02-25-2003, 12:20 AM
(This post was last modified: 02-25-2003, 12:21 AM by Occhidiangela.)
Taeme, it all boils down to royalties of the oil in the ground. :)
What is in question, and what I am unsure of, is who, once Saddam has left (if that is indeed how things pan out) has "rights" to the royalties for oil that is drilled for, pumped, refined, etc.
I imagine that any company from any country, and many are multinational in the first place, can bring forth an existing contract and press their case with the new regime that it be honored. The royalties, and maybe even tax provisions, would need to pass muster with whatever parliement or other authority as was put into place.
The transition period is wide open for abuse. I would suggest that either IMF, World Bank, or UN be tasked to put a team in place to assist whatever new government is trying to get on its feet so that Iraq is not taken to the cleaners insofar as its ability to accrue royalties and tax revenue from oil within its borders.
Knowing what I know about multinational panels and boards, they are as apt to be corrupt as not, and I am sure there are people planning even now to take advantage of the unsettled period after the war, if it comes to that.
Vultures: yes, that is the picture that comes to mind, and they come from every country on the planet, looking to get a sweet deal. Free and open media coverage by real reporters, real muck rakers, might be just what is needed there . . .
What is in question, and what I am unsure of, is who, once Saddam has left (if that is indeed how things pan out) has "rights" to the royalties for oil that is drilled for, pumped, refined, etc.
I imagine that any company from any country, and many are multinational in the first place, can bring forth an existing contract and press their case with the new regime that it be honored. The royalties, and maybe even tax provisions, would need to pass muster with whatever parliement or other authority as was put into place.
The transition period is wide open for abuse. I would suggest that either IMF, World Bank, or UN be tasked to put a team in place to assist whatever new government is trying to get on its feet so that Iraq is not taken to the cleaners insofar as its ability to accrue royalties and tax revenue from oil within its borders.
Knowing what I know about multinational panels and boards, they are as apt to be corrupt as not, and I am sure there are people planning even now to take advantage of the unsettled period after the war, if it comes to that.
Vultures: yes, that is the picture that comes to mind, and they come from every country on the planet, looking to get a sweet deal. Free and open media coverage by real reporters, real muck rakers, might be just what is needed there . . .
Cry 'Havoc' and let slip the Men 'O War!
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete