Editor's note: This is the first of a two-part series. Go here to read the second installment.
Iraq is sitting on a mother lode of some of the lightest, sweetest, most profitable crude oil on earth, and the rules that will determine who will control it and on what terms are about to be set.
The Iraqi government faces a December deadline, imposed by the world's wealthiest countries, to complete its final oil law. Industry analysts expect that the result will be a radical departure from the laws governing the country's oil-rich neighbors, giving foreign multinationals a much higher rate of return than with other major oil producers and locking in their control over what George Bush called Iraq's "patrimony" for decades, regardless of what kind of policies future elected governments might want to pursue.
Iraq's energy reserves are an incredibly rich prize. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, "Iraq contains 112 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, the second largest in the world (behind Saudi Arabia), along with roughly 220 billion barrels of probable and possible resources. Iraq's true potential may be far greater than this, however, as the country is relatively unexplored due to years of war and sanctions." For perspective, the Saudis have 260 billion barrels of proven reserves.
Iraqi oil is close to the surface and easy to extract, making it all the more profitable. James Paul, executive director of the Global Policy Forum, points out that oil companies "can produce a barrel of Iraqi oil for less than $1.50 and possibly as little as $1, including all exploration, oil field development and production costs." Contrast that with other areas where oil is considered cheap to produce at $5 per barrel or the North Sea, where production costs are $12 to $16 per barrel.
And Iraq's oil sector is largely undeveloped. Former Iraqi Oil Minister Issam Chalabi (no relation to the neocons' favorite exile, Ahmed Chalabi) told the Associated Press that "Iraq has more oil fields that have been discovered, but not developed, than any other country in the world." British-based analyst Mohammad Al-Gallani told the Canadian Press that of 526 prospective drilling sites, just 125 have been opened.
But the real gem -- what one oil consultant called the "Holy Grail" of the industry -- lies in Iraq's vast western desert. It's one of the last "virgin" fields on the planet, and it has the potential to catapult Iraq to No. 1 in the world in oil reserves. Sparsely populated, the western fields are less prone to sabotage than the country's current centers of production in the north, near Kirkuk, and in the south near Basra. The Nation's Aram Roston predicts Iraq's western desert will yield "untold riches."
Iraq also may have large natural gas deposits that so far remain virtually unexplored.
But even "untold riches" don't tell the whole story. Depending on how Iraq's petroleum law shakes out, the country's enormous reserves could break the back of OPEC, a wet dream in Western capitals for three decades. James Paul predicted that "even before Iraq had reached its full production potential of 8 million barrels or more per day, the companies would gain huge leverage over the international oil system. OPEC would be weakened by the withdrawal of one of its key producers from the OPEC quota system." Depending on how things shape up in the next few months, Western oil companies could end up controlling the country's output levels, or the government, heavily influenced by the United States, could even pull out of the cartel entirely.
Both independent analysts and officials within Iraq's Oil Ministry anticipate that when all is said and done, the big winners in Iraq will be the Big Four -- the American firms Exxon Mobile and Chevron, the British BP Amoco and Royal Dutch Shell -- that dominate the world oil market. Ibrahim Mohammed, an industry consultant with close contacts in the Iraqi Oil Ministry, told the Associated Press that there's a universal belief among ministry staff that the major U.S. companies will win the lion's share of contracts. "The feeling is that the new government is going to be influenced by the United States," he said.
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Joshua Holland is an AlterNet staff writer.
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Coalition of the Willing = Coalition for the Drilling
[Report this comment]
Posted by: LeftWright on Oct 16, 2006 12:38 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
There were no WMD's and they knew there were no WMD's.
The U.S. and U.K. need to withdraw in an orderly manner immediately.
The "Iraqi" constitution needs to be scrapped and re-written by Iraqi's for Iraqi's.
Let the investigations begin in January 2007.
This has to be the most immoral and corrupt administration in U.S. history, perhaps world history. Truly sickening.
Cheney/Bush must be impeached ASAP.
The truth shall set us free. Love is the only way forward.
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» They Win Either Way Posted by: CatDad
» No, they are getting their oil ok!!!! See answer below to Tom Degan's post........ Posted by: Prophit
» World cartels: the Nazi economic program Posted by: citizenjoe
» Bush is a direct close descendent of the Auchswitz contractors Posted by: verite
» RE: Coalition of the Willing = Coalition for the Drilling Posted by: symcokid
» Over 700 military bases, 10,600 nukes and space weapons on the way Posted by: LeftWright
» Bush family buys 98,842-acre farm in northern Paraguay, Jenna Bush meets with Paraguayan president Posted by: LeftWright
» RE: Bush family buys 98,842-acre farm in northern Paraguay, Jenna Bush meets with Paraguayan president Posted by: symcokid
» Paraguay was a well known Nazi haven Posted by: citizenjoe
» The Evolution of American Fascism (aka The PNAC Project) Posted by: LeftWright
» RE: Coalition of the Willing = Coalition for the Drilling Posted by: garry minor
clear
[Report this comment]
Posted by: rsaxto on Oct 16, 2006 12:56 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It is clear that the Bushies want to dictate what happens to Iraq oil and who makes the most profit from Iraq oil. It is clearly international piracy by the Pirates of the Oil Stealing Bushie Kingdom. If the United Nations approves this criminal activity the UN is just an accessory to war crimes and oil crimes. The hundreds of thousands of Iraqi dead will have happened simply because a few rich oil barons want to become even richer. It is not nice for any decent person anywhere in the world to approve of this riches-through-mass-murder scheme. It is corrupt barbarism at its highest level in human history. IMPEACH
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The world is an amazingly shitty place
[Report this comment]
Posted by: HeroesAll on Oct 16, 2006 1:42 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
All those denials that this war was about oil have been effective, though. The ignorant yokels who parrot the Bush administration talking points have convinced the public that the war was for good reasons, although maybe badly run.
I'm so dejected I could cry. Why is it that people who have so much, want so much more? My own government, personified by Muppet Head (Foreign Monster Alexander Downer, a son of priviledge and a dickhead of Herculean proportions), has the honour of swindling one of the poorest countries on earth.
Yep, we in Australia, with all of Howard's saccharine rhetoric about "Australian values" which we're going to force down the throats of migrants, are cheating the poorest of the poor. Downer played selfish bastard rich kid games when negotiating the Sunshine gas deal with East Timor. We, with all our comforts, have denied the East Timorese their rightful share of the gas field revenues. Downer gloated about it, apparently. He thought it was fun.
The East Timorese, of course, not having two sticks to rub together, having survived a cruel war of attrition by the Indonesian army for years, don't have the wherewithal to try to get their rightful share. They don't, and haven't, even had the wherewithal to run their extremely poor country, thanks to jolly old Alexander. They've had some civil strife there over the last couple of months, largely due to having bugger all money. Kindly old Australia sent a few troops to help keep order. Well, it was the least we could do, wasn't it?
Yes, it certainly was. I'm ashamed to be Australian. I'm ashamed to be white. I'm ashamed to be western. And I'm disconsolate about the state of the world. Is there anything beautiful in this ugly world? Is there any reason to hope, or should I just leave now and avoid the rush?
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» RE: The world is an amazingly shitty place Posted by: The Butcher
» RE: The world is an amazingly shitty place Posted by: amazed again
» RE: The world is an amazingly shitty place Posted by: YinRising
» RE: The world is an amazingly shitty place Posted by: peacecatman
» Be the world you want to create - Gandhi Posted by: LeftWright
» sqeezing an embryo in the womb..... Posted by: denk
» RE: The world is an amazingly shitty place Posted by: albrechtkrausse
» Thanks everyone Posted by: HeroesAll
» RE: Thanks everyone Posted by: albrechtkrausse
» RE: Thanks everyone Posted by: denk
» RE: The world is an amazingly shitty place Posted by: Neilium
» RE: The world is an amazingly shitty place Posted by: rolf
Thank you Joshua.
[Report this comment]
Posted by: The Butcher on Oct 16, 2006 2:11 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Again a matter for you to get to Mainstream America.
Reading an Interview today with Gore at Le Monde, he says the average american watches 4 1/2 hours of CNN a day! Fewer people read Newspapers... The country is being lobotomized!
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» Croissant Al Posted by: edith
» RE: Croissant Al Posted by: The Butcher
» Edith, there is a whole big world out here that you obviously know nothing about and it ..... Posted by: Prophit
» LOL: Irrelevant Remarks Posted by: edith
» I agree, that is why CNN makes so much advertising money. Posted by: Prophit
» CNN and Fox are Puny in Numbers Posted by: edith
» Thats because they are killing all the reporters willing to report what is going on over there. Posted by: Prophit
» RE: Thats because they are killing all the reporters willing to report what is going on over there. Posted by: Doubtom
» CNN Posted by: vangogh69
» Facelift? Posted by: edith
» RE: Facelift? Posted by: ignition
» and the answer is... Posted by: edith
» RE: and the answer is... Posted by: werewolf
» ask yourself an important question Posted by: edith
» RE: Facelift? Posted by: Malamute
» I dont' know where Greg Palast is; maybe they scared him off with that arrest..... Posted by: Prophit
» RE: CNN and Fox are Puny in Numbers Posted by: babs
» See also what Dennis Kucinich had to say about the oil factor on alternet: (March 2003) Posted by: thoughtcriminal
» Who Are Those Dems? Posted by: edith
» RE: See also what Dennis Kucinich had to say about the oil factor on alternet: (March 2003) Posted by: VannaLaRoche
one little problem
[Report this comment]
Posted by: edith on Oct 16, 2006 2:12 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
the oil companies, the US Embassy and corrupt Iraqi politicians can cut all the deal they want. As the article concludes, intense national resistance will continue and be expanded with deals like this. We can't quell the current rebellion; an Oil rebellion will be worse. Even our putative allies, the Kurds, might be alienated as much of the oil is in the Kurd region. The US genuine interest is fair access to purchase Iraqi oil like any other nation in a free and open market.
At this point, the US is the last country able to dictate anything to the Iraqis. Oil wealth of Iraq is not an adavantage for the US but a quiksand that will destroy our nation.
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I gotta ask...
[Report this comment]
Posted by: spacemarine83 on Oct 16, 2006 2:16 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
1. What happens AFTER Bush leaves office? Wont he be unable to profit?
2. Why have to Iraqis not said anything?
3. Who gets to use all of the oil from the "big 4"?
4. Is it really in American interests? I am wondering because even if one could argue a war of imperialism, much like 1898 w/ spain, who really gets the oil and cash?
5. Am I right to assume that the average American still gets screwed, and we still pay outrageous amounts for oil, even after all of these finds are "discovered"?
6. Why didnt I see this before?
7. Why hide it all under the guise of helping the Iraqis?
8. Why not just let them do what they want and drill the ground in Colorado?
9. Are American taxpaying dollars going to support this? If so, how?
I suppose that is enough questioning from my inquiring mind right now. Please dont flame my ignorance.
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» RE: I gotta ask... Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: I gotta ask... Posted by: spacemarine83
» Basra Oil Workers Posted by: katinmn
» RE: I gotta ask... Posted by: albrechtkrausse
BEAUTIFUL!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Tom Degan on Oct 16, 2006 4:08 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
A half a million people are dead just so these evil motherfuckers could grease the coffers of their corporate connections? That's just lovely!
If I were them I wouldn't count my chickens before they hatched. They might think they have the Iraqi people's oil at the moment but it's really only an illusion. No. The Iraqi people are going to take that oil back. You can take that to the bank, Buster! The day is going to come when the USA retreats in total, humiliating defeat from Iraq. That's not mindless speculation, that is a cold, hard and unavoidable fact. Here's the question before us at the moment: Do we get out now while the American death toll is at a relatively paltry 2,800? Or - as in the case of Viet Nam - do we stupidly wait until it's at the 60,000 mark? Your call.
Tom Degan
Goshen, NY
"The Rant" by Tom Degan
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» Well, Have you seen the satellite pics of Iraq/Kuwait border???? Posted by: Prophit
» Joshua forgot to mention HOW the Iraqis discovered those oil fields..... Posted by: Prophit
» Looks like the satellite pics have been purge, so I will try to put them up here directly..... Posted by: Prophit
» RE: BEAUTIFUL! Posted by: HeroesAll
» RE: BEAUTIFUL!....Hey HeroesAll Posted by: Captainmagic
» RE: BEAUTIFUL!....Hey HeroesAll...Hey Captain Posted by: HeroesAll
» RE: BEAUTIFUL!....Hey HeroesAll... Posted by: Captainmagic
» RE: BEAUTIFUL! Posted by: Tom Degan
» RE: BEAUTIFUL! Posted by: mdruss42
» RE: BEAUTIFUL! Posted by: R.I.P.
