Gawain 0 #1 September 21, 2003 BBC article here Opening up everything in the economy for investment or sale. Complete decentralization of economic assets except oil. Despite their opposition to the war, I'll bet that French and German firms will be amongst the first in line to participate. I hope that US interests will not dominate too much, but then again... So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikkey 0 #2 September 22, 2003 This can be a 2-edged sword if not handled carefully. If this is done as a "fire sales" to foreign companies it can not only upset the Iraq people, but also "the Arab street" creating perceptions of "imperialism" and "looting" and feeding the terrorist "pipeline". I just hope this is not done like the Russian "fire sale" of state companies in the early nineties. This resulted in people with "interesting" connections buying the assets for next to nothing. These people are now enormously rich with most of their money outside Russia and not that many benefits for the Russian economy and people. So I hope this will handled carefully.--------------------------------------------------------- When people look like ants - pull. When ants look like people - pray. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheAnvil 0 #3 September 22, 2003 The French had a ton of contracts/debts/markers with Iraq prior to the US invasion - anyone know their status? Just wondering. I think the current plan has potential if handled correctly but also feel that if the nation's previous deals/debts are just 'erased off the books' that a crime would have been committed. Vinny the Anvil Post Traumatic Didn't Make The Lakers Syndrome is REAL JACKASS POWER!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #4 September 22, 2003 Well, I think this actually puts Iraq in a better position to pay off those debts, both through some of the proceeds of the sales, but also through the recurring revenue that the industries will generate, and while oil revenue is flat right now, that's their salvation for the long haul.So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheAnvil 0 #5 September 22, 2003 Oh definitely. I just hope that the US hasn't written off all of the debts/contracts held by the past regime. Given our current position on forgiving any debt of third world nations, that would make us look like horrid hypocrites. Vinny the Anvil Post Traumatic Didn't Make The Lakers Syndrome is REAL JACKASS POWER!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
