Meaning: The quote you provided is from John Perkins, an American author and former economist, known for his book "Confessions of an Economic Hitman." In this quote, Perkins is referring to the tactics used by the United States to influence and control foreign governments, particularly in the Middle East. He mentions the implementation of a policy in Iraq that was successful in Saudi Arabia but failed due to Saddam Hussein's resistance. When economic hit men fail to achieve their goals, the next step is what Perkins calls "the jackals."

John Perkins worked as an economist for a consulting firm that was employed by the U.S. government and various corporations to facilitate the exploitation of developing countries. In his book, he describes how he and others like him were tasked with persuading leaders of these countries to accept large loans for infrastructure development projects, which often left the countries in significant debt and beholden to their creditors. The real goal, according to Perkins, was not to uplift these nations, but to gain control over their resources and markets, and to ensure their compliance with U.S. political and economic interests.

The specific reference to Iraq in the quote seems to allude to the period leading up to the Gulf War in the early 1990s, when tensions between Iraq and the United States were escalating. It reflects the approach taken by the U.S. government and its allies to influence the policies and actions of foreign leaders, particularly those who resisted American influence or control.

The term "economic hit men" refers to individuals like Perkins who were tasked with convincing foreign leaders to accept development projects and loans that would ultimately benefit the interests of the U.S. and its corporations. These projects often resulted in massive debt for the target countries, making them vulnerable to external influence and control.

When economic hit men were unsuccessful in their efforts, as was the case with Saddam Hussein in Iraq, Perkins suggests that the next step was the deployment of "the jackals." While Perkins doesn't explicitly define the term in this quote, it can be inferred that "the jackals" represent covert operations or more aggressive tactics aimed at removing or destabilizing leaders who posed a threat to U.S. interests.

The implications of Perkins' revelations are significant, shedding light on the complex and often controversial methods used by powerful nations to exert influence and control over others, particularly in regions rich in natural resources. The quote underscores the lengths to which some entities are willing to go to achieve their geopolitical and economic objectives, even if it means resorting to covert or aggressive measures.

In conclusion, the quote from John Perkins provides insight into the strategies employed by the U.S. and its allies to influence and control foreign governments, particularly in the Middle East. It highlights the role of economic hit men in persuading leaders to accept loans and projects that ultimately serve the interests of external powers. The mention of "the jackals" suggests that when these tactics fail, more aggressive measures may be utilized. Perkins' perspective offers a thought-provoking and critical view of the dynamics of power and influence in international relations.