Wednesday, January 14, 2004

What are you doing as the oil runs out? Endgame in Civilization


Bush and Cheney seem to have a plan.

There is a whole African initiative, specifically a West African initiative by this administration. It is not really related to terrorists.

This White House attention to Africa may have had some influence on the commitment of money for Africa HIV/AIDS. Although half the money was already there in existing programs and Bush later budgeted only 2/3rds of what he promised, that still leaves an over 30% increase. Like the Marshall Plan this AIDS plan also benefits American companies who have to produce the drugs. Those are big GOP contributors so it is another win for Bush. Some of the biggest fights have been over countries wanting to purchase cheaper non-American generics. The Bush government supports the American companies just say no to cheap drugs position.

Why is this administration interested in Africa? Hands up if you believe it is out of the goodness of their hearts

Still on the mouse I see. Would you believe OIL?

Yes, West Africa is set to become the next big energy producer. Bush and Cheney are extremely aware that world oil production has been declining since 2000 and only one new barrel has been added to known reserves for every nine used for the past 25 years. Like Iraq, the region gives a chance to play world cop and chase terrorists while also chasing oil deals.

To say Iraq was only about the oil is inaccurate. To say it was a prime strategic consideration is dead on.

This seems related to the computer game Civilization (Amazon -$9.95). In this real life example, America has won both a cultural and military world domination victory but some people just aren't satisfied. They want a more definitive military victory, which coincidently means more power and money for them. Democracy happens to be a bad form of government to pursue war aims so you see moves toward trying to place limits on Democracy. In the game switching to Monarchy, Republic, Despotism, Communism (really call it Stateism, there hasn't been a real Communist state) would be called for to continue wars. The new expansion adds Fascism and Feudalism and others you can create (Amazon $29.99 - ouch, it was just on sale for $9.99). Since we have already won shouldn't we let all the American people reap the benefits? Bush and Cheney stress the fact there are bad guys still out there, lets arm some more and chase them down. In the game that means smarter countries reap the benefits while we get to play soldier. With us bogged down in wars that make citizens unhappy, Europe or Asia might score a diplomatic victory or win on points - having the most happy citizens.

Further reading on the Bush family's four generations of involvement in the oil, intelligence, government, and military business can be found in major Republican strategist Kevin Phillips' book - "American Dynasty: Aristocracy, Fortune, and the Politics of Deceit in the House of Bush."

If both Iraq and West Africa are about the oil what about the other world trouble spots? The world has been amazed at Bush tough talking but continued backing down in North Korea. Simple, no oil. Iran doesn't have much oil but is at a strategic location to influence countries that do. Our support for the former Soviet Mid-Asian dictatorships - oil and gas. Pursuing good relations with Mexico - oil and Mexican American votes. Afghanistan - pipelines. Where have we already sponsored a coup attempt - Venezuela, lots of oil. Based on this record it seems there could be oil discoveries in Cuba but the pressure there is probably a plan for Cuban American votes. Columbia was on the administration military plans but hasn't happened - is there not enough oil?

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