» US Death toll... Posted by: vangogh69
» RE: BEAUTIFUL! Posted by: Tom Degan
Well, FINALLY, Alternet has laid out the Iraqi case bare for all to see!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Prophit on Oct 16, 2006 4:10 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
WHAT TOOK SO DAMN LONG?????? lol
So, the truth in plain short english is "The US and Britian have invaded Iraq, killed 660,000 unarmed civilians and lost American lives and maimed thousands of American Youth, to steal the natural resources of a sovereign nation."
Is that about right???? Good job, Joshua, excellent research and good info on that energy committee. I have not been able to find that any where, so you have actually proven something I couldn't. Thanks, it gives me something more to pass around to my extensive email list for voting consideration in Nov. What evil slimes we have for leaders. Cheney and Rice are the drivers behind all of this with Bush as the idiot puppet.
They must go and those PSA's must be negated given they are invalid since they were obtained under the threat of weapons of mass destruction. We must get control of our nation back and make this right with the Iraqi people and soon before we are unable to do so.
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» RE: Well, FINALLY, Alternet has laid out the Iraqi case bare for all to see! Posted by: symcokid
» RE: Well, FINALLY, Alternet has laid out the Iraqi case bare for all to see! Posted by: jkirkman
» RE: Well, FINALLY, Alternet has laid out the Iraqi case bare for all to see! Posted by: Malamute
» RE: Well, FINALLY, Alternet has laid out the Iraqi case bare for all to see! Posted by: sahar
» Hey, Jerkman, There were no substantial deaths before we invaded.... use your brain for.... Posted by: Prophit
» SERIOUSLY Posted by: Donna_Darko
Democracy?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: daro on Oct 16, 2006 4:13 AM
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Evidently, the Democracy this was supposed to be about is Bush's version of Democracy. Election results that can be modified to suit the demands of the ruling elite and stuff the rest.
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How about a new kind of fuel?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: mat38 on Oct 16, 2006 4:48 AM
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Why can't they make an engine that can run on blood? Essentially that's what we are putting into our vehicles.
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» Yes for sure but let's keep things in perspective Posted by: edith
World cartels: the Nazi economic program
[Report this comment]
Posted by: citizenjoe on Oct 16, 2006 4:54 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Remember the Nazi economic goal: the control of Europe, western and eastern (including USSR) by German cartels. Bush has the same economic goals. That is one half of what it takes to be a fascist. The other half is an authoritarian and nationalist regime dedicated to military supremacy. Bush is that as well. The Bush regime is fascist, folks, just like Hitler and Mussolini. Do you understand that Josh? I hope so.
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» Comparisons do not validate your claim of US fascism Posted by: edith
» Dead wrong on fundamentals! Posted by: citizenjoe
» Again, spurious use of the word fascism Posted by: brunowe
» brunowe's spurious limitation of the word fascism to Hitler and Nazi Germany Posted by: Douglas
» Ah, but they were all totalitarian states Posted by: brunowe
» We Are Much Closer To Being A Totalitarian State Than You Want To Acknowledge Posted by: Douglas
» RE: We Are Much Closer To Being A Totalitarian State Than You Want To Acknowledge Posted by: brunowe
» Nowhere and At No Time Have I Ever Mentioned A Conspiracy Posted by: Douglas
» There is a long distance from the Patriot Act to being a police state... Posted by: brunowe
» The Patriot Act Is One Of Several Measures That Have Created The Police State. Posted by: Douglas
» Not yet a police state Posted by: citizenjoe
» Not yet a "fascist" police state, but a police state nonetheless Posted by: Douglas
» For the state to be a police state, Posted by: citizenjoe
» A Police State For Some But Not For All? Posted by: Douglas
» Totalitarian theory died years ago Posted by: citizenjoe
» Please, give me some historical examples of non-totalitarian fascist states... Posted by: brunowe
» Surely Even You Regard Pinochet, Suharto & Israel's Likkudniks as Fascists Posted by: Douglas
» Actually... Posted by: brunowe
» Still Blinded By A Narrow and Limited Linguistic Map Of Your Own Creation Posted by: Douglas
» Faciscm isn't a tendency...it's an ideology of obtaining and keeping political power Posted by: brunowe
» Fascism: A Dictionary Definition Posted by: Douglas
» RE: Fascism: A Dictionary Definition Posted by: brunowe
» brunowe, the "fascist denier," who never saw a right-wing dictator he wouldn't absolve of fascism Posted by: Douglas
» That is ridiculous Posted by: brunowe
» If Making Up Definitions Is Demagoguery, You Are the Demagogue Posted by: Douglas
» RE: That is ridiculous Posted by: VannaLaRoche
» OK. Posted by: citizenjoe
» RE: OK. Posted by: brunowe
» Mussolini Was the Founder Of "Fascism" Not "Totalitarianism" Posted by: Douglas
» The Above Comment Was Intended As A Reply to brunowe, the Unrepentent "Cold Warrior" Posted by: Douglas
» Here you go. Posted by: citizenjoe
» Actually, conclusory means a statement that just repeats the conclusion Posted by: brunowe
» OED Posted by: citizenjoe
» Okay, I'd never heard in that context before (NT) Posted by: brunowe
» RE: Okay, I'd never heard in that context before (NT) Posted by: brunowe
» But facist ideology is totalitarian... Posted by: brunowe
» Give Up the Totalitarian Nonsense--You Have Been Shown To Be Wrong on the Matter Posted by: Douglas
» You are making progress: B+ Posted by: citizenjoe
» Merriam-Webster Law Dictionary Posted by: brunowe
» Still waiting for Flight93 explanation, brunowe.... Posted by: LeftWright
» When did this turn into a 9/11 thread? Posted by: brunowe
» Run and hide, brunowe Posted by: LeftWright
» Interesting Posted by: citizenjoe
» I know You Don't Want to Help Bush Posted by: edith
» RE: Comparisons do not validate your claim of US fascism Posted by: PALOOKA
» RE: Comparisons do not validate your claim of US fascism Posted by: sahar
» It's not a perfect world. I hate to be the devil's advocate Posted by: pzzp
» RE: It's not a perfect world. I hate to be the devil's advocate Posted by: Doubtom
» RE: It's not a perfect world. I hate to be the devil's advocate Posted by: pzzp
» RE: It's not a perfect world. I hate to be the devil's advocate THEN DON'T Posted by: maribelle
» RE: Posted by: pzzp
» RE: It's not a perfect world. I hate to be the devil's advocate Posted by: Doubtom
» pzzp: asleep at the wheel? or just an old fashioned chauvinist and bigot? pzzp! pzzp! Posted by: Douglas
» You are quick with the name calling Posted by: pzzp
» You Are the Master Name-Caller!!! But You Are Also Transparent! Posted by: Douglas
» But I will say this Posted by: pzzp
» And I will say this!! Posted by: Douglas
» RE: And I will say this!! Posted by: pzzp
» You Were Selective in the Choice of Names you Dropped Posted by: Douglas
» RE: You Were Selective in the Choice of Names you Dropped Posted by: pzzp
» RE: You Were Selective in the Choice of Names you Dropped Posted by: Douglas
» General Comment: Posted by: citizenjoe
» General Re-Comment: Posted by: pzzp
» fightZOG everywhere Posted by: mat38
» The Evolution of American Fascism (aka The PNAC Project) Posted by: LeftWright
» RE: World cartels: the Nazi economic program Posted by: Tom Degan
» Thank you, Tom Posted by: citizenjoe
Oil in Irak?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: andrushka on Oct 16, 2006 5:14 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
How funny, we were told we were in Irak because they was a tyrant, WMD's plans for nuclear power, etc...Never,oh never was it said Bush's and Cheney's friends (big oil)
wanted to take on Irak's reserves. In fact, it was thought the Irakis would have enough ressources to pay fo the damage inflicted to their country by their so nice Saviour! I really want to throw up.
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Slip sliding away
[Report this comment]
Posted by: shangrilalad on Oct 16, 2006 5:15 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
No matter how they identify themselves: communist, socialist, monarchies or capitalist, all countries are dominated by a ruling elite which is essentially fascistic in nature. In every instance, the power elites manipulate, repress, and exploit the masses for their own advantage. Somehow, only two or three per cent of the populations in every country end up controlling the government, the corporations, the economy and armed forces.
That’s the way it is and always has been.
How is it that the masses have never found a way to prevent or escape autocratic rule?
Even as we watch, the ideals and hopes of democracy are slip sliding away in America.
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» RE: Slip sliding away Posted by: amacd
» RE: Slip sliding away Posted by: amacd
» RE: Slip sliding away Posted by: shangrilalad
But...but but I thought USA was in Iraq to find weapons of mass destraction, no wait
[Report this comment]
Posted by: petkov on Oct 16, 2006 5:25 AM
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to bring "freedom and democracy" to Iraq,
no, wait, to fight Al Queada, no wait, are you telling me now it was ALL for the oil????
I am SHOCKED, simply shocked!
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The remember the original title for the Iraq invasion?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: sausage on Oct 16, 2006 5:40 AM
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Operation Iraqi Liberation*, O.I.L.!
*Bush Didn't Bungle Iraq, You Fools, Greg Palast, March 20, 2006
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That's nothing new. And what about the need to legalize hemp and fund solar and wind ?!?!?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: SDres11 on Oct 16, 2006 5:47 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It is no coincidence that here we are allowing the petrol motherfuckers to drag America into one war for oil after another all the while TAXING farmers out here in Middle America to DEATH and it seems that neither party wants to put an end to it. As to the article, everybody knows that already so why repeat yourself. Not once does this article mention anything about the need to legalize hemp or force the corrupt politicians to redirect funding to solar, wind, and biofuels such as hemp. Look, I agree that the petro giants are destroying America and this article is absolotely correct about all that but this article is no different from other articles that cry and whine about the problem but do nothing to fight for the solutions that exist right then and there. If Alternet can't do better, I'd say they were also owned by BIG MEDIA !
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» RE: That's nothing new. And what about the need to legalize hemp and fund solar and wind ?!?!? Posted by: ellarwee
» Actually, correct question. If hemp were known to the public, oil wars would have been INEXCUSABLE. Posted by: maxpayne
» RE: hemp was demonized by the petrol lobby-stop driving cars and eating meat Posted by: chrisp.
» RE:don't forget cotton, fiber, and plastic(over a third of petro use). Posted by: ronnyb
For Shame
[Report this comment]
Posted by: ggmurray on Oct 16, 2006 6:12 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
That we would initiate the killing hundreds of thousands of people under the pretext of War on Terror to cover our lack of a real energy policy... the shame of this will last for generations.
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» RE: For Shame...Yup Posted by: Captainmagic
» RE: For Shame...Yup Posted by: albrechtkrausse
» RE: For Shame...Yup.....Nup Posted by: Captainmagic
Joshua your analysis is backward
[Report this comment]
Posted by: rwa on Oct 16, 2006 7:08 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
"enormous reserves could break the back of OPEC, a wet dream in Western capitals for three decades. "
If this were to occur, big oil (the seven sisters) would be devastated. Oil fields accross the west would shut down, crushing the economy in Texas and ending the offshore industry. In fact the U.S. forces are in Iraq to prevent exactly this scenario. This is why chaos must be perpetuated. Read The Prize by D. Yergin to get a better understanding of the oil industries cycles and calamatous problems with overproduction.
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» RE: Joshua your analysis is backward Posted by: xenacat
» RE: Joshua your analysis is backward Posted by: rwa
» I think they hope that the '7 Sisters' will take OPEC's place once it's broken Posted by: thoughtcriminal
» RE: I think they hope that the '7 Sisters' will take OPEC's place once it's broken Posted by: albrechtkrausse
» ISN'T THIS AMERICA/ Posted by: ellarwee
» OPEC + Peak Oil = War For Oil Posted by: LeftWright
» Peak Oil & War For Oil are Leftgatekeeper Hoaxes Posted by: rwa
Gosh, how'd that happen?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Knowmad on Oct 16, 2006 7:11 AM
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I guess I was taking too much for granted. It must my compassionate, idealistic, benefit-of-the-doubt side - can blind one to reality sometimes. To me, the sad reality here is the number of you Americans who are expressing surprise at this 'news' - even some Alterneters, (I hate to think what the ratio is in your MSM-supping general population).
For three years myself, and others far more qualified, have been saying your current corporate-based, corrupt farce of an administration is in Iraq as part of a vast strategy to eventually acquire and control the oil of the entire mid-east region, Iraq being but a phase of the plan. That some of you still cling to naive notions of 'Save the poor Iraqis from themselves and horrible tyranny' and 'We have to bring them our democracy', or even 'The poor civilians are so deprived and miserable that we just have to help' need to give yourselves a firm slap. That sort of thinking is fed you by the Chushrovian PR machine, and it works because you allow yourselves to believe it.
I think you have four weeks to bring about the first crucial change needed to return your governance to sanity in the foreseeable future. If there was ever a time to fight for every vote, this is certainly it.
