Iraq's massive oil reserves, the third-largest in the world, are about to be thrown open for large-scale exploitation by Western oil companies under a controversial law which is expected to come before the Iraqi parliament within days.
The US government has been involved in drawing up the law, a draft of which has been seen by The Independent on Sunday. It would give big oil companies such as BP, Shell and Exxon 30-year contracts to extract Iraqi crude and allow the first large-scale operation of foreign oil interests in the country since the industry was nationalised in 1972.
More "we told you so" here.
And if they ever attempt to terminate these agreements made by a puppet government installed by an invading power, we'll punish them for half a century at least. See: Iran, Cuba. Ain't capitalism grand?
Posted by: Veritas78 | January 07, 2007 at 07:09 PM
What? Pull our troops out now?
Posted by: queek | January 07, 2007 at 07:32 PM
It was never about the oil.
And how did our oil get under their sand anyhow?
Posted by: leslie ;-) | January 07, 2007 at 08:11 PM
Well, it certainly took us long enough. Since the whole point of the invasion was to steal their oil, it would be kind of silly to leave without getting any of it. Not a very good ROI for your tax dollars. I'm just surprised that Exxon already let 3 years go by... not that they've had any trouble making money during those three years, but time is money, and shareholders expect you to look to the future. Why else would we build permanent bases?
To protect the sand? What else is there, really? Sand, and oil, and a bunch of arabs... and lord knows we don't care about the arabs.
What's that you say? Terrorists will destroy any drilling or exploration wells and pipelines that are built? Citizen, I'd be careful what you wish for. Wouldn't want to give comfort to the enemy!
I'm looking forward to the day when I can buy premium unleaded for less than $3/gallon. Or hell freezing over. Whatever comes first.
Posted by: smiley | January 07, 2007 at 08:20 PM
"Hell" is currently referred to as "Colorado".
Posted by: donna | January 07, 2007 at 08:38 PM
Could the upcoming Iraqui oil ripoff be the underlying reason for Bush's proposed "surge"?
They will definitely need more troops to quell the protests (aka: shell the locals into submission). I am so ashamed of what is being done in our name.
I hope that someone somewhere in the Democratic congress has the ability to stop this unendng robbery.
Posted by: frances | January 07, 2007 at 08:54 PM
.
.
Operation Iraqi Liberation is moving into Phase 2?
Jesus---did you think they went there for Cheney's health?
Does the karmic comeuppance have some genuine Room 101 stuff in it for these unconscionable sonsuvbitches . . . ???!
It's theirs to learn.
Posted by: FuckDemRepubHypocracy | January 07, 2007 at 11:41 PM
Didn't L. Paul Bremer receive won of those "dime a dozen" medals of Freedom that shrub gives to lackeys who do his bidding and keep their mouths shut?
L Paul Bremer was the person (term loosely used) who implemented the laws in Iraq that would, along with all the other benefits that come with having the USA *liberate* the country, give the oil profits to the US when we first began raping and plundering Iraq.
This, done in the name of the US. And unless you and I are not citizens of the good ole USofA, it means it's been done in our name. And, according to shrub, it is his political capital and he'll do as he darn well pleases with his political capital.
It's time to make daily calls, or send daily e-mails to Congress to get us the hell out of Iraq, stop the death and destruction, and give back what we have stolen.
Posted by: leslie ;-) | January 08, 2007 at 07:35 AM
Firstly, the Surge troops are to protect the oil pipeline. What's the use of stealing something if you can't use or sell it?
Secondly, Donkey or Elephant America should be fed up enough that they're holding the axe at the ready for any mistep by any party.
Thirdly and finally, all there is hope, which is why we now have a Dem majority. I predict internal power struggles will compromise any progress to undo the damage done by our present administration. Then further deteriorate into party hang wringing and self destruct, just as with the Repubs. Cynic? Yep been alive too long to be otherwise. No excuses, get'erdone or get out.
Posted by: Curmudgeon | January 08, 2007 at 01:21 PM
Oh, and one other thing, To The Victor Go the Spoils, But you gotta' win first.
Posted by: Curmudgeon | January 08, 2007 at 01:27 PM
They will definitely need more troops to quell the protests (aka: shell the locals into submission). I am so ashamed of what is being done in our name.
Don't worry--the surge will only last until the oil companies raise their own private guerrilla armies!
Posted by: Ruthie | January 08, 2007 at 10:33 PM
And these initiatives were made by the Iraq Study Group... several times. I imagine that those will be the few points that'll be zealously adopted by President Jed Clampett.
Posted by: jurassicpork | January 10, 2007 at 08:55 PM