Support AlterNet
Do you value the information you're getting from AlterNet? Please show your support with a tax-deductible donation.
Feedback
Tell us how we're doing.
Iraqi Oil Ministry Woos Western Petro-Giants
So it appears the Iraqi Oil Ministry waited until the final months of the Bush administration to open the store for Western petrogiants. Call it a parting present. Now that we know the U.S. "advised" the ministry on giving no-bid contracts to Exxon, Shell, Total and BP, the Washington Post gives an overview of what Minister Hussain Shahristani -- a former exile who's sympathetic to both the U.S. and Iran -- plans to give Big Oil:
Shahristani said 35 companies -- including firms from the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China and India -- had been selected to bid on long-term contracts to provide services, equipment, training and advice on the country's biggest oil fields, which have suffered from age, technological neglect and mismanagement during years of war and economic sanctions.
"The six oil fields that have been announced today are the backbone of Iraq's oil production, and some of them are getting old and production is declining," Shahristani told reporters.
Followers of Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who opposes Western firms having any control over Iraq's oil, voiced suspicion. "Those agreements should be open and transparent," said Liwaa Smaism, a senior Sadrist lawmaker. "We do not know whether those contracts are ordinary technical contracts with foreign companies, or are they involved in the excavation and production of the oil?"
Other lawmakers said any deals should be made after parliament approves legislation governing Iraq's oil resources. "I do not believe that the companies should sign contracts in such a fragile political situation and confusing security situation," said Mohammed al-Daini, a Sunni lawmaker.
Also in War on Iraq Sweden Cutting Aid to Uganda Over 'Appalling' Anti-Homosexuality Bill
Although the U.S. has not yet taken an official position on the bill, other countries are speaking out.
Post by Amanda Terkel. December 3, 2009.Young People Love Obama, Hate His Policies
Obama is holding on to his strongest supporters, though they overwhelmingly oppose sending more troops to Afghanistan.
Post by Ari Melber. December 3, 2009.Conservative Group Expels Lou Dobbs for Loving Illegal Immigrants Too Much
Poor Lou. No one ever said fulfilling your crass political ambitions would be easy.
Post by Tana Ganeva. December 3, 2009.You've chosen to turn comments off for the entire site. Would you like to turn them back on? Advertisement
EMAIL
PRINT
COMMENT NOW
PERMALINK