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| Axis of Evil |
| Russia Reportedly Angry With Iraq Over Oil Contract Snub |
| 2002-12-13 |
| Russian government sources say that Baghdad's cancellation of a huge oil contract has removed one of Moscow's main reasons for opposing military action against Iraq. Oops! Moscow's RIA-Novosti news agency quotes one official as saying any nation's foreign policy is guided by its own interests and that Russia's economic interests outweigh any desire to defend Saddam Hussein. Hint: It is the oil, Saddam. Russia, along with France, has been one of Iraq's strongest defenders on the United Nations Security Council. Both Russian and French influence were instrumental in crafting the U.N. resolution that allows military action against Iraq only after arms inspectors conduct more searches for weapons of mass destruction and then report back to the Security Council. Thursday, Iraq's oil ministry informed three Russian oil companies it is canceling a deal for them to develop the large West Qurna oil field. Iraq's Oil Minister Amer Rasheed said Friday that the lead company, Russian oil giant Lukoil, has failed to meet its commitments under the contract. That's OK, Ivan. You can pump all the oil you want for the new government of Iraq. |
| Posted by:Steve |
| #4 Amazing. "Let's put FIVE bullets in the gun!" |
| Posted by: mojo 2002-12-13 21:55:18 |
| #3 This is quite refreshing. The Russians look out for Russia's interests first, which is as it should be, and I'm glad to hear them say it straight up. This has applications far beyond the current crisis, you know; a Russia that has a clear-eyed appreciation of its own interests makes a better partner because we can deal with them on a sounder basis by working toward deals that advance both their interests and ours. To get back to the case at hand, Saddam has really put not just his foot but his whole leg up to the knee in it this time. Kicking the Russian bear in his pocketbook these days, after all the blood, sweat and tears Ivan has expended to get some money in said pocketbook again, is a damn good way to get mauled. |
| Posted by: Joe 2002-12-13 19:06:47 |
| #2 Or at least on their ass, since that's where their head is likely buried |
| Posted by: Frank G 2002-12-13 18:47:51 |
| #1 "Moscow's RIA-Novosti news agency quotes one official as saying any nation's foreign policy is guided by its own interests and that Russia's economic interests outweigh any desire to defend Saddam Hussein." this should be wrought in letters of iron, heated red hot, and branded on the forehead of every liberal in the west... |
| Posted by: Ptah 2002-12-13 13:36:44 |