Delahunt criticizes U.S. Iraq oil policy

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/84409.html

WASHINGTON, July 18 Rep. Bill Delahunt warned against U.S. handling of Iraq's oil and its support of an oil law that could open the oil reserves to foreign companies.

The Massachusetts Democrat said Wednesday at a House hearing even the perception that the war was about oil could be harmful. He pointed to language in a draft oil law that has such foreign potential.

"In a framework draft perceived to be favorable to international oil companies ... our reputation and prestige could suffer," he said, adding Iraqi support would drop further. Whether Iraq's government decides to keep a strong nationalized model, "it's a decision for them to take, not for us to influence," he said at a joint hearing between the Committee on Foreign Affairs' Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight, which he chairs, and the Middle East and South Asia Subcommittee.

Delahunt pointed to a timeline of post-Saddam oil policy provided by the Congressional Research Service that detailed U.S. officials or contractors' involvement in the sector.

"It appears to some that the (Bush) administration had less than a noble agenda," he said, including pressure to pass the draft oil law "to benefit ourselves."

[irislake]

1. NO!

Bush/Cheney steal the Iraqi people's oil? How unpatriotic even to suggest such a thing!

As if the entire outside world didn't know it was for the oil from the git-go! Why wouldn't the rest of the world join in to help you with your "regime change"? Too immoral! Who ever believed there were WMD there?

Blair wanted the oil too and that information is on front pages in UK. Australian PM also admitted it.

I hope those poor people get to keep their oil. I feel so sorry for them!