Iraq was in planning before 9/11.
The World (minus the imbred Jesus country of Red America) correctly realizes how catastrophically wrong the genocidal occupation of Iraq is, however the Satanic Bush administrations has no regrets.
For those of you with STML, or the dum dum Southerns -- lets put this in perspective.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/page/0,12438,793802,00.html
March 2001 - Planning for Iraq occupation begins
August 2001 - Bush Admin ignores numerous memos stating "bin Laden determined to attack America -- including Gameface dream girl Condi Rice"
September 2001 - 9/11 attack by 19 Al Queda members, 15 of which were Saudi, the financers were also Sadi
September 2001 - 2 days after 9/11 Bush determines that flying the siblings of the 9/11 mastermind is one of his priorities. Bin Laden family flown home.
October 2001 - Attack Afghanistan with world support. Bush says "Bin Laden is America's number one enemy." Bush vows to capture or kill Bin Laden
March 2003 - We attack Iraq even though no proof of WMD exist.
November 2004 - Bin Laden continues to make home videos mocking dum dum Bush.
The World (minus the imbred Jesus country of Red America) correctly realizes how catastrophically wrong the genocidal occupation of Iraq is, however the Satanic Bush administrations has no regrets.
For those of you with STML, or the dum dum Southerns -- lets put this in perspective.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/page/0,12438,793802,00.html
March 2001 - Planning for Iraq occupation begins
August 2001 - Bush Admin ignores numerous memos stating "bin Laden determined to attack America -- including Gameface dream girl Condi Rice"
September 2001 - 9/11 attack by 19 Al Queda members, 15 of which were Saudi, the financers were also Sadi
September 2001 - 2 days after 9/11 Bush determines that flying the siblings of the 9/11 mastermind is one of his priorities. Bin Laden family flown home.
October 2001 - Attack Afghanistan with world support. Bush says "Bin Laden is America's number one enemy." Bush vows to capture or kill Bin Laden
March 2003 - We attack Iraq even though no proof of WMD exist.
November 2004 - Bin Laden continues to make home videos mocking dum dum Bush.
As honest answer as one can possibly give. It is like in a math problem when it says solve for X and there are "infinitely possible" answers. What is the answer if you truly believed he had WMD's when you went in??? Yes. What is the answer now that you know post invasion that he had destroyed or moved them???? The only way to truly know would be to know what the future would have been like if Saddam had be left in power and then he passed the regime onto his sons and then their sons etc... Would he have eventually got around sanctions and then continued to try and reconstitute his weapons programs??? Would he have aligned himself more overtly with terrorist organizations that would have carried out attacks on the United States? Would he have invaded Kuwait again? Would his sons have done any of the above? Would Iraq have become a new haven and training ground for terrorists? Was it just plain morally right to liberate an oppressed people from a brutal dictator???
Ask yourself this, if you are in a position of authority in the U.S. government in early 2000 and 2001, do you investigate and take action about Middle Eastern born foreigners wanting to learn how to fly a jumbo jet after takeoff but they are not interested in takeoff and landing? If you are in a position of authority after September 11th 2001 do you let a Middle Eastern dictator who kicks WMD inspectors out of this country and has invaded his neighbors stay in power??? You can make arguments on both sides about this war. I can agree though, we should have went in under the Powell doctrine not the Rumsfeld doctrine. We now have an obligation, and it is in the best interest of the U.S. and the Iraqi people to see this war through and stabilize the country for elections and for the Iraqi's who want peace. We have to help them establish their own military and police to take over the job that our forces are currently doing. That is the tough task ahead.