The alternative? Well, pretty bleak any way you dissect it . . . somewhere between of Orwell's 1984 and global disaster (maybe even nuclear). Not much fun at all.
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» RE: Gosh, how'd that happen? Posted by: symcokid
» RE: Gosh, how'd that happen? Posted by: Knowmad
We knew all along, it's the oil.
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Jkid4 on Oct 16, 2006 7:13 AM
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As you can see, the conservative controlled media does not want you to know that the war is all about oil.
We just need to leave Iraq,NOW. Let's hope the Democrats impeach the Bush Administration as soon they get a majority on Congress.
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» Yes oil but forget impeachment, the tooth fairy of Alternet. Posted by: edith
» Bush won in '04? Posted by: BillC
» RE: Bush won in '04? Posted by: BillC
» RE: Bush won in '04? Posted by: Knowmad
» RE: Bush won in '04? Posted by: BillC
» RE: Bush won in '04? Posted by: Knowmad
Mongo
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Posted by: mongo164 on Oct 16, 2006 7:22 AM
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It is truly sickening to see what's going on behind the scenes. But would the Dems do anything about it? Would they even hold hearings?
My guess is that in the flush intoxication of victory and self-righteousness there is a slim possibility in the near future. Past the first six months when campaign money is needed for the presidential campaign, there's no chance. History being such a good predicter of human events, I'd say nothing of significance will ever be done to right the wrong.
Thanks for an eye opening article.
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Johanna moren
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Posted by: Johanna Moren on Oct 16, 2006 7:25 AM
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So, it all comes out now,what most of us have known all along,and yet the media goes along with the lies.
It is obvious that the American people in general don't give a dam. This myth we have all grown up with,about America,is what it has always been, a myth. Blaming this administration is laughable. Any country that can keep a myth like this going all these years, how do you stop it now.
The rot started during the 2nd world war.
They dropped one bomb, on Japan, who was already on it's knees. They saw what it did,yet, they dropped another. Why??
Towns carefully chosen. No military objectives, otherwise they would have been already bombed. No, they wanted to see the full effect. When I saw the photos that Wilfred Burchett took, I thought,"this is the end of us;such destruction of human lives,this God will never forgive."
Their next attack. The poor war devastated Korea. Next,the war devastated Vietnam. Their support for the Dictators of Latin America against the poor for bananas oil etc.
Afghanistan, another country ravaged by war, no defence.
Iraq, another devastated country from war and sanctions.
Their wars have always been against the poor and defenceless. Their might being shown on TV. What a spectacle of Shock and Awe, knowing they couldn't fight back.
Cowardly acts for the controll of the world.
Our cousins in Asia, Africa and the Middle East know all these things. Could this be the reason why they do not believe one word of this infamous bringing of Democracy.
They have made a very big mistake this time,picking a leader that nobody likes. He has broken the cover of the inner circle.
The one's who have really been running the country since the end of world war two.
I do hope the American people take a good look at their myth and do something about it.
I doubt it though, they have created enough hate against the Muslims. They have supplied me in my 77yrs with so many enemies, this is just another one. The terrorists really. is the best they have come up with, because they can keep it going for years and years. We can never get in touch with this enemy. They created the terrorists and they can keep on creating them, we have no way of checking on it.
Poor world, poor victims.
How many more thousands of people have to die, for their dream of world domination.
Johanna Moren
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» RE: Johanna moren Posted by: mdruss42
and you wonder why they hate us?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: fruitcrow on Oct 16, 2006 7:41 AM
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Our governement had done nothing but lie...this administration is so hypocritical and corrupt, it is mindboggling...we suspected all along it had to be about oil...just remember that close to 3,000 Americans have died, over 10,000 have been wounded,and half a million Iraqis killed because of this administration's and oil company friends' greed, when you vote in a few weeks...
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» We are overall a one party state. Posted by: edith
» We are overall a one party state. The Fascist Party USA Rules. Posted by: Douglas
» RE: We are overall a one party state. The Fascist Party USA Rules. Posted by: werewolf
Simplistic and Ignorant
[Report this comment]
Posted by: rwa on Oct 16, 2006 7:49 AM
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"enormous reserves could break the back of OPEC, a wet dream in Western capitals for three decades. "
Joshua, you fail to enlighten your readers to the fact that the seven sisters (big oil) established OPEC in the first place. Come on. You offer no rationale as to why they would be interested in destroying what they created. Commodities producers are generally plagued by excess supply which reduces prices to the cost of production. Oil is no exception. The interests of big oil are to prevent supply from exceeding demand. This is why the west imposed the sanctions regime. To prevent development of Iraq's oil reserves. Now you suggest that suddenly thier goal has been transposed, but you offer no proof or logic. In fact, development of Iraq's reserves would provide cheap oil for the developing world and undermine the financial interests of western banking and currencies. Fewer dollars would be required for the purchase of oil, meaning less borrowing. In turn, puppet Arab states would have fewer dollars to invest in London and N.Y.
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» I'll say! Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: I'll say! Posted by: rwa
» Only in your mind Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: Only in your mind NOT QUITE Posted by: rwa
» RE: Only in your mind NOT QUITE Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: Only in your mind NOT QUITE Posted by: rwa
» RE: Only in your mind NOT QUITE Posted by: Joshua Holland
» Joshua! Check today's news! Posted by: rwa
» RE: Joshua! Check today's news! Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: Joshua! Read Your Story!! Posted by: rwa
» RE: Joshua! Read Your Story!! Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: Joshua! You are WRONG again. Incredible! Posted by: rwa
» Everything you say is silly Posted by: Joshua Holland
» Exactly how I meant it Posted by: rwa
» Yeah, but now I am really confused! Posted by: edith
» RE: Yeah, but now I am really confused! Posted by: rwa
» RE: Yeah, but now I am really confused! Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: Yeah, but now I am really confused! Posted by: albrechtkrausse
» RE: Yeah, but now I am really confused! Posted by: rwa
» RE: Yeah, but now I am really confused! Posted by: Joshua Holland
» Another way to answer Albrecht ... Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: Another way to answer Albrecht ... Posted by: albrechtkrausse
» RE: Albrecht ... You are correct again! Posted by: rwa
It's always the opposite
[Report this comment]
Posted by: project69 on Oct 16, 2006 8:22 AM
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CNN, FOX NEWS, ABC, CBS, NBC, etc. cannot be trusted to
tell we the people the "real" truth about this corrupt, evil
administration. Or just about anything else that has to do
with the government. We have the most propaganized media
in the world, period!
Edward S. Herman, political economist and author said: "The
U.S. public is depoliticized, poorly informed on foreign af-
fairs... and strongly patriotic in the face of struggle with
"another Hitler". Even though the public is normally averse
to war, even with modest propaganda efforts... the public
can be quickly transformed into enthusiastic supporters of
war.
Lets face it-- whoever controls the media, controls the
peoples' minds. The propaganda that the corporate media
spins and tells is the greatest magic act in history. They
make common sense disappear, and THEIR story(s) ap-
pear. Isn't it time to expose this trick and turn it back on
them?
Our freedom here in America is slowly being taken from us
with this phoney "war on terror". And overseas, it's already
happened at an alarming rate. We need to care what hap-
pens everywhere, not just here at home. To continue at
the current pace, we will soon be living in a dictatorship that
we the people had a hand in creating, through our total ig-
norance and tolerance of the propaganda they spew at us.
Wake up and stop believing what YOUR/OUR government is
telling us. The goal of the elite, the "real" government of
the entire planet, is to oppress and rule with an iron fist.
They crave money, power, and control of anything and
everything, no matter who lives or dies... except those who
are closest to them. Tell all you can about this, spread the
truth... as the saying goes: "The truth shall set you free".
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» RE: It's always the opposite Yes,Yes ,and Yes Posted by: rwa
» RE: It's always the opposite Yes,Yes ,and Yes Posted by: werewolf
» RE: It's always the opposite Yes,Yes ,and Yes Posted by: rwa
It's always the opposite
[Report this comment]
Posted by: project69 on Oct 16, 2006 8:24 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
CNN, FOX NEWS, ABC, CBS, NBC, etc. cannot be trusted to
tell we the people the "real" truth about this corrupt, evil
administration. Or just about anything else that has to do
with the government. We have the most propaganized media
in the world, period!
Edward S. Herman, political economist and author said: "The
U.S. public is depoliticized, poorly informed on foreign af-
fairs... and strongly patriotic in the face of struggle with
"another Hitler". Even though the public is normally averse
to war, even with modest propaganda efforts... the public
can be quickly transformed into enthusiastic supporters of
war.
Lets face it-- whoever controls the media, controls the
peoples' minds. The propaganda that the corporate media
spins and tells is the greatest magic act in history. They
make common sense disappear, and THEIR story(s) ap-
pear. Isn't it time to expose this trick and turn it back on
them?
Our freedom here in America is slowly being taken from us
with this phoney "war on terror". And overseas, it's already
happened at an alarming rate. We need to care what hap-
pens everywhere, not just here at home. To continue at
the current pace, we will soon be living in a dictatorship that
we the people had a hand in creating, through our total ig-
norance and tolerance of the propaganda they spew at us.
Wake up and stop believing what YOUR/OUR government is
telling us. The goal of the elite, the "real" government of
the entire planet, is to oppress and rule with an iron fist.
They crave money, power, and control of anything and
everything, no matter who lives or dies... except those who
are closest to them. Tell all you can about this, spread the
truth... as the saying goes: "The truth shall set you free".
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» That's why it doesn't matter when CNN loses money Posted by: thoughtcriminal
Can't Wait For Part 2
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Posted by: pelle_in_goal on Oct 16, 2006 8:25 AM
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It's one thing to privatize Iraq's oil reserve, but it's another thing entirely to pump it without constant sabotage of Iraq's existing and future oil infrastructure.
That America was soon going to left out of the Iraqi oil business in favor of Russia, China, and even Japan is undeniable. Not to mention that shock waves would be resounding if Iraq went from a marginal 10-year production "embargo" to selling lots of cheap Iraqi oil in the market. That'd almost certainly bring about a sea change that could shipwreck OPEC and leave the Carlyle Group to twist in the wind. I.E., with Iraq's oil privatized -- the Saudis could no longer cut their own production and use their huge cash reserves to undercut a rogue state's overproduction. In short: nobody in OPEC wants $10-12 a barrel oil again, but that's what they'd be getting.
By the way...nobody give a sh*t about Iraq or Iraqis anymore. The difference between the country owning its oil reserves, or privatizating it oil by selling it off in sections, is brokered ultimately by the short- and long-term prices of crude. Privatizing Iraq leads to cheaper oil for oil companies but also reduced value of the oil companies' proven oil reserves. Stifling Iraqi oil production -- privatized or not -- leads to greater civil unrest and very likely a string of Weimar- or Vichy- type governments.
Ain't it the always little things that get in the way of the best laid plans? Without a strong army and internal security forces, there's no way Iraq can privatize its state monopoly without more civil war and even greater bloodshed.
US and UK forces in Iraq are supposed to be training Iraqis to take over their own and internal security to prevent a national meltdown driven by insurgents. It must be a terrible inconvenience when many of the trainees soon desert -- only to plant an IED on the side of the road the following day.
So far Coalition Forces have only managed to incorporate various sectarian and ethnic militias into anything approaching an army or police force. Even these are not beyond control by important Muslim clergymen, or the militias spending a lot of time settling personal scores. And that's on a good day. On the other 364 days this year, the Coalition has to live with the fact that there'll be few Sunnis in any new Iraqi security force -- and that civil war always has a friend when non-Muslims exploit Iraq's wealth.
Part 2 of this article better be good. Otherwise, it sounds like Holland has been getting his news from the MSM on the run-up to the Iraq War -- but not anything since. OR...
...could it be Joshua's actually trying to make a case that somewthing is actually working -- or could work -- in Iraq despite all the setbacks? Dream on. It won't get the GOP any more votes a fortnight from now.
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» RE: Can't Wait For Part 2 Posted by: Joshua Holland
This Article Does Imply that Some American Interest is Served
[Report this comment]
Posted by: rwa on Oct 16, 2006 8:50 AM
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That makes it in some ways warmongering. In fact we won't benefit in any way, couldn't have, wouldn't have, haven't, and shouldn't expect to.
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Iraqi oil
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Posted by: vangogh69 on Oct 16, 2006 8:53 AM
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Only the truly naive or ignorant believed the US invaded Iraq for WMDs or "democracy." Sorry, but it was about one, controlling the world through, two, oil. I think, if people were really willing to examine the context of US invasions overseas, historically, they'd see that the US military has never been used for altruistic reasons, for liberation (for those who cite WWII, remember we didn't get involved until the 1940's, after our colony of Hawaii was attacked, years after thousands had been slaughtered in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa), for anybody's freedom that couldn't further fill the coffers of the elites.
