Libya and Iraq: Mirror Images in the Grip of Big Oil

[Donnachaidh]

http://www.truth-out.org/libya-and-iraq-mirror-images-grip-big-oil/1319569489

The U.N. Security Council’s mandate, which authorized NATO’s military operations to “protect civilians” in Libya, was just as specious as the one that allowed the Bush administration to invade Iraq to destroy stockpiles of nonexistent weapons of mass destruction. Just as George W. Bush and Dick Cheney were focused on securing Iraq’s oil for their Big Oil cronies, U.S. and NATO forces attacked Libya to take out Muammar Gaddafi, who preferred to sell his oil to Russia and China.

Saddam Hussein went into hiding after Baghdad fell and was subsequently looted. His capture and eventual execution came many months later. In the immediate aftermath of Gaddafi’s fall, amid all of the chaos, the only clear move was made by Tripoli to favor NATO allies as the new customers for Libyan oil.

Today, NATO gloats of “no collateral damage” in its Libyan operations. Yet, an estimated 10,000 mostly civilians it meant to protect are dead, while entire cities lie in ruin.

After nine years of U.S. occupation, Iraq’s economy remains in shambles amid rampant official corruption, with every sign of greater instability when the last of the U.S. troops are gone. Libya will likely remain a near-failed state for the foreseeable future as competing political and tribal forces fight for ascendancy.

More at the link --

[theoldman]

1. This is a lot of BS.

Bush Jr. cut a deal with Gaddafi to get our hands on Libyan oil. There was no need for us to invade Libya for oil. The NATO air strikes killed very few civilians. Most civilians were killed by Gaddafi's military and the rebels. No one knows what will happen to Libya. Comparing it to Iraq is apples and oranges.

[classysassy]

2. Facts not BS

Where ever there is oil you will find the foot print of American big oil companies.Our military is used to secure the rich oil deposits for our rich oilmen.We wonder why we are hated around the world,it is self evident we have used the blood of our youth to secure the black gold of other nations and that is a crime against humanity.

[DCBob]

3. Its quite possible the US will have less access to Libyan oil in the future.

BushCo made a forgiveness-for-oil deal with Gaddafi that may or may not be honored by the new Islamic Republic of Libya.