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Iraq to Be Even More Open to U.S. Investment; Press Yawns
Here's the full text of the joint Bush-Maliki agreement on principles for a long-term U.S. security commitment to Iraq. There's some hilarious obfuscatorese on the question of bases and troop levels. ("Support will be provided consistent with mechanisms and arrangements to be established in the bilateral cooperation agreements mentioned herein" -- in context, I promise, that translates to "let's worry about defining the U.S. troop presence in the final agreement.") But take a look at this key economics "principle":
Facilitating and encouraging the flow of foreign investments to Iraq, especially American investments, to contribute to the reconstruction and rebuilding of Iraq.
In fairness, it's the job of the U.S. in bilateral negotiations to try to win the most favorable investment environment for American business. But that's not so difficult when your military is keeping your negotiating partners, you know, alive. Already $6 billion worth of Iraq contracts are under criminal review. How much more Iraqi business could flow to Americans? It's hard to say, but it looks like Stuart Bowen will have a long, long career ahead of him.
It would have been nice to get some elaboration on this at today's White House press briefing. But according to TPM's Ben Craw -- our intrepid and dashing video editor, who watched the briefing while I goofed off -- the press corps didn't bother asking Dana Perino about any aspect of the Bush-Maliki deal. Sure, General Lute chatted briefly with reporters during the morning gaggle, but he didn't remotely answer every question -- after all, the text of the agreement wasn't even available then.
Guys, come on: I know the Annapolis Mideast peace conference is a big deal, but this is the next phase of the war we're talking about. Clearly the White House's strategy of dumping the Bush-Maliki deal ahead of Annapolis worked.
Josh
Zachary
I welcome Iraq as the latest permanent colony of the American Empire. I sincerely hope our Iraqi brethren enjoy being subjugated by christo-fascists that are looking out for their welfare.
Remember Haliburton and the rest of bushcos cronies are really here to help.
I'm glad that Malaki is boss for as long as he wants. I guess you brown people just dont love democracy like we Amerkins do. But thats probably because you are genetically inferior to white people.
I am also glad we are bypassing that annoying congress. What good are they anyway? We could dissolve the annoyance for all I care.
November 26, 2007 5:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'll bet the Iraqi people can't wait to wait for the cable company to hook them up. It'll be Comcastic for them to be able to watch Fox live.
November 26, 2007 5:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
God help the Iraqis when those LDS boys come knocking at their doors.
Where do the reconstruction plans locate the new temple? I hope it will provide a dramatic scene like the one off the Washington Beltway.
November 26, 2007 5:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Actually, Steve5117, you've inadvertently hit on the Bushies' long-term strategy to defeat the insurgency: only once they've been transformed into middle-class American consumers will the Bush administration be able to fully monitor their communications by snooping on their Comcast broadband connections.
November 26, 2007 5:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
It is a shame that we couldn't accomplish Iraqi statehood before November '08, I'm sure the Iraqi voters would support the GOP ticket across the board.
November 26, 2007 6:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Calling all privateers: Invest with us!
November 26, 2007 6:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Seriously, this current batch of Republicans are either very stupid or think we are when it comes to money and Iraq. First they argued that Iraq's oil revenues could somehow pay for the occupation. Aside from the very nasty issue of forcing Iraq to pay for its own "liberation", how much value is really there in oil? Especially considering how much the occupation has really cost. Expanding that to the broader Iraqi economy, does anyone seriously think that the Iraqi economy could provide any sort of return on our investment?
In other words, staying in Iraq for the money is a patently absurd idea. A much better idea is to use the Iraq issue as a tap into the Federal Reserve's vast money pile. Considering what's actually happened, I'd say that's the real financial reason for the war in Iraq and any continuation of it.
November 26, 2007 7:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
During the Bremer regime, a conference was held to inform businesses of the wonderful investment climate in Iraq. Repatriate profits, move capital in and out freely - all the desirable features to promote investment.
But the bankers brought their lawyers and the people who insure the loans took a look ... they concluded the regime was illegal or at least so bogus that they could not underwrite the loans.
Does one see any McDonalds restaurants in Baghdad ? Are there any S&P 500 firms investing capital there ?
Anybody know the status now ?
November 26, 2007 7:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here is the link to the Harper's article by Naomi Klein:
http://www.harpers.org/archive/2004/09/0080197
What about the current situation - are any multinationals investing in Iraq ?
November 26, 2007 8:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
The agreement says it has ...."the aim to achieve, before July 31, 2008, agreements between the two governments with respect to the political, cultural, economic, and security spheres."
Hmmm, what is the significance of that date?
November 26, 2007 8:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is the biggest heist in history and the MSM ignores it. Follow the money. They have a lot to gain from our 52nd state. When is the next pilferer meeting to plan the second phase? Think I'll market water or electricity.
November 26, 2007 10:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yah They'll announce peace in our time for the gooper convention and blame the war on the useless democrats. They'll stutter and act like Barney Fife, and bubba will shake his head in disgust and vote GOP in 08
November 26, 2007 11:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Clearly the White House's strategy of dumping the Bush-Maliki deal ahead of Annapolis worked."
Precisely. One thing you have to give them credit for is timing the release of stuff like this.
U
November 26, 2007 11:05 PM | Reply | Permalink