (CNN) -- A spokesman for Russian President
                      Boris Yeltsin describes Russia's role in the crisis over United
                      Nations' weapons inspectors in Iraq as a victory of reason,
                      achieved through energetic steps by the Russian president.

                      But in stark contrast, U.S. officials have not been providing praise
                      for the Russian initiative. Indeed, some have told CNN that they
                      believe Iraq might have quietly conspired with Russia to cook up
              the recent standoff -- to raise the issue of international sanctions
               against Iraq and to make Russia look good.