The Nation -The Afghan Pipeline You Don't Know About

[Go2Peace]

"Well, speak of the dead and not-quite-buried. It turns out that, in April, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India (acronymically TAPI) signed a Gas Pipeline Framework Agreement to build a U.S.-backed $7.6 billion pipeline. It would, of course, bypass Iran and new energy giant Russia, carrying Turkmeni natural gas and oil to Pakistan and India. Construction would, theoretically, begin in 2010. Put the emphasis on "theoretically," because the pipeline is, once again, to run straight through Kandahar and so directly into the heartland of the Taliban insurgency. "

Hmmm, new US backed pipeline will need go directly through the heartland of the Taliban insurgency...hmmm How can we do that unless....


http://www.thenation.com/blogs/notion/335023

And 2 + 2 = ?

[polichick]

1. Wonder if the prez will mention this tonight. nt

[Postman]

9. You forgot the sarcasm icon.....

Chances of CIA declassifying JFK files are more likely than this getting mentioned...

American public must believe the fiery-tale of American exceptionalism not the true nature of foreign policy - natural resource grabs - otherwise no one would join the military to keep the country "free".....


Suckers

[polichick]

12. Can't seem to remember that icon. I agree with your post! nt

[SammyWinstonJack]

18. .

:thumbsup:

[Go2Peace]

26. Looks like the propagandistshave gotten out of class. recwar is on! ;)

up and down she goes

[hansont]

2. very interesting. +1 for observation

[closeupready]

3. Colonize? Right, that's the only way I can see it being workable long-term.

I mean, unless there are other suggestions? But we seem to have given up on that 'hearts and minds' thing.

[Echo In Light]

4. Necessary "War$"

[Go2Peace]

11. I am all for fighting terrorism but we have to change our approach

I am unfortunately becomming sceptical. I knew obama intended to go heavier into Afghanistan, but so many of his policies seem to be about benefiting the status quo. I am losing my confidence we are doing things for the right reasons.

[Echo In Light]

19. The "war on terror" is manufactured to benefit the Few Big

And that's that. Nothing more to it. The enormous propaganda effort, and the scores of people it employs at various levels, in various institutions, speaks to how flimsy its premise is, and the subsequent, urgent NEED to make fantasy 'real' by having the American public believe what those Few Big want them to believe. That it all appears so confusing, and in need of so many 'experts' only increases the overall need to perpetuate the illusion - whole lotta careers and big $ on the line.

[Ignis]

28. Nah, this is the "good war." We ended the "bad war."

I know it's hard to keep them straight, but that's what the program says.

[anarch]

48. yes, thank goodness there are no more US troops in Iraq at this point

right?

[truedelphi]

5. K & R for later reading. n/t

[leftstreet]

6. Holy Poppies! So many opportunities in Pipelinestan!

[Echo In Light]

56. Read some Peter Dale Scott

[Echo In Light]

57. _

[Postman]

7. This can't be because posters like "Buzz Clik" say it isn't.....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x7079303

[Raster]

13. Bullshit.

The United States will do its part to stabilize the area so that new pipeline infrastructure can be built to service the Indian subcontinent. India is the key. Forget the pipelines that exist. It is now about what is to be built. We-the United States-are in the Middle East to control who gets AND DOES NOT GET the petro-resources.

Like it or not, the United States is a "has been." We are not part of the emerging New World Order. Our importance in the world is on the decline. If China is the 900 lb. elephant in the room, India is the 900 lb. tiger.

[Go2Peace]

15. It is a geopolitical corporate fight. Russia is already building a pipeline to the same markets

this one through afghanistan is the only way to compete with them.

[Raster]

25. Absolutely! Pipelines, poppies and profits.

[Echo In Light]

58. _

[hansont]

8. Pipeline work scheduled "to begin in 2010"

[Davis_X_Machina]

32. Repairing the damage to the pipeline by the Taliban....

.....to commence 48 hours later.

The TAPI pipeline will never be built. It's an anal tonsillectomy -- you can get the tonsils out via that route, but it's rarely done, and very difficult.

[chill_wind]

10. Might see these links, also from summer of 2008

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=7124568&mesg_id=7124897

[Go2Peace]

14. And it is geopolitical. The pipeline is only being built to compete with Russia

Russia already has a pipeline that is being created to deliver oil to the same markets. This pipeline is simply for geopolitical purposes, to put control of the regional oil in US multinational corporate control, instead of the competition.

So my question is: Are we about to put our soldiers in harms way so that "our" oil companies can secure a market?

[jaksavage]

21. yup. nt

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

16. I've been talking about this frigging pipeline for the last 7 years.

[glitch]

20. 8. We knew about it around 9/11. Carpeted with gold or bombs...nt

[dixiegrrrrl]

27. Yes you have...so have I. And we were booed for it.

Worse yet, Brzezinski has been talking bout it since 1997.
And HE has Obama's ear.

