In secret agreement, Shell nets 25-year monopoly on S. Iraq's gas...

[bridgit]

'Royal Dutch Shell oil company and the Iraqi Oil Ministry have struck a secret, as-of-yet non-binding agreement that gives a monopoly over southern Iraq's natural gas to the energy giant. It marks the first time in over 35 years a Western oil company has played a major role in the country's most lucrative industry.

Signed Sept. 22 and obtained by United Press International, the "Heads of Agreement" document -- basically a legal framework for a contract -- delegates Shell sole access to the reserves for the next 25 years, with an option to extend that term.'

http://rawstory.com/news/2008/In_secret_agreement_Shell_nets_25year_1108.html

[ColbertWatcher]

1. So much for the oil paying for the war, or reconstruction or ... n/t

[SoCalDem]

2. "Agreements" with oil-rich nations, areoften not worth the paper

on which they are written...
(See Iran, Venezuela, Libya, Iraq 1.0)

Oil companies are eager to get the dictator in charge , to sign things, but often, the next one, says "not so much"..see ya..

[OneBlueSky]

3. who are they agreeing with? . . . does Iraq even have a legitimate government? . . .

one that will survive the departure of U.S. troops within 16 months? . . .