What truly amazes me is how shortsighted the US government is right now. Sure, we invade and control a big source of the world's oil. This continues US consumption for years. However, this also (among other things) contributes to polluting the environment, warming the planet, and making extreme weather. Our summers get hotter which means more people use the air which means more people use energy; our winters get colder which means more people are using energy to stay warm. Taking into account all the oil fields on this earth, it's a finite resource. Since we only have one planet this way of life can only last so long and eventually will cause catastrophes (see Hurricane Katrina as an example of things to come, both in extreme weather, government neglect/indifference, and loss of life). This is to say nothing of the rest of the world which, I'm pretty sure, won't sit by and let America make the world its buffet forever.
For those who have illusions about the democratic nature of Europe, let me remind you that a nuclear armed Europe allowed (ALLOWED, yes I said it) the US to invade Iraq. Armies of hundreds of thousands do not invade sovereign nations without the consent of the "international community." This shows that to those in power, globally, the weak are there to be exploited, used, and murdered for their resources. This is reality.
Lastly, the only way a foreign occupation can work is by annihilating the indigenous people, ala Carthage. Unless the US is prepared to do this, we will be expelled from Iraq. History provides many examples and no occupation can last forever (to say nothing of the fact that the history of Mesopotamia vastly dates that of the US and well, people of a nation that has existed for thousands of years aren't likely to ever tire of fighting an arrogant nation which has only existed for a few hundred). The US cannot nuke Iraq because it needs to use the resources on the land (and there is not presently a plan in place for humans to safely work in a radioactive environment on the scale that oil drilling and production would require). So then, we kill them incrimentally, all the while smiling at home. Meanwhile, the earth gets hotter, people suffer more, and we come that much closer to extinction. Still, do not lose hope because the one thing which will (I believe) defeat the US (and those in power) is Arrogance, which leads them to underestimate the resilence of the affected/oppressed. Peace!
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» RE: Iraqi oil Posted by: albrechtkrausse
Everybody but the rich lose, again
[Report this comment]
Posted by: YogiBear on Oct 16, 2006 8:57 AM
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Beyond the fact that such contracts will cheat the Iraqi public, they will also effectively cheat the American (and British) public, even if prices are lowered somewhat as a result.
So hey, if the American oil companies are going to profit off the war that the American taxpayers have paid for, and are paying for, in dollars and in lives, then doesn't it seem just that those companies owe it to the American people to provide their oil gains at cheaper rates?
Unrest in the Middle East is one reason the price of oil is so high now. If they secure such contracts, it looks as if these big oil companies will profit twice: from the artificially inflated prices during the war, and the lucrative contracts that the war will have brought them.
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Expect More Brinksmanship After the Election
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Posted by: rwa on Oct 16, 2006 9:04 AM
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Jack Crooks:
"… Much has been made of the exciting long-term returns from benchmarks such as the Goldman Sachs Commodity Index. But the GSCI, which has a heavy weighting in oil, is showing a loss this year."
In November the U.S. posture v. Iran will change, and drive oil higher. Count on it.
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Crimes against humanity
[Report this comment]
Posted by: badkitty on Oct 16, 2006 9:06 AM
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I'd love to see everyone involved in this travesty tried for crimes against humanity--the Bush Administration, everyone in Congress who voted for this illegal pre-emptive war of aggression, everyone in our military who participated in this illegal war, the oil companies management, GM/Ford management (SUVs anyone). I end every email to people (senators, mostly) with "Don't underestimate how angry I am about this war". Now I'm adding, "I don't have any loyalty to the US government." I just can't support people whose principles allow them to do this sort of thing.
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» RE: Crimes against humanity Posted by: Gma1
Does this really surprise you?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: ItsTime on Oct 16, 2006 9:29 AM
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If it does, your still watching to much mainstream media. The war with Iraq goes way beyond Oil. It is such a vast sea of deception to the mass population. The profiteering of this war should be one of the rabid dogs that needs to be taken down. If we don't act quickly enough though, the level of tirrany may stifle our efforts. We've already lost some major constitutional rights in the name of terror. The next planned event in the USA will create enough chaos to allow them to take the kind of contol they are looking for. I'm sure many of you are aware of these issues, otherwise you wouldn't be here reading this. But if this is new to you then try to go watch the following on Google video:
Iraq for Sale - 1 Hour 16 Minutes
Who killed the Electric Car? 1 Hour 47 Min
9/11 Mysteries (Full Length, High Quality) 1 Hour 31 Min
OUTFOXED : Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism 1 Hour 18 Minutes
MONEY MASTERS - HOW INTERNATIONAL BANKERS GAINED CONTROL OF AMERICA - 2 Hours 1 Min
Note: Google likes to change links, so if these do not come up, use the titles to search google video. On the search results page change the duration to Long and it will help you find the videos. I hope this will help some of you connect the DOTS.
- All Life has Value.
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great piece!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: anechoic on Oct 16, 2006 9:46 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
eager to read pt 2...
'Give me control of a nation's money and I care not who makes the laws.' -- Rothschild
or maybe better put:
Give me control of the global (oil) economy and I care not who makes the laws.
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» Or both........ Posted by: Prophit
PSA's = trying to legalize extortion.
[Report this comment]
Posted by: WhatNow? on Oct 16, 2006 12:35 PM
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The Russians are quickly tiring of the extortion trying to be played out on Sahklin(sp?) Island. Iraq is nothing more than another corporate money grab. Take for instance that French and German supplied telecommunications equipment has been replaced by amerikan firms and that heirloom seeds are being deemed illegal in favor of monsanto and the likes shows this is mostly about greed.
If the US had continued the work towards conservation and alternative energies since the 1970s there would be a much lessened demand for oil.
Please do your best to limit the amount of money that you send to these greedy and murderous corporations of amerika. Greed is their driving force.
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More than a motive is required to convict a criminal.
[Report this comment]
Posted by: RunLikeTheWind on Oct 16, 2006 12:44 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
So this argument is based around two truths: No WMDs were found in Iraq, and the West wants the oil in Iraq. Most of the article is devoted to develping those truths, but not a connection between them. So the obvious conclusion is America invaded to get the oil? You can cry out "He finally proved it!" all you want but there's still the same circumstantial evidence, not proof. Given the lack of WMDs, oil is far from the only theory of why America invaded. Some on the list are sinister, some are not. Just because you prove one motive false doesn't mean you can pick your favorite new one.
And please excuse me while I shed a tear over poor little OPEC's price-fixing worldwide monopoly being undermined by the ominous "The Big Four". Do you really want to see a global disaster? Make it impossible for independent oil companies to operate and make sure all energy reserves are controlled solely by national governments.
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» It was really about currency, banking and hegemony in both to globalize...... oil was the payoff!!! Posted by: Prophit
Nice article
[Report this comment]
Posted by: thoughtcriminal on Oct 16, 2006 12:58 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It's worth looking at the EIA chart,
Iraq's Oil Production and Consumption 1980-2005,
http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/Iraq/Oil.html
Every time Iraq starts to ramp up oil production they get bombed and invaded. Coincidence? - unlikely. Related? - very probable. One thing seems clear - the US government doesn't like the idea of an Arabian or Persian or African version of China or India.
See also "Corporate Slush Funds for Baghdad -Plugging Iraq into Globalization
By STEVE KRETZMANN and JIM VALLETTE"
Remember also that in 2000 Saddam moved his central bank dollar holdings into euros, which meant an 80% loss - but the euro went up against the dollar, and the result was something like 120% gain. Saddam was using his oil wealth to launch an assault on the US dollar, and making money at it as well. Thus, his oil wealth was poised to expand once again. Saddam had also gone and donned the mantle of Arab nationalism, imagining himself as the new Messiah. He was also exluding the US majors from the oilfield contracts and making deals with the French and the Russians. This was not part of the PNAC playbook.
If this 'dollar hegemony' plays as big a role as some believe, then it's worth noting that the finance sector has given more money to Bush then the oil sector, according to opensecrets.org. Then Saddam's switch to the euro became a reason to invade him, on top of his oil - So another war was drummed up, with control of the oilfields being the long-term prize.
The neocon argument was that Saddam was a madman, and as he gained money and power he would become the new Hitler of the Middle East; beyond that their arguments got very blurry: Islamofascist-clash of civilizations-military commitments, etc. Why can't they just say, "Controlling Iraqi oil is one of the strategic imperatives for the continuing global dominance of the USA."? Saddam wasn't cooperating, and so he had to go. We've made things worse for the Iraqi people than they were under Saddam.
This isn't Economics 101 - this is "The Godfather".
It's becoming more and more clear that Bush and Rumsfeld view the Iraqi people as the real enemy to their goal of colonizing Iraq. The occupation has turned into the violent oppression of a civilian population - give us the oil or you and your families will all be killed.
See Rob Newman's History of Oil."
What's really annoying is the way the corporate media's 'liberal commentators' go along with all this. For example, here's the NPR take on this:
"Iraq Oil Minister Vows to Fight Corruption, Smuggling
by Peter Kenyon
Morning Edition, May 26, 2006 · Crumbling infrastructure, smuggling and sabotage limit Iraqi oil production, leading to gas and electricity shortages. New Iraq Oil Minister Hussain Shahristani targets corruption, and tells foreign investors that oil contracts in Iraq will be secure."
Spoken in a placid tone, this gives one an image of propriety and of 'targeting corruption'. We're modernizing Iraq! Never mind who got the contract to rebuild Iraqi electricity, fuel and water systems - that's in the past. Iraq needs foreign investment to grow and prosper! We don't need to discuss Exxon, Chevron, Shell or BP, just nod and smile, everythings okay - everything's OK - everything's OK - People are trying to Do the Right Thing - now, go back to sleep.
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» Good post Posted by: WhatNow?
» Thank you, thoughtcriminal, I have been trying to say this, but you did a much better job.... Posted by: Prophit
Left Gatekeeper Meme
[Report this comment]
Posted by: rwa on Oct 16, 2006 1:35 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Joshua's meme:
The U.S. invaded Iraq to secure oil and "break OPEC".
Alternative meme:
The U.S. invaded Iraq to interfere with oil competition resulting in higher prices and more business for Western banking.
Which meme is more tollerable globally or domesticly? We have really been presented with no evidence or even logic supporting the supposed desire to "break OPEC". This seems like another fall back position like so many others that have been trotted out.
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» RE: Left Gatekeeper Meme Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: Left Gatekeeper Meme Posted by: rwa
» It keeps the attention off the central bankers..... ask Argentina about them and what damage.... Posted by: Prophit
And the American people still...
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Gma1 on Oct 16, 2006 2:16 PM
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don't know what the war was/is about!
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Jim Willie:
[Report this comment]
Posted by: rwa on Oct 16, 2006 2:39 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
"It would be great if I could put my short position in place on a trade, then change an index weightings, then wink to the Dept of Defense on selling a scad of crude oil from inventory, then pull a string at EIA on a weekly story on reduced national energy demand, then sell the heck out of positions which my client hedge funds hold, then to sit back and count my profit a month later. Wow! Isn't it great that the USGovt has JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs as partners to protect our freedom and to ensure market vitality? This media debate on the realistic belief of one third of the public harboring suspicions of election engineering in the energy market is interesting. THEY OPENLY DISCUSS EVERY IMPORTANT FACTOR EXCEPT JPM AND GSAX!!!
The USGovt Dept of Energy spokesman has actually admitted that oil drawn from the Strategic Petro Reserve during the Hurricane Katrina is not to be replaced yet. Check section 161, item g2B of the law, with stipulates that a drawdown cannot persist "for more than 60 days with respect to each shortage." Since when does law interfere with the current Administration when on a mission?
Heck, it is election season just one month away! That is motive enough, isn't it? Gasoline is more domestically controlled for price, so criticism of any manipulation with election expedience as motive would be domestic, if at all. The energy complex is inter-related, with contracts for crude oil, heating oil, diesel, gasoline, and natural gas intertwined. GSax set off a chain reaction. Oh yes, the US Military is rumored to have sold a staggering amount of diesel fuel. Did they accumulate over 18 months only to discharge surplus prior to the election? Coordination between the USGovt and US Military is easy, with the dynamic duo in partnership. This is not idle speculation, but engrained collusion. The largest energy consumer in the world, as a single corporate or institutional entity, is the US Military. Their data is held secret, but when they enter a market, their activity can be detected, and is often the subject of rumor mills. Research has traditionally maintained the grapevine as 75% reliable. Toss in some reduced EIA energy demand forecasts, lower OPEC demand forecasts, and some games on firm OPEC output, and presto, the energy market declines further."
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Chavez Proves It: Nationalization of Oil Companies Works
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Posted by: sofla100 on Oct 16, 2006 3:34 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It is time for countries with oil to nationalize these important state resources. It is working in Venezuela where Chavez is turning around a country where once only a few percentage of people (the rich
Iraq is sitting on a mother lode of some of the lightest, sweetest, most profitable crude oil on earth, and the rules that will determine who will control it and on what terms are about to be set.