Ask yourself this, if you are in a position of authority in the U.S. government in early 2000 and 2001, do you investigate and take action about Middle Eastern born foreigners wanting to learn how to fly a jumbo jet after takeoff but they are not interested in takeoff and landing? If you are in a position of authority after September 11th 2001 do you let a Middle Eastern dictator who kicks WMD inspectors out of this country and has invaded his neighbors stay in power??? You can make arguments on both sides about this war. I can agree though, we should have went in under the Powell doctrine not the Rumsfeld doctrine. We now have an obligation, and it is in the best interest of the U.S. and the Iraqi people to see this war through and stabilize the country for elections and for the Iraqi's who want peace. We have to help them establish their own military and police to take over the job that our forces are currently doing. That is the tough task ahead.
What if another 9/11 happened and they were from Iraq? The same people saying we shouldn't be there would be arguing the opposite side. I say we did the right thing removing Sadam. Did we have the best exit plan?....Probably not....You either see the glasss half empty or half full on this subject!!!! We were spoiled with quick wars and low death tolls. Things will work out and thank you dear God for Bush winning....The same people bitching today will be praising him in 2 years. W04
Here it is...<TABLE borderColor=#ffffff cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" bgColor=#ffffff border=1><TBODY><TR bgColor=#000066><TD colSpan=2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Timeline of Competition between Unocal and Bridas for the Afghanistan Pipeline[/font] </TD></TR><TR><TD colSpan=2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
The Principal Players: Unocal | Bridas (Bridas has since merged with BP Amoco Argentina)
[/font][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1992[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]January[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Gas exploration rights for Yashlar block in eastern Turkmenistan awarded to Argentine firm; Bridas Production profits to be split 50-50 between Bridas and Turkmenistan government.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1993[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]February[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Bridas awarded Keimir Oil and Gas Block in western Turkmenistan. 75-25 split in profits, in favor of Bridas.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]March[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]President Niyazov of Turkmenistan hires Alexander Haig (former U.S. National Security Adviser) to lobby for increased U.S. investment in Turkmenistan. and for a softening of position on pipelines through Iran.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1994[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]September[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Bridas prevented from exporting oil from Keimir Block.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]November[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Working group established to study gas pipeline routes. Taliban capture Kandahar.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1995[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]January[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Keimir Block deal is renegotiated. Bridas's share of profits reduced to 65 percent. Oil exports allowed.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]March [/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Benazir Bhutto, Prime Minister of Pakistan, and Turkmen president Niyazov conduct feasibility study of Afghan pipeline.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]April[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Turkmenistan and Iran to build first 180 miles of proposed pipeline via Iran to Turkey. United States oppose financing pipeline through Iran. Turkmen officials in Texas at invitation of Bridas. While there, they also meet meet Unocal officials.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]August[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Oil and gas discovered by Bridas at Yashlar. Bridas representatives meet Taliban for first time. [/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]October[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]President Niyazov signs agreement in New York with Unocal/Delta.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]December[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Ban on Bridas's oil exports from Keimir imposed by Turkmenistan for second time.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1996[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]February[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Agreement between Afghan government and Bridas signed. Suit filed by Bridas in Texas against Unocal/Delta for interference in its business in Turkmenistan.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]March[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Tom Simmons, urges Bhutto to give exclusive rights to Unocal. Bhutto offended and demands apology.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]May[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Turkmenisatn, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan agree that Turkmenistan should name the consortium to build the pipeline. Opening of 100-mile railway route linking Turkmenistan and Iran.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]August[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unocal/Delta and Turkmenistan's Turkmenrosgaz along with Russia's Gazprom enter into agreement for pipeline project.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Septmeber[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unocal says it will give aid to to Afghan warlords once they agree to form a council to supervise the project. Taliban take Kabul.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]October[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unocal expresses suport for Taliban takover, saying it makes pipeline project easier. Unocal later says it was misquoted.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]November[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Bridas signs agreement with Taliban and Gen. Dostum to build pipeline.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]December[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Turkey to buy Turkmen gas through Iran.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#ffffff>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1997[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]January[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Turkmenistan signs exploration agreement with Mobil and Monument Oil. U.N. Under Secretary General Akashi criticizes oil companies and warlords for pipeline projects. [/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]February[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Taliban in Washington to seek recognition. Taliban meet with Unocal. Taliban travel to Argentina as guests of Bridas. Upon return, Taliban meet with Saudi Intelligence chief, Prince Turki al-Faysal, in Jeddah.