Oil firm immunity a concern in Iraq

[ze_dscherman]

By LISA GIRION
Los Angeles Times
An executive order signed by President Bush more than two months ago is raising concerns that U.S. oil companies may have been handed blanket immunity from lawsuits and criminal prosecution in connection with the sale of Iraqi oil.

The Bush administration said this week that the immunity wouldn't be nearly so broad.

But lawyers for various advocacy organizations said the two-page executive order seemed to completely shield oil companies from liability -- even if it could be proved that they had committed human rights violations, bribed officials or caused great environmental damage.

SNIP

Administration officials said the intent of the order would become clear once regulations, now being drafted by the Treasury Department, were issued. "Rules are forthcoming that will deal with some of these issues in greater specificity," Griffin said.

More: http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/business/2037199

[PROUDNWLIBERAL]

1. Corruption

What a bunch of corrupt bastards! Vote Dems in to office in the Congress and investigate the whole Bush Family and Cartel---Off With Their Heads!

[ze_dscherman]

2. Dupe, please continue here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=55984&mesg_id=55984

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Arrghhh - again. Brain temporarily damaged by global warming.