Iraqi rebels make $1 bln/yr from refinery-govt

[maddezmom]

BAGHDAD, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Iraqi militants are taking most of the $1.5 billion a year that is stolen from Iraq's main oil refinery through smuggling and corruption, the government told parliament on Sunday.

Speaking at the second reading of the 2007 budget, Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih said crime was behind the crisis in the oil industry, which is struggling to meet Iraq's own fuel needs despite having the world's third biggest reserves.

"We have a system and an administration which encourage corruption," said Salih, who has oversight over the economy.

"We are losing $1.5 billion at Baiji refinery alone and most of this money is channelled to terrorists who are using it to target us and target our nation."

more: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/RAS445332.htm

[leQ]

1. just how does one go about stealing such exhorbitant amounts of oil like this?

the article is light on facts.

[acmavm]

2. They couldn't 'steal' all this shit if they didn't have friends in high places.

And we usually put them there.

[rodeodance]

5. yah gotta have a Cunningham or abrmoff mind---

[Warren Stupidity]

3. Based on their IRS filings?

Or based on some number pulled directly out of the ass of some government official?

[Gin]

4. Isn't Chalabi an oil minister?.....if so....that is the answer....

g

[OKthatsIT]

6. Don't be fooled.

Don't be fooled.

The media has been virtually dead around this topic of OIL THEFT until now.

Bush needs the excuse to slaughter Sunnis, create alibi for billions already unaccounted for and have US 'look over there'...'not over here'.

[maddezmom]

7. I actually think it may have to do with the new oil laws that need to be passed

previous link:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=2685510

[jpak]

8. No...No...No - it's I-ran that's funding the insurgents

Someone didn't the latest Condi-gram...

[NashVegas]

9. I'd Rather They Make it By Smuggling Oil Than Poppies

Much more democratic; we're all addicted to it.

[Barrett808]

10. k & r