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]March[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unocal sets up office in Kandahar; Bridas does likewise in Kabul.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]April[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Taliban announce criteria for awarding contract: The company that starts work first wins. [/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unocal President John Imle baffled by statement.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]June[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unocal says peace is necessary for construction of pipeline, otherwise the project could take years. Bridas officials meet Taliban and say that they are "interested in beginning work in any kind of security situation."[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#ffffff>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]July[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Unocal sign new contract extending Unocal's deadline by one year to start project by December 1998. In a policy shift, United Staes says it will not object to Turkmenisatn-Turkey pipeline through Iran. [/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]August[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Shell's Alan Parsley meets Niyazov and promises help on Turkmenistan-Turkey pipeline. Taliban say Bridas offer better terms and expect to enter into agreement with them.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]September[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Turkmenistan opens tenders for oil companies to take up new concessions along the Caspian. Niyazov, 57, has heart operation in Munich—concern grows about his health, and who would replace him should he die. Bridas sells 60 percent of the company's stakes in Latin America to Amoco. The two agree to form a new company to run operations jointly. Taliban delegation in Argentina to discuss pipeline deal with Bridas. [/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]October[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Taliban delegation visits Ashkhbad and agrees to set up tripartite commission with Pakistan and Turkmenistan to explore Unocal pipeline project. Centgas Pipeline Ltd. formed in Ashkhabad: Unocal owns 46.5 percent, Delta Oil owns 15 percent, Turkmenistan's national gas company owns 7 percent, Itochu Oil owns 6.5 percent, Inpex owns 6.5 percent, Crescent Group owns 3.5 percent, Hyundai Engineering owns 5 percent. Taliban undecided which consortium to join.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]November[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#ffffff>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Taliban in United States to visit Unocal and U.S. State Department officials.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]December[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Turkmenistan and Iran inaugarate 120-mile-long gas pipeline between the two countries.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" height=23>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1998[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" height=23>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2 height=38>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]January[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2 height=38>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Bridas awarded US$50 million by International Court of Arbitration in Paris for money owed by Turkmen government for refined products provided to Keimir refinery.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]February[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Gazprom pulls out of Unocal consortium, shares re-distributed, giving Unocal 54 percent.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]March[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unocal says pipeline on hold as unfeasible because of Afghan war. Turkmenistan anxious for work to begin soon. Unocal asks Pakistan to extend deadline to October 1998. Deadline cannot be met, says Unocal, because of Afghan civil war.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]June[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Objections to Afghan pipeline deal by some shareholders at Unocal's annual meeting. Unocal says it has spent US$10-15 million on the project since 1995 and intends to give US$1 million to Afghan charities in 1998.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]August[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]After U.S. missile strikes against Afghanistan, Unocal suspends pipeline project and asks American staff to leave. [/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]September[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Environmentalists in California ask Attorney General to dissolve Unocal for crimes against humanity, the environment, and for its relationship with the Taliban. [/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]October[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A Texas judge dismisses Bridas's US$15 billion suit against Unocal for preventing them developing gas fields in Turkmenistan. Judge says dispute covered by Turkmen and Afghan law, not Texas law.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]November[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unocal withdraws from a US$2.9 billion pipeline project to bring natural gas from Turkmenistan to Turkey.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]December[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Citing low oil prices, concerns over Osama bin Laden, and pressure from women's groups, Unocal withdraws from Afghan pipeline consortium. Unocal also announces a 40 percent drop in capital spending for 1999 because of low oil prices.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1999[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2 height=20>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]January[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2 height=20>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Turkmenistan's foreign minister visits Pakistan; says pipeline project still alive.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" height=41>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]February[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" height=41>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Carlos Bulgheroni, co-chairman of Bridas, visits Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia for talks with leaders.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]March[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Turkmenistan's Foreign Minister Sheikh Muradov meets with Mullah Omar in Kandahar to discuss pipeline. [/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]April[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Taliban sign agreement to revive pipeline project.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]May[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Taliban delegation signs agreements with Turkmenistan to buy gas and electricity.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" height=21>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD><TD width="61%" height=21>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]This timeline owes a heavy debt to Ahmed Rashid's excellent study, Taliban: Militant Islam, Oil, and Fundamentalism in Central Asia (Yale UP, 2000). Wherever possible, the information has been cross-checked against Unocal and BP Amoco Argentina's archives of press releases, Pratt's Oil Digest, Oil and Gas Magazine, Pravda, Moscow's Interfax News Agency, the ITAR-TASS news agency, the U.S. Department of Energy, and[/font]