The Iraqi government faces a December deadline, imposed by the world's wealthiest countries, to complete its final oil law. Industry analysts expect that the result will be a radical departure from the laws governing the country's oil-rich neighbors, giving foreign multinationals a much higher rate of return than with other major oil producers and locking in their control over what George Bush called Iraq's "patrimony" for decades, regardless of what kind of policies future elected governments might want to pursue.
Iraq's energy reserves are an incredibly rich prize. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, "Iraq contains 112 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, the second largest in the world (behind Saudi Arabia), along with roughly 220 billion barrels of probable and possible resources. Iraq's true potential may be far greater than this, however, as the country is relatively unexplored due to years of war and sanctions." For perspective, the Saudis have 260 billion barrels of proven reserves.
Iraqi oil is close to the surface and easy to extract, making it all the more profitable. James Paul, executive director of the Global Policy Forum, points out that oil companies "can produce a barrel of Iraqi oil for less than $1.50 and possibly as little as $1, including all exploration, oil field development and production costs." Contrast that with other areas where oil is considered cheap to produce at $5 per barrel or the North Sea, where production costs are $12 to $16 per barrel.
And Iraq's oil sector is largely undeveloped. Former Iraqi Oil Minister Issam Chalabi (no relation to the neocons' favorite exile, Ahmed Chalabi) told the Associated Press that "Iraq has more oil fields that have been discovered, but not developed, than any other country in the world." British-based analyst Mohammad Al-Gallani told the Canadian Press that of 526 prospective drilling sites, just 125 have been opened.
But the real gem -- what one oil consultant called the "Holy Grail" of the industry -- lies in Iraq's vast western desert. It's one of the last "virgin" fields on the planet, and it has the potential to catapult Iraq to No. 1 in the world in oil reserves. Sparsely populated, the western fields are less prone to sabotage than the country's current centers of production in the north, near Kirkuk, and in the south near Basra. The Nation's Aram Roston predicts Iraq's western desert will yield "untold riches."
Iraq also may have large natural gas deposits that so far remain virtually unexplored.
But even "untold riches" don't tell the whole story. Depending on how Iraq's petroleum law shakes out, the country's enormous reserves could break the back of OPEC, a wet dream in Western capitals for three decades. James Paul predicted that "even before Iraq had reached its full production potential of 8 million barrels or more per day, the companies would gain huge leverage over the international oil system. OPEC would be weakened by the withdrawal of one of its key producers from the OPEC quota system." Depending on how things shape up in the next few months, Western oil companies could end up controlling the country's output levels, or the government, heavily influenced by the United States, could even pull out of the cartel entirely.
Both independent analysts and officials within Iraq's Oil Ministry anticipate that when all is said and done, the big winners in Iraq will be the Big Four -- the American firms Exxon Mobile and Chevron, the British BP Amoco and Royal Dutch Shell -- that dominate the world oil market. Ibrahim Mohammed, an industry consultant with close contacts in the Iraqi Oil Ministry, told the Associated Press that there's a universal belief among ministry staff that the major U.S. companies will win the lion's share of contracts. "The feeling is that the new government is going to be influenced by the United States," he said.
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Joshua Holland is an AlterNet staff writer.
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Coalition of the Willing = Coalition for the Drilling
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Posted by: LeftWright on Oct 16, 2006 12:38 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
There were no WMD's and they knew there were no WMD's.
The U.S. and U.K. need to withdraw in an orderly manner immediately.
The "Iraqi" constitution needs to be scrapped and re-written by Iraqi's for Iraqi's.
Let the investigations begin in January 2007.
This has to be the most immoral and corrupt administration in U.S. history, perhaps world history. Truly sickening.
Cheney/Bush must be impeached ASAP.
The truth shall set us free. Love is the only way forward.
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» They Win Either Way Posted by: CatDad
» No, they are getting their oil ok!!!! See answer below to Tom Degan's post........ Posted by: Prophit
» World cartels: the Nazi economic program Posted by: citizenjoe
» Bush is a direct close descendent of the Auchswitz contractors Posted by: verite
» RE: Coalition of the Willing = Coalition for the Drilling Posted by: symcokid
» Over 700 military bases, 10,600 nukes and space weapons on the way Posted by: LeftWright
» Bush family buys 98,842-acre farm in northern Paraguay, Jenna Bush meets with Paraguayan president Posted by: LeftWright
» RE: Bush family buys 98,842-acre farm in northern Paraguay, Jenna Bush meets with Paraguayan president Posted by: symcokid
» Paraguay was a well known Nazi haven Posted by: citizenjoe
» The Evolution of American Fascism (aka The PNAC Project) Posted by: LeftWright
» RE: Coalition of the Willing = Coalition for the Drilling Posted by: garry minor
clear
[Report this comment]
Posted by: rsaxto on Oct 16, 2006 12:56 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It is clear that the Bushies want to dictate what happens to Iraq oil and who makes the most profit from Iraq oil. It is clearly international piracy by the Pirates of the Oil Stealing Bushie Kingdom. If the United Nations approves this criminal activity the UN is just an accessory to war crimes and oil crimes. The hundreds of thousands of Iraqi dead will have happened simply because a few rich oil barons want to become even richer. It is not nice for any decent person anywhere in the world to approve of this riches-through-mass-murder scheme. It is corrupt barbarism at its highest level in human history. IMPEACH
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The world is an amazingly shitty place
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Posted by: HeroesAll on Oct 16, 2006 1:42 AM
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All those denials that this war was about oil have been effective, though. The ignorant yokels who parrot the Bush administration talking points have convinced the public that the war was for good reasons, although maybe badly run.
I'm so dejected I could cry. Why is it that people who have so much, want so much more? My own government, personified by Muppet Head (Foreign Monster Alexander Downer, a son of priviledge and a dickhead of Herculean proportions), has the honour of swindling one of the poorest countries on earth.
Yep, we in Australia, with all of Howard's saccharine rhetoric about "Australian values" which we're going to force down the throats of migrants, are cheating the poorest of the poor. Downer played selfish bastard rich kid games when negotiating the Sunshine gas deal with East Timor. We, with all our comforts, have denied the East Timorese their rightful share of the gas field revenues. Downer gloated about it, apparently. He thought it was fun.
The East Timorese, of course, not having two sticks to rub together, having survived a cruel war of attrition by the Indonesian army for years, don't have the wherewithal to try to get their rightful share. They don't, and haven't, even had the wherewithal to run their extremely poor country, thanks to jolly old Alexander. They've had some civil strife there over the last couple of months, largely due to having bugger all money. Kindly old Australia sent a few troops to help keep order. Well, it was the least we could do, wasn't it?
Yes, it certainly was. I'm ashamed to be Australian. I'm ashamed to be white. I'm ashamed to be western. And I'm disconsolate about the state of the world. Is there anything beautiful in this ugly world? Is there any reason to hope, or should I just leave now and avoid the rush?
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» RE: The world is an amazingly shitty place Posted by: The Butcher
» RE: The world is an amazingly shitty place Posted by: amazed again
» RE: The world is an amazingly shitty place Posted by: YinRising
» RE: The world is an amazingly shitty place Posted by: peacecatman
» Be the world you want to create - Gandhi Posted by: LeftWright
» sqeezing an embryo in the womb..... Posted by: denk
» RE: The world is an amazingly shitty place Posted by: albrechtkrausse
» Thanks everyone Posted by: HeroesAll
» RE: Thanks everyone Posted by: albrechtkrausse
» RE: Thanks everyone Posted by: denk
» RE: The world is an amazingly shitty place Posted by: Neilium
» RE: The world is an amazingly shitty place Posted by: rolf
Thank you Joshua.
[Report this comment]
Posted by: The Butcher on Oct 16, 2006 2:11 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Again a matter for you to get to Mainstream America.
Reading an Interview today with Gore at Le Monde, he says the average american watches 4 1/2 hours of CNN a day! Fewer people read Newspapers... The country is being lobotomized!
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» Croissant Al Posted by: edith
» RE: Croissant Al Posted by: The Butcher
» Edith, there is a whole big world out here that you obviously know nothing about and it ..... Posted by: Prophit
» LOL: Irrelevant Remarks Posted by: edith
» I agree, that is why CNN makes so much advertising money. Posted by: Prophit
» CNN and Fox are Puny in Numbers Posted by: edith
» Thats because they are killing all the reporters willing to report what is going on over there. Posted by: Prophit
» RE: Thats because they are killing all the reporters willing to report what is going on over there. Posted by: Doubtom
» CNN Posted by: vangogh69
» Facelift? Posted by: edith
» RE: Facelift? Posted by: ignition
» and the answer is... Posted by: edith
» RE: and the answer is... Posted by: werewolf
» ask yourself an important question Posted by: edith
» RE: Facelift? Posted by: Malamute
» I dont' know where Greg Palast is; maybe they scared him off with that arrest..... Posted by: Prophit
» RE: CNN and Fox are Puny in Numbers Posted by: babs
» See also what Dennis Kucinich had to say about the oil factor on alternet: (March 2003) Posted by: thoughtcriminal
» Who Are Those Dems? Posted by: edith
» RE: See also what Dennis Kucinich had to say about the oil factor on alternet: (March 2003) Posted by: VannaLaRoche
one little problem
[Report this comment]
Posted by: edith on Oct 16, 2006 2:12 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
the oil companies, the US Embassy and corrupt Iraqi politicians can cut all the deal they want. As the article concludes, intense national resistance will continue and be expanded with deals like this. We can't quell the current rebellion; an Oil rebellion will be worse. Even our putative allies, the Kurds, might be alienated as much of the oil is in the Kurd region. The US genuine interest is fair access to purchase Iraqi oil like any other nation in a free and open market.
At this point, the US is the last country able to dictate anything to the Iraqis. Oil wealth of Iraq is not an adavantage for the US but a quiksand that will destroy our nation.
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I gotta ask...
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Posted by: spacemarine83 on Oct 16, 2006 2:16 AM
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1. What happens AFTER Bush leaves office? Wont he be unable to profit?
2. Why have to Iraqis not said anything?
3. Who gets to use all of the oil from the "big 4"?
4. Is it really in American interests? I am wondering because even if one could argue a war of imperialism, much like 1898 w/ spain, who really gets the oil and cash?
5. Am I right to assume that the average American still gets screwed, and we still pay outrageous amounts for oil, even after all of these finds are "discovered"?
6. Why didnt I see this before?
7. Why hide it all under the guise of helping the Iraqis?
8. Why not just let them do what they want and drill the ground in Colorado?
9. Are American taxpaying dollars going to support this? If so, how?
I suppose that is enough questioning from my inquiring mind right now. Please dont flame my ignorance.
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» RE: I gotta ask... Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: I gotta ask... Posted by: spacemarine83
» Basra Oil Workers Posted by: katinmn
» RE: I gotta ask... Posted by: albrechtkrausse
BEAUTIFUL!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Tom Degan on Oct 16, 2006 4:08 AM
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A half a million people are dead just so these evil motherfuckers could grease the coffers of their corporate connections? That's just lovely!
If I were them I wouldn't count my chickens before they hatched. They might think they have the Iraqi people's oil at the moment but it's really only an illusion. No. The Iraqi people are going to take that oil back. You can take that to the bank, Buster! The day is going to come when the USA retreats in total, humiliating defeat from Iraq. That's not mindless speculation, that is a cold, hard and unavoidable fact. Here's the question before us at the moment: Do we get out now while the American death toll is at a relatively paltry 2,800? Or - as in the case of Viet Nam - do we stupidly wait until it's at the 60,000 mark? Your call.
Tom Degan
Goshen, NY
"The Rant" by Tom Degan
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» Well, Have you seen the satellite pics of Iraq/Kuwait border???? Posted by: Prophit
» Joshua forgot to mention HOW the Iraqis discovered those oil fields..... Posted by: Prophit
» Looks like the satellite pics have been purge, so I will try to put them up here directly..... Posted by: Prophit
» RE: BEAUTIFUL! Posted by: HeroesAll
» RE: BEAUTIFUL!....Hey HeroesAll Posted by: Captainmagic
» RE: BEAUTIFUL!....Hey HeroesAll...Hey Captain Posted by: HeroesAll
» RE: BEAUTIFUL!....Hey HeroesAll... Posted by: Captainmagic
» RE: BEAUTIFUL! Posted by: Tom Degan
» RE: BEAUTIFUL! Posted by: mdruss42
» RE: BEAUTIFUL! Posted by: R.I.P.
