David Podvin: Exit Strategy

[Caro]

The excerpt below is posted with the full permission, even encouragement, of the author, who wants his essays to be read by as many people as possible.

EXIT STRATEGY



By David Podvin
February 26, 2007

When George W. Bush signed Executive Order 13303 that effectively transferred Iraqi oil into American custody it constituted history’s greatest acquisition of wealth. Iraq contains proven oil reserves of 115 billion barrels, and geological surveys indicate that a similar amount of unconfirmed petroleum deposits exist. At current prices, the oil that lies beneath the Iraqi sand is worth approximately fourteen trillion dollars.

If America were to leave Iraq it would constitute history’s greatest forfeiture of wealth, so America will not leave. Although the Democrats are saying the United States must withdraw sooner and the Republicans are saying the United States must withdraw later, it is performance art worthy of Oscar consideration. The American military isn’t going anywhere. Not sooner. Not later. Not ever. America’s exit strategy is to stay, which explains why hugely expensive military bases are being constructed throughout Iraq. The world’s only superpower did not build its financial juggernaut by being the type of impetuous nation that repudiates fourteen trillion dollars.

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Posted by Carolyn Kay
MakeThemAccountable.com

[Atman]

1. I agree, and have been saying this since the beginning...

We have no intention of leaving, ever. As Podvin pointed out, there are major construction projects underway in building our bases and the Super Embassy. Nobody does this just to walk away from it. Certainly not anyone as evil as Dick "Dick" Cheney. Not even anyone as stupid as George Bush.

.

[Ugnmoose]

2. Great article

Podvin really nails it. 14 Trillion Bucks is at stake. The Corporatists (Energy Conglomerate) and the Neocon Mafia will never let go of their prize - no matter what the cost in dollars and in lives.

K&R

[Larkspur]

3. I disagree with Podvin on some issues

The American people don't support war with Iran and want out of Iraq, despite the Media blitzes to the contrary. The war against the Iraqi insurgency and Iran will be costly for America. Money will be stripped from domestic issues to fuel the war machine and that means more Americans will be exiting the Middle Class to the ranks of the poor.

I do agree with Podvin that Corporate America will try to keep our troops over there as long as possible, but remember Iraq eventually expelled the British after the 1920-21 Rebellion ended. Occupations of hostile territory is very expensive.

[Caro]

4. Podvin didn't say that the American people ...

... want war with Iran.

Carolyn Kay
MakeThemAccountable.com