In 1999, Iraq suffered its worst drought of the century, with the effect of triggering an even greater dependence on imported grain under the oil for food program.

1999年，伊拉克蒙受了该世纪最严重的干旱，结果是引发了对于“石油换食品计划”项下的进口谷物的更大依赖。

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In that connection, another reason for the exodus of Western companies from Iraq -- over and above the looming threat of military conflict -- has been a new rule put in place regarding the UN-approved oil- for-food program.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

The U.N. created the oil-for-food program as a loophole in post-Gulf War sanctions, allowing Iraq to sell oil so Baghdad could purchase food, medicine and other humanitarian needs.

CNN: Iraq rejects proposed changes to new sanctions

Last June, the United States could not gain Russian support for the new plan and had to delay the Iraqi oil-for-food program until the end of November.

CNN: U.S. wants new sanctions against Iraq