9/22    Anybody think there we'll actually be able to sell large quantities
        of Iraqi oil and use the money to help pay for reconstruction?  I've
        been reading up on the sabotages.  It's demoralizing.  All it takes
        is an ax and a small match to blow up a section of a pipeline.  And
        \- i dont think that is true. crude oil isnt like gasoline.
           but yeah, when people have mortars and rpgs under the bed, it's
           probably not a technology problem. --psb
        a lot of that has been happening.  Even the below ground pipelines
        have above-ground manual valves every few kilometers for manual shut
        off.  Those are easy targets too.  No wonder Iraq is still importing
        oil.  The more I think about it, the more I think this little
        reconstruction project won't pay for itself.
        \_ We can't take oil money for reconstruction.  We have to vigorously
           avoid the criticism of the "no blood for oil" nutjobs.
           \_ Hey, the proper term is "whackos!"  Don't lump them with
              us.  -- tinfoil-and-duct-tape nutjob
           \_ The plan was to give reconstruction contracts to Halliburton,
              Bechtel, et al and the contract is with the Iraqi government,
              which pays for it with oil revenue... At least I think that
              was the plan
              \_ We have a plan???
                 \_  1. Invade Iraq
                     2. ?????
                     3. Profit!
        \_ While sabotage is part of the problem, the fact is the decade
           long embargo meant no spare parts for refineries and pipelines.
           Phoenix has a pipe go on them and it took them weeks to fix
           WITH spare parts, expertise and money. BushCo will of course blame
           Clinton for the embargo.
           \_ well, duh.  it would look bad to blame Bush Sr.