Shortly prior to the [[Iraq War]], McDermott traveled to Baghdad and embraced [[Saddam Hussein]], in a trip financially supported by Iraqi-American businessman [[Shakir al-Khafaji]], who has been investigated for receiving "lucrative vouchers for Iraqi oil from Saddam's government." <ref>[http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/regionalpolitics/2001905911_mcdermott17m.html Aide says McDermott wasn't aware of Saddam link], By Jim Brunner, ''Seattle Times'', April 17, 2004.</ref> | Shortly prior to the [[Iraq War]], McDermott traveled to Baghdad and embraced [[Saddam Hussein]], in a trip financially supported by Iraqi-American businessman [[Shakir al-Khafaji]], who has been investigated for receiving "lucrative vouchers for Iraqi oil from Saddam's government." <ref>[http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/regionalpolitics/2001905911_mcdermott17m.html Aide says McDermott wasn't aware of Saddam link], By Jim Brunner, ''Seattle Times'', April 17, 2004.</ref> |