Reply #11: Colonization

[Disturbed]

The Hand-Over That Wasn't: Illegal Orders give the US a Lock on Iraq's Economy
by Antonia Juhasz

Officially, the U.S. occupation of Iraq ended on June 28, 2004. But in reality, the United States is still in charge: Not only do 138,000 troops remain to control the streets, but the "100 Orders" of L. Paul Bremer III remain to control the economy.

These little noticed orders enacted by Bremer, the now-departed head of the now-defunct Coalition Provisional Authority, go to the heart of Bush administration plans in Iraq. They lock in sweeping advantages to American firms, ensuring long-term U.S. economic advantage while guaranteeing few, if any, benefits to the Iraqi people.

The Bremer orders control every aspect of Iraqi life - from the use of car horns to the privatization of state-owned enterprises. Order No. 39 alone does no less than "transition from a … centrally planned economy to a market economy" virtually overnight and by U.S. fiat.

Although many thought that the "end" of the occupation would also mean the end of the orders, on his last day in Iraq Bremer simply transferred authority for the orders to Prime Minister Iyad Allawi - a 30-year exile with close ties to the CIA and British intelligence.

http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0805-07.htm


I have been trying to figure out how the Neo Fascists ever thought that Iraq would be a "Democracy" when the three main groups are Sunnis, Shi'ites and Kurds living in fairly distinct areas of the country. Yes, I know there are exceptions to that but the areas are mainly distinct.

At this time these groups would like, for the most part to have the US and UK leave and not colonize Iraq and dictate how the country should be run and who controls the oil. None of the groups wants to be dominated by any of the others. I don't feel that that the US and UK can solve Iraq's problems. I don't feel that the upcoming elections will be solving any problems either because they will be in favor of US Puppet Govt. that is in place now.

Many people say that J. Kerry does not have a plan for Iraq. He has outlined a broad agenda but not a detailed one. I am not surprised about that because how could he have a plan when it is really not his place to dictate to Iraqis what they should do with their own country.

I have no idea what any solution to the Iraq debacle should be.

Anyone here have ideas?