» US Death toll... Posted by: vangogh69
» RE: BEAUTIFUL! Posted by: Tom Degan
Well, FINALLY, Alternet has laid out the Iraqi case bare for all to see!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: Prophit on Oct 16, 2006 4:10 AM
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WHAT TOOK SO DAMN LONG?????? lol
So, the truth in plain short english is "The US and Britian have invaded Iraq, killed 660,000 unarmed civilians and lost American lives and maimed thousands of American Youth, to steal the natural resources of a sovereign nation."
Is that about right???? Good job, Joshua, excellent research and good info on that energy committee. I have not been able to find that any where, so you have actually proven something I couldn't. Thanks, it gives me something more to pass around to my extensive email list for voting consideration in Nov. What evil slimes we have for leaders. Cheney and Rice are the drivers behind all of this with Bush as the idiot puppet.
They must go and those PSA's must be negated given they are invalid since they were obtained under the threat of weapons of mass destruction. We must get control of our nation back and make this right with the Iraqi people and soon before we are unable to do so.
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» RE: Well, FINALLY, Alternet has laid out the Iraqi case bare for all to see! Posted by: symcokid
» RE: Well, FINALLY, Alternet has laid out the Iraqi case bare for all to see! Posted by: jkirkman
» RE: Well, FINALLY, Alternet has laid out the Iraqi case bare for all to see! Posted by: Malamute
» RE: Well, FINALLY, Alternet has laid out the Iraqi case bare for all to see! Posted by: sahar
» Hey, Jerkman, There were no substantial deaths before we invaded.... use your brain for.... Posted by: Prophit
» SERIOUSLY Posted by: Donna_Darko
Democracy?
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Posted by: daro on Oct 16, 2006 4:13 AM
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Evidently, the Democracy this was supposed to be about is Bush's version of Democracy. Election results that can be modified to suit the demands of the ruling elite and stuff the rest.
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How about a new kind of fuel?
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Posted by: mat38 on Oct 16, 2006 4:48 AM
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Why can't they make an engine that can run on blood? Essentially that's what we are putting into our vehicles.
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» Yes for sure but let's keep things in perspective Posted by: edith
World cartels: the Nazi economic program
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Posted by: citizenjoe on Oct 16, 2006 4:54 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Remember the Nazi economic goal: the control of Europe, western and eastern (including USSR) by German cartels. Bush has the same economic goals. That is one half of what it takes to be a fascist. The other half is an authoritarian and nationalist regime dedicated to military supremacy. Bush is that as well. The Bush regime is fascist, folks, just like Hitler and Mussolini. Do you understand that Josh? I hope so.
[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]
» Comparisons do not validate your claim of US fascism Posted by: edith
» Dead wrong on fundamentals! Posted by: citizenjoe
» Again, spurious use of the word fascism Posted by: brunowe
» brunowe's spurious limitation of the word fascism to Hitler and Nazi Germany Posted by: Douglas
» Ah, but they were all totalitarian states Posted by: brunowe
» We Are Much Closer To Being A Totalitarian State Than You Want To Acknowledge Posted by: Douglas
» RE: We Are Much Closer To Being A Totalitarian State Than You Want To Acknowledge Posted by: brunowe
» Nowhere and At No Time Have I Ever Mentioned A Conspiracy Posted by: Douglas
» There is a long distance from the Patriot Act to being a police state... Posted by: brunowe
» The Patriot Act Is One Of Several Measures That Have Created The Police State. Posted by: Douglas
» Not yet a police state Posted by: citizenjoe
» Not yet a "fascist" police state, but a police state nonetheless Posted by: Douglas
» For the state to be a police state, Posted by: citizenjoe
» A Police State For Some But Not For All? Posted by: Douglas
» Totalitarian theory died years ago Posted by: citizenjoe
» Please, give me some historical examples of non-totalitarian fascist states... Posted by: brunowe
» Surely Even You Regard Pinochet, Suharto & Israel's Likkudniks as Fascists Posted by: Douglas
» Actually... Posted by: brunowe
» Still Blinded By A Narrow and Limited Linguistic Map Of Your Own Creation Posted by: Douglas
» Faciscm isn't a tendency...it's an ideology of obtaining and keeping political power Posted by: brunowe
» Fascism: A Dictionary Definition Posted by: Douglas
» RE: Fascism: A Dictionary Definition Posted by: brunowe
» brunowe, the "fascist denier," who never saw a right-wing dictator he wouldn't absolve of fascism Posted by: Douglas
» That is ridiculous Posted by: brunowe
» If Making Up Definitions Is Demagoguery, You Are the Demagogue Posted by: Douglas
» RE: That is ridiculous Posted by: VannaLaRoche
» OK. Posted by: citizenjoe
» RE: OK. Posted by: brunowe
» Mussolini Was the Founder Of "Fascism" Not "Totalitarianism" Posted by: Douglas
» The Above Comment Was Intended As A Reply to brunowe, the Unrepentent "Cold Warrior" Posted by: Douglas
» Here you go. Posted by: citizenjoe
» Actually, conclusory means a statement that just repeats the conclusion Posted by: brunowe
» OED Posted by: citizenjoe
» Okay, I'd never heard in that context before (NT) Posted by: brunowe
» RE: Okay, I'd never heard in that context before (NT) Posted by: brunowe
» But facist ideology is totalitarian... Posted by: brunowe
» Give Up the Totalitarian Nonsense--You Have Been Shown To Be Wrong on the Matter Posted by: Douglas
» You are making progress: B+ Posted by: citizenjoe
» Merriam-Webster Law Dictionary Posted by: brunowe
» Still waiting for Flight93 explanation, brunowe.... Posted by: LeftWright
» When did this turn into a 9/11 thread? Posted by: brunowe
» Run and hide, brunowe Posted by: LeftWright
» Interesting Posted by: citizenjoe
» I know You Don't Want to Help Bush Posted by: edith
» RE: Comparisons do not validate your claim of US fascism Posted by: PALOOKA
» RE: Comparisons do not validate your claim of US fascism Posted by: sahar
» It's not a perfect world. I hate to be the devil's advocate Posted by: pzzp
» RE: It's not a perfect world. I hate to be the devil's advocate Posted by: Doubtom
» RE: It's not a perfect world. I hate to be the devil's advocate Posted by: pzzp
» RE: It's not a perfect world. I hate to be the devil's advocate THEN DON'T Posted by: maribelle
» RE: Posted by: pzzp
» RE: It's not a perfect world. I hate to be the devil's advocate Posted by: Doubtom
» pzzp: asleep at the wheel? or just an old fashioned chauvinist and bigot? pzzp! pzzp! Posted by: Douglas
» You are quick with the name calling Posted by: pzzp
» You Are the Master Name-Caller!!! But You Are Also Transparent! Posted by: Douglas
» But I will say this Posted by: pzzp
» And I will say this!! Posted by: Douglas
» RE: And I will say this!! Posted by: pzzp
» You Were Selective in the Choice of Names you Dropped Posted by: Douglas
» RE: You Were Selective in the Choice of Names you Dropped Posted by: pzzp
» RE: You Were Selective in the Choice of Names you Dropped Posted by: Douglas
» General Comment: Posted by: citizenjoe
» General Re-Comment: Posted by: pzzp
» fightZOG everywhere Posted by: mat38
» The Evolution of American Fascism (aka The PNAC Project) Posted by: LeftWright
» RE: World cartels: the Nazi economic program Posted by: Tom Degan
» Thank you, Tom Posted by: citizenjoe
Oil in Irak?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: andrushka on Oct 16, 2006 5:14 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
How funny, we were told we were in Irak because they was a tyrant, WMD's plans for nuclear power, etc...Never,oh never was it said Bush's and Cheney's friends (big oil)
wanted to take on Irak's reserves. In fact, it was thought the Irakis would have enough ressources to pay fo the damage inflicted to their country by their so nice Saviour! I really want to throw up.
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Slip sliding away
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Posted by: shangrilalad on Oct 16, 2006 5:15 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
No matter how they identify themselves: communist, socialist, monarchies or capitalist, all countries are dominated by a ruling elite which is essentially fascistic in nature. In every instance, the power elites manipulate, repress, and exploit the masses for their own advantage. Somehow, only two or three per cent of the populations in every country end up controlling the government, the corporations, the economy and armed forces.
That’s the way it is and always has been.
How is it that the masses have never found a way to prevent or escape autocratic rule?
Even as we watch, the ideals and hopes of democracy are slip sliding away in America.
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» RE: Slip sliding away Posted by: amacd
» RE: Slip sliding away Posted by: amacd
» RE: Slip sliding away Posted by: shangrilalad
But...but but I thought USA was in Iraq to find weapons of mass destraction, no wait
[Report this comment]
Posted by: petkov on Oct 16, 2006 5:25 AM
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to bring "freedom and democracy" to Iraq,
no, wait, to fight Al Queada, no wait, are you telling me now it was ALL for the oil????
I am SHOCKED, simply shocked!
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The remember the original title for the Iraq invasion?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: sausage on Oct 16, 2006 5:40 AM
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Operation Iraqi Liberation*, O.I.L.!
*Bush Didn't Bungle Iraq, You Fools, Greg Palast, March 20, 2006
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That's nothing new. And what about the need to legalize hemp and fund solar and wind ?!?!?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: SDres11 on Oct 16, 2006 5:47 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It is no coincidence that here we are allowing the petrol motherfuckers to drag America into one war for oil after another all the while TAXING farmers out here in Middle America to DEATH and it seems that neither party wants to put an end to it. As to the article, everybody knows that already so why repeat yourself. Not once does this article mention anything about the need to legalize hemp or force the corrupt politicians to redirect funding to solar, wind, and biofuels such as hemp. Look, I agree that the petro giants are destroying America and this article is absolotely correct about all that but this article is no different from other articles that cry and whine about the problem but do nothing to fight for the solutions that exist right then and there. If Alternet can't do better, I'd say they were also owned by BIG MEDIA !
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» RE: That's nothing new. And what about the need to legalize hemp and fund solar and wind ?!?!? Posted by: ellarwee
» Actually, correct question. If hemp were known to the public, oil wars would have been INEXCUSABLE. Posted by: maxpayne
» RE: hemp was demonized by the petrol lobby-stop driving cars and eating meat Posted by: chrisp.
» RE:don't forget cotton, fiber, and plastic(over a third of petro use). Posted by: ronnyb
For Shame
[Report this comment]
Posted by: ggmurray on Oct 16, 2006 6:12 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
That we would initiate the killing hundreds of thousands of people under the pretext of War on Terror to cover our lack of a real energy policy... the shame of this will last for generations.
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» RE: For Shame...Yup Posted by: Captainmagic
» RE: For Shame...Yup Posted by: albrechtkrausse
» RE: For Shame...Yup.....Nup Posted by: Captainmagic
Joshua your analysis is backward
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Posted by: rwa on Oct 16, 2006 7:08 AM
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"enormous reserves could break the back of OPEC, a wet dream in Western capitals for three decades. "
If this were to occur, big oil (the seven sisters) would be devastated. Oil fields accross the west would shut down, crushing the economy in Texas and ending the offshore industry. In fact the U.S. forces are in Iraq to prevent exactly this scenario. This is why chaos must be perpetuated. Read The Prize by D. Yergin to get a better understanding of the oil industries cycles and calamatous problems with overproduction.
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» RE: Joshua your analysis is backward Posted by: xenacat
» RE: Joshua your analysis is backward Posted by: rwa
» I think they hope that the '7 Sisters' will take OPEC's place once it's broken Posted by: thoughtcriminal
» RE: I think they hope that the '7 Sisters' will take OPEC's place once it's broken Posted by: albrechtkrausse
» ISN'T THIS AMERICA/ Posted by: ellarwee
» OPEC + Peak Oil = War For Oil Posted by: LeftWright
» Peak Oil & War For Oil are Leftgatekeeper Hoaxes Posted by: rwa
Gosh, how'd that happen?
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Posted by: Knowmad on Oct 16, 2006 7:11 AM
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I guess I was taking too much for granted. It must my compassionate, idealistic, benefit-of-the-doubt side - can blind one to reality sometimes. To me, the sad reality here is the number of you Americans who are expressing surprise at this 'news' - even some Alterneters, (I hate to think what the ratio is in your MSM-supping general population).
For three years myself, and others far more qualified, have been saying your current corporate-based, corrupt farce of an administration is in Iraq as part of a vast strategy to eventually acquire and control the oil of the entire mid-east region, Iraq being but a phase of the plan. That some of you still cling to naive notions of 'Save the poor Iraqis from themselves and horrible tyranny' and 'We have to bring them our democracy', or even 'The poor civilians are so deprived and miserable that we just have to help' need to give yourselves a firm slap. That sort of thinking is fed you by the Chushrovian PR machine, and it works because you allow yourselves to believe it.
I think you have four weeks to bring about the first crucial change needed to return your governance to sanity in the foreseeable future. If there was ever a time to fight for every vote, this is certainly it.