The Principal Players: Unocal | Bridas (Bridas has since merged with BP Amoco Argentina)
[/font][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1992[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]January[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Gas exploration rights for Yashlar block in eastern Turkmenistan awarded to Argentine firm; Bridas Production profits to be split 50-50 between Bridas and Turkmenistan government.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1993[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]February[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Bridas awarded Keimir Oil and Gas Block in western Turkmenistan. 75-25 split in profits, in favor of Bridas.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]March[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]President Niyazov of Turkmenistan hires Alexander Haig (former U.S. National Security Adviser) to lobby for increased U.S. investment in Turkmenistan. and for a softening of position on pipelines through Iran.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1994[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]September[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Bridas prevented from exporting oil from Keimir Block.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]November[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Working group established to study gas pipeline routes. Taliban capture Kandahar.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1995[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]January[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Keimir Block deal is renegotiated. Bridas's share of profits reduced to 65 percent. Oil exports allowed.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]March [/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Benazir Bhutto, Prime Minister of Pakistan, and Turkmen president Niyazov conduct feasibility study of Afghan pipeline.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]April[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Turkmenistan and Iran to build first 180 miles of proposed pipeline via Iran to Turkey. United States oppose financing pipeline through Iran. Turkmen officials in Texas at invitation of Bridas. While there, they also meet meet Unocal officials.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]August[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Oil and gas discovered by Bridas at Yashlar. Bridas representatives meet Taliban for first time. [/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]October[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]President Niyazov signs agreement in New York with Unocal/Delta.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]December[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Ban on Bridas's oil exports from Keimir imposed by Turkmenistan for second time.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1996[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]February[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Agreement between Afghan government and Bridas signed. Suit filed by Bridas in Texas against Unocal/Delta for interference in its business in Turkmenistan.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]March[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Tom Simmons, urges Bhutto to give exclusive rights to Unocal. Bhutto offended and demands apology.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]May[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Turkmenisatn, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan agree that Turkmenistan should name the consortium to build the pipeline. Opening of 100-mile railway route linking Turkmenistan and Iran.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]August[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unocal/Delta and Turkmenistan's Turkmenrosgaz along with Russia's Gazprom enter into agreement for pipeline project.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Septmeber[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unocal says it will give aid to to Afghan warlords once they agree to form a council to supervise the project. Taliban take Kabul.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]October[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unocal expresses suport for Taliban takover, saying it makes pipeline project easier. Unocal later says it was misquoted.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]November[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Bridas signs agreement with Taliban and Gen. Dostum to build pipeline.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]December[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Turkey to buy Turkmen gas through Iran.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#ffffff>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1997[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]January[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Turkmenistan signs exploration agreement with Mobil and Monument Oil. U.N. Under Secretary General Akashi criticizes oil companies and warlords for pipeline projects. [/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]February[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Taliban in Washington to seek recognition. Taliban meet with Unocal. Taliban travel to Argentina as guests of Bridas. Upon return, Taliban meet with Saudi Intelligence chief, Prince Turki al-Faysal, in Jeddah.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]March[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unocal sets up office in Kandahar; Bridas does likewise in Kabul.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]April[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Taliban announce criteria for awarding contract: The company that starts work first wins. [/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unocal President John Imle baffled by statement.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]June[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unocal says peace is necessary for construction of pipeline, otherwise the project could take years. Bridas officials meet Taliban and say that they are "interested in beginning work in any kind of security situation."