Only one quibble

The idea that it's about "oil" (cheap and plentiful) is not necessarily synonomous with the idea that it's about "oil companies". Yes, oil companies are opportunistic and would be more than willing to rebuild Iraq's infrastructure - just as the Russians, French and Chinese would also be more than willing. But from the overall health of the oil industry - bringing Iraqi production back online will drive the price per barrel down in the dirt - and is not necessarily a good thing.

Iran was the first to nationalize oil back in the early 50's. The rest of the mideast followed suit back in the mid-70's. I don't see U.S. involvement in the MidEast so much as an effort to privatize the oil industry over there, as it is to keep oil supplies stable and plentiful by trying to maintain friendly governments and work against unfriendly ones. I don't think reprivatization will occur - much like it did not occur when Kuwait was liberated.

Dates of nationalization of oil in the North African and Mid East region

Iran\t\t\t\t\t\t1950
Algeria\t\t\t\t\t\t1971
Iran\t\t\t\t\t\t1973
Libya\t\t\t\t\t\t1973-1974
Upper Gulf State\t\t\t\t1973-1974
Saudi Arabia\t\t\t\t\t1974-1976
Kuwait\t\t\t\t\t\t1975

Lower Gulf States\t\t\t\t1976-1980

What you say is dead right - no beef here ???

But oil is a 'strategic' resource and to pretend that it isn't is just plain wrong !!! - oil companies are part of national strategic interests.
Do a google search on "Arabia After Lawrence" and discover why the middle east was carved up by USA & Europe, the way it was - it was *not* done by oil companies - it was not done to fulfil promises make to the Arabs who fought with Britain. It was all about oil. In your research you may come across the fact the the British navy was one of the first to convert from coal/steam to oil & found itself entering the age of oil as part of foreign policy. Japan was another country that discovered this 'opiate of foreign policy' - why do you think the Japs attacked Pearl Harbour ??? (do a google search on it - you will be surprised at what shows up.

Cheers

Doug

Fixed typo

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