The alternative? Well, pretty bleak any way you dissect it . . . somewhere between of Orwell's 1984 and global disaster (maybe even nuclear). Not much fun at all.
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» RE: Gosh, how'd that happen? Posted by: symcokid
» RE: Gosh, how'd that happen? Posted by: Knowmad
We knew all along, it's the oil.
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Posted by: Jkid4 on Oct 16, 2006 7:13 AM
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As you can see, the conservative controlled media does not want you to know that the war is all about oil.
We just need to leave Iraq,NOW. Let's hope the Democrats impeach the Bush Administration as soon they get a majority on Congress.
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» Yes oil but forget impeachment, the tooth fairy of Alternet. Posted by: edith
» Bush won in '04? Posted by: BillC
» RE: Bush won in '04? Posted by: BillC
» RE: Bush won in '04? Posted by: Knowmad
» RE: Bush won in '04? Posted by: BillC
» RE: Bush won in '04? Posted by: Knowmad
Mongo
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Posted by: mongo164 on Oct 16, 2006 7:22 AM
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It is truly sickening to see what's going on behind the scenes. But would the Dems do anything about it? Would they even hold hearings?
My guess is that in the flush intoxication of victory and self-righteousness there is a slim possibility in the near future. Past the first six months when campaign money is needed for the presidential campaign, there's no chance. History being such a good predicter of human events, I'd say nothing of significance will ever be done to right the wrong.
Thanks for an eye opening article.
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Johanna moren
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Posted by: Johanna Moren on Oct 16, 2006 7:25 AM
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So, it all comes out now,what most of us have known all along,and yet the media goes along with the lies.
It is obvious that the American people in general don't give a dam. This myth we have all grown up with,about America,is what it has always been, a myth. Blaming this administration is laughable. Any country that can keep a myth like this going all these years, how do you stop it now.
The rot started during the 2nd world war.
They dropped one bomb, on Japan, who was already on it's knees. They saw what it did,yet, they dropped another. Why??
Towns carefully chosen. No military objectives, otherwise they would have been already bombed. No, they wanted to see the full effect. When I saw the photos that Wilfred Burchett took, I thought,"this is the end of us;such destruction of human lives,this God will never forgive."
Their next attack. The poor war devastated Korea. Next,the war devastated Vietnam. Their support for the Dictators of Latin America against the poor for bananas oil etc.
Afghanistan, another country ravaged by war, no defence.
Iraq, another devastated country from war and sanctions.
Their wars have always been against the poor and defenceless. Their might being shown on TV. What a spectacle of Shock and Awe, knowing they couldn't fight back.
Cowardly acts for the controll of the world.
Our cousins in Asia, Africa and the Middle East know all these things. Could this be the reason why they do not believe one word of this infamous bringing of Democracy.
They have made a very big mistake this time,picking a leader that nobody likes. He has broken the cover of the inner circle.
The one's who have really been running the country since the end of world war two.
I do hope the American people take a good look at their myth and do something about it.
I doubt it though, they have created enough hate against the Muslims. They have supplied me in my 77yrs with so many enemies, this is just another one. The terrorists really. is the best they have come up with, because they can keep it going for years and years. We can never get in touch with this enemy. They created the terrorists and they can keep on creating them, we have no way of checking on it.
Poor world, poor victims.
How many more thousands of people have to die, for their dream of world domination.
Johanna Moren
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» RE: Johanna moren Posted by: mdruss42
and you wonder why they hate us?
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Posted by: fruitcrow on Oct 16, 2006 7:41 AM
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Our governement had done nothing but lie...this administration is so hypocritical and corrupt, it is mindboggling...we suspected all along it had to be about oil...just remember that close to 3,000 Americans have died, over 10,000 have been wounded,and half a million Iraqis killed because of this administration's and oil company friends' greed, when you vote in a few weeks...
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» We are overall a one party state. Posted by: edith
» We are overall a one party state. The Fascist Party USA Rules. Posted by: Douglas
» RE: We are overall a one party state. The Fascist Party USA Rules. Posted by: werewolf
Simplistic and Ignorant
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Posted by: rwa on Oct 16, 2006 7:49 AM
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"enormous reserves could break the back of OPEC, a wet dream in Western capitals for three decades. "
Joshua, you fail to enlighten your readers to the fact that the seven sisters (big oil) established OPEC in the first place. Come on. You offer no rationale as to why they would be interested in destroying what they created. Commodities producers are generally plagued by excess supply which reduces prices to the cost of production. Oil is no exception. The interests of big oil are to prevent supply from exceeding demand. This is why the west imposed the sanctions regime. To prevent development of Iraq's oil reserves. Now you suggest that suddenly thier goal has been transposed, but you offer no proof or logic. In fact, development of Iraq's reserves would provide cheap oil for the developing world and undermine the financial interests of western banking and currencies. Fewer dollars would be required for the purchase of oil, meaning less borrowing. In turn, puppet Arab states would have fewer dollars to invest in London and N.Y.
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» I'll say! Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: I'll say! Posted by: rwa
» Only in your mind Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: Only in your mind NOT QUITE Posted by: rwa
» RE: Only in your mind NOT QUITE Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: Only in your mind NOT QUITE Posted by: rwa
» RE: Only in your mind NOT QUITE Posted by: Joshua Holland
» Joshua! Check today's news! Posted by: rwa
» RE: Joshua! Check today's news! Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: Joshua! Read Your Story!! Posted by: rwa
» RE: Joshua! Read Your Story!! Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: Joshua! You are WRONG again. Incredible! Posted by: rwa
» Everything you say is silly Posted by: Joshua Holland
» Exactly how I meant it Posted by: rwa
» Yeah, but now I am really confused! Posted by: edith
» RE: Yeah, but now I am really confused! Posted by: rwa
» RE: Yeah, but now I am really confused! Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: Yeah, but now I am really confused! Posted by: albrechtkrausse
» RE: Yeah, but now I am really confused! Posted by: rwa
» RE: Yeah, but now I am really confused! Posted by: Joshua Holland
» Another way to answer Albrecht ... Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: Another way to answer Albrecht ... Posted by: albrechtkrausse
» RE: Albrecht ... You are correct again! Posted by: rwa
It's always the opposite
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Posted by: project69 on Oct 16, 2006 8:22 AM
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CNN, FOX NEWS, ABC, CBS, NBC, etc. cannot be trusted to
tell we the people the "real" truth about this corrupt, evil
administration. Or just about anything else that has to do
with the government. We have the most propaganized media
in the world, period!
Edward S. Herman, political economist and author said: "The
U.S. public is depoliticized, poorly informed on foreign af-
fairs... and strongly patriotic in the face of struggle with
"another Hitler". Even though the public is normally averse
to war, even with modest propaganda efforts... the public
can be quickly transformed into enthusiastic supporters of
war.
Lets face it-- whoever controls the media, controls the
peoples' minds. The propaganda that the corporate media
spins and tells is the greatest magic act in history. They
make common sense disappear, and THEIR story(s) ap-
pear. Isn't it time to expose this trick and turn it back on
them?
Our freedom here in America is slowly being taken from us
with this phoney "war on terror". And overseas, it's already
happened at an alarming rate. We need to care what hap-
pens everywhere, not just here at home. To continue at
the current pace, we will soon be living in a dictatorship that
we the people had a hand in creating, through our total ig-
norance and tolerance of the propaganda they spew at us.
Wake up and stop believing what YOUR/OUR government is
telling us. The goal of the elite, the "real" government of
the entire planet, is to oppress and rule with an iron fist.
They crave money, power, and control of anything and
everything, no matter who lives or dies... except those who
are closest to them. Tell all you can about this, spread the
truth... as the saying goes: "The truth shall set you free".
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» RE: It's always the opposite Yes,Yes ,and Yes Posted by: rwa
» RE: It's always the opposite Yes,Yes ,and Yes Posted by: werewolf
» RE: It's always the opposite Yes,Yes ,and Yes Posted by: rwa
It's always the opposite
[Report this comment]
Posted by: project69 on Oct 16, 2006 8:24 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
CNN, FOX NEWS, ABC, CBS, NBC, etc. cannot be trusted to
tell we the people the "real" truth about this corrupt, evil
administration. Or just about anything else that has to do
with the government. We have the most propaganized media
in the world, period!
Edward S. Herman, political economist and author said: "The
U.S. public is depoliticized, poorly informed on foreign af-
fairs... and strongly patriotic in the face of struggle with
"another Hitler". Even though the public is normally averse
to war, even with modest propaganda efforts... the public
can be quickly transformed into enthusiastic supporters of
war.
Lets face it-- whoever controls the media, controls the
peoples' minds. The propaganda that the corporate media
spins and tells is the greatest magic act in history. They
make common sense disappear, and THEIR story(s) ap-
pear. Isn't it time to expose this trick and turn it back on
them?
Our freedom here in America is slowly being taken from us
with this phoney "war on terror". And overseas, it's already
happened at an alarming rate. We need to care what hap-
pens everywhere, not just here at home. To continue at
the current pace, we will soon be living in a dictatorship that
we the people had a hand in creating, through our total ig-
norance and tolerance of the propaganda they spew at us.
Wake up and stop believing what YOUR/OUR government is
telling us. The goal of the elite, the "real" government of
the entire planet, is to oppress and rule with an iron fist.
They crave money, power, and control of anything and
everything, no matter who lives or dies... except those who
are closest to them. Tell all you can about this, spread the
truth... as the saying goes: "The truth shall set you free".
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» That's why it doesn't matter when CNN loses money Posted by: thoughtcriminal
Can't Wait For Part 2
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Posted by: pelle_in_goal on Oct 16, 2006 8:25 AM
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It's one thing to privatize Iraq's oil reserve, but it's another thing entirely to pump it without constant sabotage of Iraq's existing and future oil infrastructure.
That America was soon going to left out of the Iraqi oil business in favor of Russia, China, and even Japan is undeniable. Not to mention that shock waves would be resounding if Iraq went from a marginal 10-year production "embargo" to selling lots of cheap Iraqi oil in the market. That'd almost certainly bring about a sea change that could shipwreck OPEC and leave the Carlyle Group to twist in the wind. I.E., with Iraq's oil privatized -- the Saudis could no longer cut their own production and use their huge cash reserves to undercut a rogue state's overproduction. In short: nobody in OPEC wants $10-12 a barrel oil again, but that's what they'd be getting.
By the way...nobody give a sh*t about Iraq or Iraqis anymore. The difference between the country owning its oil reserves, or privatizating it oil by selling it off in sections, is brokered ultimately by the short- and long-term prices of crude. Privatizing Iraq leads to cheaper oil for oil companies but also reduced value of the oil companies' proven oil reserves. Stifling Iraqi oil production -- privatized or not -- leads to greater civil unrest and very likely a string of Weimar- or Vichy- type governments.
Ain't it the always little things that get in the way of the best laid plans? Without a strong army and internal security forces, there's no way Iraq can privatize its state monopoly without more civil war and even greater bloodshed.
US and UK forces in Iraq are supposed to be training Iraqis to take over their own and internal security to prevent a national meltdown driven by insurgents. It must be a terrible inconvenience when many of the trainees soon desert -- only to plant an IED on the side of the road the following day.
So far Coalition Forces have only managed to incorporate various sectarian and ethnic militias into anything approaching an army or police force. Even these are not beyond control by important Muslim clergymen, or the militias spending a lot of time settling personal scores. And that's on a good day. On the other 364 days this year, the Coalition has to live with the fact that there'll be few Sunnis in any new Iraqi security force -- and that civil war always has a friend when non-Muslims exploit Iraq's wealth.
Part 2 of this article better be good. Otherwise, it sounds like Holland has been getting his news from the MSM on the run-up to the Iraq War -- but not anything since. OR...
...could it be Joshua's actually trying to make a case that somewthing is actually working -- or could work -- in Iraq despite all the setbacks? Dream on. It won't get the GOP any more votes a fortnight from now.
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» RE: Can't Wait For Part 2 Posted by: Joshua Holland
This Article Does Imply that Some American Interest is Served
[Report this comment]
Posted by: rwa on Oct 16, 2006 8:50 AM
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That makes it in some ways warmongering. In fact we won't benefit in any way, couldn't have, wouldn't have, haven't, and shouldn't expect to.
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Iraqi oil
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Posted by: vangogh69 on Oct 16, 2006 8:53 AM
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Only the truly naive or ignorant believed the US invaded Iraq for WMDs or "democracy." Sorry, but it was about one, controlling the world through, two, oil. I think, if people were really willing to examine the context of US invasions overseas, historically, they'd see that the US military has never been used for altruistic reasons, for liberation (for those who cite WWII, remember we didn't get involved until the 1940's, after our colony of Hawaii was attacked, years after thousands had been slaughtered in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa), for anybody's freedom that couldn't further fill the coffers of the elites.