[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#ffffff>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]July[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Unocal sign new contract extending Unocal's deadline by one year to start project by December 1998. In a policy shift, United Staes says it will not object to Turkmenisatn-Turkey pipeline through Iran. [/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]August[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Shell's Alan Parsley meets Niyazov and promises help on Turkmenistan-Turkey pipeline. Taliban say Bridas offer better terms and expect to enter into agreement with them.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]September[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Turkmenistan opens tenders for oil companies to take up new concessions along the Caspian. Niyazov, 57, has heart operation in Munich—concern grows about his health, and who would replace him should he die. Bridas sells 60 percent of the company's stakes in Latin America to Amoco. The two agree to form a new company to run operations jointly. Taliban delegation in Argentina to discuss pipeline deal with Bridas. [/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]October[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Taliban delegation visits Ashkhbad and agrees to set up tripartite commission with Pakistan and Turkmenistan to explore Unocal pipeline project. Centgas Pipeline Ltd. formed in Ashkhabad: Unocal owns 46.5 percent, Delta Oil owns 15 percent, Turkmenistan's national gas company owns 7 percent, Itochu Oil owns 6.5 percent, Inpex owns 6.5 percent, Crescent Group owns 3.5 percent, Hyundai Engineering owns 5 percent. Taliban undecided which consortium to join.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]November[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#ffffff>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Taliban in United States to visit Unocal and U.S. State Department officials.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]December[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Turkmenistan and Iran inaugarate 120-mile-long gas pipeline between the two countries.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" height=23>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1998[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" height=23>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2 height=38>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]January[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2 height=38>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Bridas awarded US$50 million by International Court of Arbitration in Paris for money owed by Turkmen government for refined products provided to Keimir refinery.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]February[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Gazprom pulls out of Unocal consortium, shares re-distributed, giving Unocal 54 percent.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]March[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unocal says pipeline on hold as unfeasible because of Afghan war. Turkmenistan anxious for work to begin soon. Unocal asks Pakistan to extend deadline to October 1998. Deadline cannot be met, says Unocal, because of Afghan civil war.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]June[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Objections to Afghan pipeline deal by some shareholders at Unocal's annual meeting. Unocal says it has spent US$10-15 million on the project since 1995 and intends to give US$1 million to Afghan charities in 1998.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]August[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]After U.S. missile strikes against Afghanistan, Unocal suspends pipeline project and asks American staff to leave. [/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]September[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Environmentalists in California ask Attorney General to dissolve Unocal for crimes against humanity, the environment, and for its relationship with the Taliban. [/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]October[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A Texas judge dismisses Bridas's US$15 billion suit against Unocal for preventing them developing gas fields in Turkmenistan. Judge says dispute covered by Turkmen and Afghan law, not Texas law.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]November[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unocal withdraws from a US$2.9 billion pipeline project to bring natural gas from Turkmenistan to Turkey.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]December[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Citing low oil prices, concerns over Osama bin Laden, and pressure from women's groups, Unocal withdraws from Afghan pipeline consortium. Unocal also announces a 40 percent drop in capital spending for 1999 because of low oil prices.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1999[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2 height=20>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]January[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2 height=20>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Turkmenistan's foreign minister visits Pakistan; says pipeline project still alive.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" height=41>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]February[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" height=41>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Carlos Bulgheroni, co-chairman of Bridas, visits Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia for talks with leaders.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]March[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Turkmenistan's Foreign Minister Sheikh Muradov meets with Mullah Omar in Kandahar to discuss pipeline. [/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]April[/font]</TD><TD width="61%">[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Taliban sign agreement to revive pipeline project.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]May[/font]</TD><TD width="61%" bgColor=#e2dec2>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Taliban delegation signs agreements with Turkmenistan to buy gas and electricity.[/font]</TD></TR><TR><TD width="39%" height=21>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD><TD width="61%" height=21>[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]This timeline owes a heavy debt to Ahmed Rashid's excellent study, Taliban: Militant Islam, Oil, and Fundamentalism in Central Asia (Yale UP, 2000). Wherever possible, the information has been cross-checked against Unocal and BP Amoco Argentina's archives of press releases, Pratt's Oil Digest, Oil and Gas Magazine, Pravda, Moscow's Interfax News Agency, the ITAR-TASS news agency, the U.S. Department of Energy, and[/font]
And what if Bin Laden attacks us AGAIN instead of making home videos while Bush flies his Bin Laden business partners around the world?toon67 said:
Saddam was bad - No sh1t, but the fact is that we have bigger problems to worry about. They were nowhere near being a nuclear threat -- N. Korea IS.
