Reply #56: Here's a prescient little article (January 11 2003):

[struggle4progress]

Iraqi oil may be taken as 'spoil of war'
By Knut Royce in Washington
January 11 2003


The White House may tap Iraq's oil to help pay the cost of a military occupation if it decides to take military action against President Saddam Hussein.

The move, which could turn much of the Middle-East against the United States, is being seriously considered by officials in the Bush Administration.

Officially, the White House agrees that oil revenue will play an important role during any occupation, but only for the benefit of Iraqis.

However, according to a source briefed on the option, there are strong advocates for taking the oil funds as "spoils of war".

The source said that under the plan the US would "take all the oil money until there is a new democratic government" in Iraq.

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/01/10/1041990096484.html