And the raping of Iraq's natural resources begins...

[Roland99]

11 SOUTHERN IRAQI OIL FIELDS TO GO UP FOR TENDER
http://www.adnki.com/index_2Level.php?cat=Business&loid=8.0.185260588&par=0

Baghdad, 8 July (AKI) - Eleven oil fields in southern Iraq, capable of boosting the country's production to three million barrels a day will soon be tendered to international investors, the Iraqi oil ministry announced Friday. "The ministry needs legislation which will allow it to fix international work criteria with companies that are involved in petroleum investments," said the ministry's spokesman, Asim Jihad.


"Iraq needs capital investments to develop its petroleum industry, he said, adding that the government had estimated that some 25 billion dollars in investments were required to boost oil production to 5-6 million barrels a day.

Jihad also said that the government has no intention to privatise the oil sector, but would remain under state control.

"We will seek foreign investments, that will allow us to develop our industry but without paving the way for foreign monopolies to take over," he said.

Iraq currently produces 2.2 million barrels a day - with only 1.5 million of these for export - a situation determined by the suspension of operations in the country's southern areas after sabotage attacks.

So much for Iraqi nationalism. The Propagandist destroyed that along with many other things with his illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq. I just don't see how this is going to sit well at all with the Iraqi citizenry.

But, anything to spread the new colonialism. Gotta keep those corporate donor's bottom lines nice and fat.

Say, I think we should have us a new "Modest Proposal".

[tuvor]

1. It began ages ago.

They never stopped pumping out the oil after the invasion.

I wonder where all that revenue went.

[Lerkfish]

2. correct me if wrong: isn't CHALABI the oil minister?

[Roland99]

3. I don't think that ever got finalized

[MsTryska]

4. Has soemone told the Chinese? nt

nt