Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Rock_nj who wrote (87725)	3/29/2003 3:16:58 PM
From: The Philosopher	Respond to of 281500

That may be true, but so far I've seen no evidence of it. And the US administration has made clear, whether you believe them or not is your choice, that the oil belongs to the Iraqi people and will be used for their benefit. And we encouraged the restarting of the oil for food program, which very specifically uses the oil for the benefit of Iraq, not us. It's probable that the Russians and French will be substantially shut out of the contracts to improve the oil fields, provide technical expertise the Iraqis lack and need, and sell the Iraqis the equipment and skill then need for rebuilding, and lack. But taking their resources, and winning contracts to benefit the Iraqi people, are IMO very different things. In fact, I suspect that the American taxpayers will put many, many more billions of dollars into Iraq than we ever get out of it.

To: Rock_nj who wrote (87725)	3/29/2003 3:20:12 PM
From: quehubo	Respond to of 281500

Control Iraq? You must be dreaming. We will be very lucky if we can say in 12 months that we helped establish some form of representative government that has reasonable control of Iraq and a reasonable chance of survival. Remember liberate, not conquer and rule. I dont get a feel that the Iraqi's will be so quick to forgive their oppressors, and I suspect they will be looking to even the score for some time. I think we may have underestimated just how brutally repressed these people have been and/or the impact of this repression. This also tells me that it will take a greater more time consuming effort to put together a cohesive functioning government.