What truly amazes me is how shortsighted the US government is right now. Sure, we invade and control a big source of the world's oil. This continues US consumption for years. However, this also (among other things) contributes to polluting the environment, warming the planet, and making extreme weather. Our summers get hotter which means more people use the air which means more people use energy; our winters get colder which means more people are using energy to stay warm. Taking into account all the oil fields on this earth, it's a finite resource. Since we only have one planet this way of life can only last so long and eventually will cause catastrophes (see Hurricane Katrina as an example of things to come, both in extreme weather, government neglect/indifference, and loss of life). This is to say nothing of the rest of the world which, I'm pretty sure, won't sit by and let America make the world its buffet forever.
For those who have illusions about the democratic nature of Europe, let me remind you that a nuclear armed Europe allowed (ALLOWED, yes I said it) the US to invade Iraq. Armies of hundreds of thousands do not invade sovereign nations without the consent of the "international community." This shows that to those in power, globally, the weak are there to be exploited, used, and murdered for their resources. This is reality.
Lastly, the only way a foreign occupation can work is by annihilating the indigenous people, ala Carthage. Unless the US is prepared to do this, we will be expelled from Iraq. History provides many examples and no occupation can last forever (to say nothing of the fact that the history of Mesopotamia vastly dates that of the US and well, people of a nation that has existed for thousands of years aren't likely to ever tire of fighting an arrogant nation which has only existed for a few hundred). The US cannot nuke Iraq because it needs to use the resources on the land (and there is not presently a plan in place for humans to safely work in a radioactive environment on the scale that oil drilling and production would require). So then, we kill them incrimentally, all the while smiling at home. Meanwhile, the earth gets hotter, people suffer more, and we come that much closer to extinction. Still, do not lose hope because the one thing which will (I believe) defeat the US (and those in power) is Arrogance, which leads them to underestimate the resilence of the affected/oppressed. Peace!
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» RE: Iraqi oil Posted by: albrechtkrausse
Everybody but the rich lose, again
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Posted by: YogiBear on Oct 16, 2006 8:57 AM
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Beyond the fact that such contracts will cheat the Iraqi public, they will also effectively cheat the American (and British) public, even if prices are lowered somewhat as a result.
So hey, if the American oil companies are going to profit off the war that the American taxpayers have paid for, and are paying for, in dollars and in lives, then doesn't it seem just that those companies owe it to the American people to provide their oil gains at cheaper rates?
Unrest in the Middle East is one reason the price of oil is so high now. If they secure such contracts, it looks as if these big oil companies will profit twice: from the artificially inflated prices during the war, and the lucrative contracts that the war will have brought them.
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Expect More Brinksmanship After the Election
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Posted by: rwa on Oct 16, 2006 9:04 AM
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Jack Crooks:
"… Much has been made of the exciting long-term returns from benchmarks such as the Goldman Sachs Commodity Index. But the GSCI, which has a heavy weighting in oil, is showing a loss this year."
In November the U.S. posture v. Iran will change, and drive oil higher. Count on it.
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Crimes against humanity
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Posted by: badkitty on Oct 16, 2006 9:06 AM
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I'd love to see everyone involved in this travesty tried for crimes against humanity--the Bush Administration, everyone in Congress who voted for this illegal pre-emptive war of aggression, everyone in our military who participated in this illegal war, the oil companies management, GM/Ford management (SUVs anyone). I end every email to people (senators, mostly) with "Don't underestimate how angry I am about this war". Now I'm adding, "I don't have any loyalty to the US government." I just can't support people whose principles allow them to do this sort of thing.
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» RE: Crimes against humanity Posted by: Gma1
Does this really surprise you?
[Report this comment]
Posted by: ItsTime on Oct 16, 2006 9:29 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
If it does, your still watching to much mainstream media. The war with Iraq goes way beyond Oil. It is such a vast sea of deception to the mass population. The profiteering of this war should be one of the rabid dogs that needs to be taken down. If we don't act quickly enough though, the level of tirrany may stifle our efforts. We've already lost some major constitutional rights in the name of terror. The next planned event in the USA will create enough chaos to allow them to take the kind of contol they are looking for. I'm sure many of you are aware of these issues, otherwise you wouldn't be here reading this. But if this is new to you then try to go watch the following on Google video:
Iraq for Sale - 1 Hour 16 Minutes
Who killed the Electric Car? 1 Hour 47 Min
9/11 Mysteries (Full Length, High Quality) 1 Hour 31 Min
OUTFOXED : Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism 1 Hour 18 Minutes
MONEY MASTERS - HOW INTERNATIONAL BANKERS GAINED CONTROL OF AMERICA - 2 Hours 1 Min
Note: Google likes to change links, so if these do not come up, use the titles to search google video. On the search results page change the duration to Long and it will help you find the videos. I hope this will help some of you connect the DOTS.
- All Life has Value.
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great piece!
[Report this comment]
Posted by: anechoic on Oct 16, 2006 9:46 AM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
eager to read pt 2...
'Give me control of a nation's money and I care not who makes the laws.' -- Rothschild
or maybe better put:
Give me control of the global (oil) economy and I care not who makes the laws.
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» Or both........ Posted by: Prophit
PSA's = trying to legalize extortion.
[Report this comment]
Posted by: WhatNow? on Oct 16, 2006 12:35 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The Russians are quickly tiring of the extortion trying to be played out on Sahklin(sp?) Island. Iraq is nothing more than another corporate money grab. Take for instance that French and German supplied telecommunications equipment has been replaced by amerikan firms and that heirloom seeds are being deemed illegal in favor of monsanto and the likes shows this is mostly about greed.
If the US had continued the work towards conservation and alternative energies since the 1970s there would be a much lessened demand for oil.
Please do your best to limit the amount of money that you send to these greedy and murderous corporations of amerika. Greed is their driving force.
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More than a motive is required to convict a criminal.
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Posted by: RunLikeTheWind on Oct 16, 2006 12:44 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
So this argument is based around two truths: No WMDs were found in Iraq, and the West wants the oil in Iraq. Most of the article is devoted to develping those truths, but not a connection between them. So the obvious conclusion is America invaded to get the oil? You can cry out "He finally proved it!" all you want but there's still the same circumstantial evidence, not proof. Given the lack of WMDs, oil is far from the only theory of why America invaded. Some on the list are sinister, some are not. Just because you prove one motive false doesn't mean you can pick your favorite new one.
And please excuse me while I shed a tear over poor little OPEC's price-fixing worldwide monopoly being undermined by the ominous "The Big Four". Do you really want to see a global disaster? Make it impossible for independent oil companies to operate and make sure all energy reserves are controlled solely by national governments.
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» It was really about currency, banking and hegemony in both to globalize...... oil was the payoff!!! Posted by: Prophit
Nice article
[Report this comment]
Posted by: thoughtcriminal on Oct 16, 2006 12:58 PM
Current rating: Not yet rated [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It's worth looking at the EIA chart,
Iraq's Oil Production and Consumption 1980-2005,
http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/Iraq/Oil.html
Every time Iraq starts to ramp up oil production they get bombed and invaded. Coincidence? - unlikely. Related? - very probable. One thing seems clear - the US government doesn't like the idea of an Arabian or Persian or African version of China or India.
See also "Corporate Slush Funds for Baghdad -Plugging Iraq into Globalization
By STEVE KRETZMANN and JIM VALLETTE"
Remember also that in 2000 Saddam moved his central bank dollar holdings into euros, which meant an 80% loss - but the euro went up against the dollar, and the result was something like 120% gain. Saddam was using his oil wealth to launch an assault on the US dollar, and making money at it as well. Thus, his oil wealth was poised to expand once again. Saddam had also gone and donned the mantle of Arab nationalism, imagining himself as the new Messiah. He was also exluding the US majors from the oilfield contracts and making deals with the French and the Russians. This was not part of the PNAC playbook.
If this 'dollar hegemony' plays as big a role as some believe, then it's worth noting that the finance sector has given more money to Bush then the oil sector, according to opensecrets.org. Then Saddam's switch to the euro became a reason to invade him, on top of his oil - So another war was drummed up, with control of the oilfields being the long-term prize.
The neocon argument was that Saddam was a madman, and as he gained money and power he would become the new Hitler of the Middle East; beyond that their arguments got very blurry: Islamofascist-clash of civilizations-military commitments, etc. Why can't they just say, "Controlling Iraqi oil is one of the strategic imperatives for the continuing global dominance of the USA."? Saddam wasn't cooperating, and so he had to go. We've made things worse for the Iraqi people than they were under Saddam.
This isn't Economics 101 - this is "The Godfather".
It's becoming more and more clear that Bush and Rumsfeld view the Iraqi people as the real enemy to their goal of colonizing Iraq. The occupation has turned into the violent oppression of a civilian population - give us the oil or you and your families will all be killed.
See Rob Newman's History of Oil."
What's really annoying is the way the corporate media's 'liberal commentators' go along with all this. For example, here's the NPR take on this:
"Iraq Oil Minister Vows to Fight Corruption, Smuggling
by Peter Kenyon
Morning Edition, May 26, 2006 · Crumbling infrastructure, smuggling and sabotage limit Iraqi oil production, leading to gas and electricity shortages. New Iraq Oil Minister Hussain Shahristani targets corruption, and tells foreign investors that oil contracts in Iraq will be secure."
Spoken in a placid tone, this gives one an image of propriety and of 'targeting corruption'. We're modernizing Iraq! Never mind who got the contract to rebuild Iraqi electricity, fuel and water systems - that's in the past. Iraq needs foreign investment to grow and prosper! We don't need to discuss Exxon, Chevron, Shell or BP, just nod and smile, everythings okay - everything's OK - everything's OK - People are trying to Do the Right Thing - now, go back to sleep.
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» Good post Posted by: WhatNow?
» Thank you, thoughtcriminal, I have been trying to say this, but you did a much better job.... Posted by: Prophit
Left Gatekeeper Meme
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Posted by: rwa on Oct 16, 2006 1:35 PM
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Joshua's meme:
The U.S. invaded Iraq to secure oil and "break OPEC".
Alternative meme:
The U.S. invaded Iraq to interfere with oil competition resulting in higher prices and more business for Western banking.
Which meme is more tollerable globally or domesticly? We have really been presented with no evidence or even logic supporting the supposed desire to "break OPEC". This seems like another fall back position like so many others that have been trotted out.
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» RE: Left Gatekeeper Meme Posted by: Joshua Holland
» RE: Left Gatekeeper Meme Posted by: rwa
» It keeps the attention off the central bankers..... ask Argentina about them and what damage.... Posted by: Prophit
And the American people still...
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Posted by: Gma1 on Oct 16, 2006 2:16 PM
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don't know what the war was/is about!
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Jim Willie:
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Posted by: rwa on Oct 16, 2006 2:39 PM
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"It would be great if I could put my short position in place on a trade, then change an index weightings, then wink to the Dept of Defense on selling a scad of crude oil from inventory, then pull a string at EIA on a weekly story on reduced national energy demand, then sell the heck out of positions which my client hedge funds hold, then to sit back and count my profit a month later. Wow! Isn't it great that the USGovt has JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs as partners to protect our freedom and to ensure market vitality? This media debate on the realistic belief of one third of the public harboring suspicions of election engineering in the energy market is interesting. THEY OPENLY DISCUSS EVERY IMPORTANT FACTOR EXCEPT JPM AND GSAX!!!
The USGovt Dept of Energy spokesman has actually admitted that oil drawn from the Strategic Petro Reserve during the Hurricane Katrina is not to be replaced yet. Check section 161, item g2B of the law, with stipulates that a drawdown cannot persist "for more than 60 days with respect to each shortage." Since when does law interfere with the current Administration when on a mission?
Heck, it is election season just one month away! That is motive enough, isn't it? Gasoline is more domestically controlled for price, so criticism of any manipulation with election expedience as motive would be domestic, if at all. The energy complex is inter-related, with contracts for crude oil, heating oil, diesel, gasoline, and natural gas intertwined. GSax set off a chain reaction. Oh yes, the US Military is rumored to have sold a staggering amount of diesel fuel. Did they accumulate over 18 months only to discharge surplus prior to the election? Coordination between the USGovt and US Military is easy, with the dynamic duo in partnership. This is not idle speculation, but engrained collusion. The largest energy consumer in the world, as a single corporate or institutional entity, is the US Military. Their data is held secret, but when they enter a market, their activity can be detected, and is often the subject of rumor mills. Research has traditionally maintained the grapevine as 75% reliable. Toss in some reduced EIA energy demand forecasts, lower OPEC demand forecasts, and some games on firm OPEC output, and presto, the energy market declines further."
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Chavez Proves It: Nationalization of Oil Companies Works
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Posted by: sofla100 on Oct 16, 2006 3:34 PM
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It is time for countries with oil to nationalize these important state resources. It is working in Venezuela where Chavez is turning around a country where once only a few percentage of people (the rich