Loose cannons

Issue 

Embargo, what embargo?

"US oilfield services company Halliburton Co. will pull out of Iran after its current contracts there are wound down, its chief executive said Friday, citing a poor business climate in the Islamic Republic... Halliburton said in July it had received a [US justice department] subpoena seeking information about operations in Iran of its Cayman Islands-based Halliburton Products & Services Ltd unit. Hallibuton has argued that using a Cayman Islands subsidiary exempts it from a trade embargo against Iran imposed by Washington." — San Diego Tribune, January 28.

A better business climate

"The US occupation authority that governed Iraq after the 2003 invasion did not properly safeguard [US]$8.8 billion of Iraq's money, leaving the funds open to corruption, a US audit released on Sunday has said... One of the main benefactors of Iraq funds was Texas-based firm Halliburton, which was paid about $1.7 billion of those funds to bring in fuel for Iraqi civilians." — Reuters report, January 31.

Compassionate conservative

"Uniquely American, isn't it? I mean, that is fantastic that you're doing that. Get any sleep?" — Emperor George Bush II, February 4, after being told by an Omaha, Nebraska, single mother of three children, one of whom is mentally handicapped, that she has to work three jobs to make an adequate living.

Unbearable burden

"And it's not only having no retirement system. It is how are we going to pay for people like George W. when he gets ready to retire? That's as big a burden as having no system at all, see?" — Emperor Bush, February 4, explaining why he wants to privatise the US Social Security retirement pensions system.

From Green Left Weekly, February 16, 2005.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.