You are an armchair QB......You forgot the climate before we invaded Sadam...We forget the inspectors weren't allowed in. Were you on the board before that. Hell no...You were right in there saying go get the bastard.
We have alot of problems worldwide. What do you want to do ,,,,walk away...Is that the Plan....Walk away!!!! Your a bunch of 2nd guessing chicken shi_!
You sit back in your chair and complain ,moan and grown all the time...Get out and help your community and do something other than complain...Redmap.com
We have alot of problems worldwide. What do you want to do ,,,,walk away...Is that the Plan....Walk away!!!! Your a bunch of 2nd guessing chicken shi_!
You sit back in your chair and complain ,moan and grown all the time...Get out and help your community and do something other than complain...Redmap.com
hey lander, I see the french finally found someone they can push around. after 8 of their worthless soldiers were killed in the Ivory Coast they immediatly went to the UN to seek the authority to use "all necessary means" to respond. imagine that! no sanctions , no inspectors, I just dont get it.
Morally wrong. Repugnant, actually.
Strategically, well ... from the perspective that our ancestors will read in 150 years' time, when the civilian casualties can be read with no emotional reaction, and assuming the 'military footprint' has a positive effect on the region (big, huge IF) it may well be the only option to preserve the state of the US in the long run. The biggest problem is the number of actors involved outside of US control. I'm trying to learn more about the Ottoman empire and the current interaction of state leaders in the region before deciding if this was the only way to fight off AQ's ambitions.
Tactically wrong, certainly. They've buggered this thing up so badly it'll take two generations to recover. And that's on both sides of the fence.
Strategically, well ... from the perspective that our ancestors will read in 150 years' time, when the civilian casualties can be read with no emotional reaction, and assuming the 'military footprint' has a positive effect on the region (big, huge IF) it may well be the only option to preserve the state of the US in the long run. The biggest problem is the number of actors involved outside of US control. I'm trying to learn more about the Ottoman empire and the current interaction of state leaders in the region before deciding if this was the only way to fight off AQ's ambitions.
Tactically wrong, certainly. They've buggered this thing up so badly it'll take two generations to recover. And that's on both sides of the fence.
toon67 said:
This post is a really good example of why the pre-emptive war doctrine is so fatally flawed, and fundamentally dangerous. "What if another 9/11 happened and they were from Iraq" is among the most knee-jerk, analysis-free statements that we hear so much of lately. In the first place, the origin of the attackers isn't of tremendous consequence, since Saudi Arabia is still standing. Secondly, another 9/11 could happen and they could be from Barbados, but that would hardly make attacking Barbados tomorrow a good idea would it?
Bush and Co. lied to no end (re: WMD, bigtime threat, blah blah) to gain popular support for this war. They should have been honest from the get-go, or begin a campaign of honesty immediately, or yee-haw Americans like this poster will call for military action on any nation that looks at them sideways.