I am, however, heartened to see on this thread so many who also "get it".
I am disheartened that we will always be a minority in this country who get it.

Party is over....Corpocracy wins again.

[Go2Peace]

33. We haven't lost

It is just unfortunate that it is on Obama's watch that everyone starts realizing how serious we really need *fundamental* change. But maybe that is the way it has to be.

[jasi2006]

17. Oh, we know about it. It was one of the reasons the Taliban made efforts

to deal right before and right after 9/11. There was a lot of behind the scenes stuff on this pipeline reported and ignored.

[Xicano]

22. Obama is joining the Empire building community.

We all know this isn't about BinLaden or a war on terror, its about the continuation of America's corporate manifest destiny. Unfortunately there seems to always be people so blinded by greed they're blind to history and what happens to ALL empires.

This shit was preordained long before Obama was put in charge. You can read all about it in "The Grand Chessboard - American Primacy and its Geostrategic imperatives". Obama and any politician who pushes these policies are basically public relations for the average American to be suckered into supporting military action where the economic hit men and jackals have been unsuccessful.

This first year of office has shown Obama to be just another corporatist wall street'er. What a shame.

[raccoon]

44. But any politician who wasn't just another corporatist wall street'er would never get

the nomination for Presidential candidate of either D or R party. You can be sure of that.

[slipslidingaway]

23. And the route through Pakistan ...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Afghanistan_Pipeline#Route

"The 1,680 kilometres (1,040 mi) pipeline will run from the Dauletabad gas field to Afghanistan. From there TAPI will be constructed alongside the highway running from Herat to Kandahar, and then via Quetta and Multan in Pakistan. The final destination of the pipeline will be the Indian town of Fazilka, near the border between Pakistan and India.<3>"

[WhiteTara]

24. Darth Cheney has been in on the deal since 1994

and inked a deal in December 2000. The war in Afghanistan is all about oil too.
http://www.moles.org/ProjectUnderground/drillbits/6_08/1.html

[Mira]

29. It's always been blood for oil Heavy hearted Kick and Recommendation

[dixiegrrrrl]

30. The short version of the truth is here, with maps:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6afjdjjG1mI

[txaslftist]

31. LOL.

What chumps we are.

[slipslidingaway]

34. kick nt

[many a good man]

35. Ever hear of Richard Labeviere, Dollars For Terror?

http://www.peterdalescott.net/q7.html

1992
January 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.
1993
February Bridas awarded Keimir Oil and Gas Block in western Turkmenistan. 75-25 split in profits, in favor of Bridas.
March 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.

1994
September Bridas prevented from exporting oil from Keimir Block.
November Working group established to study gas pipeline routes. Taliban capture Kandahar.

1995
January Keimir Block deal is renegotiated. Bridas's share of profits reduced to 65 percent. Oil exports allowed.
March Benazir Bhutto, Prime Minister of Pakistan, and Turkmen president Niyazov conduct feasibility study of Afghan pipeline.
April 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.
August Oil and gas discovered by Bridas at Yashlar. Bridas representatives meet Taliban for first time.
October President Niyazov signs agreement in New York with Unocal/Delta.
December Ban on Bridas's oil exports from Keimir imposed by Turkmenistan for second time.

1996
February Agreement between Afghan government and Bridas signed. Suit filed by Bridas in Texas against Unocal/Delta for interference in its business in Turkmenistan.
March U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Tom Simmons, urges Bhutto to give exclusive rights to Unocal. Bhutto offended and demands apology.
May 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.
August Unocal/Delta and Turkmenistan's Turkmenrosgaz along with Russia's Gazprom enter into agreement for pipeline project.
Septmeber Unocal says it will give aid to to Afghan warlords once they agree to form a council to supervise the project. Taliban take Kabul.
October Unocal expresses suport for Taliban takover, saying it makes pipeline project easier. Unocal later says it was misquoted.
November Bridas signs agreement with Taliban and Gen. Dostum to build pipeline.
December Turkey to buy Turkmen gas through Iran.

1997
January Turkmenistan signs exploration agreement with Mobil and Monument Oil. U.N. Under Secretary General Akashi criticizes oil companies and warlords for pipeline projects.
February 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.
March Unocal sets up office in Kandahar; Bridas does likewise in Kabul.
April Taliban announce criteria for awarding contract: The company that starts work first wins.
Unocal President John Imle baffled by statement.
June 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."
July 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.
August 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.
September 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.
October 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.
November Taliban in United States to visit Unocal and U.S. State Department officials.
December Turkmenistan and Iran inaugarate 120-mile-long gas pipeline between the two countries.

1998
January 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.
February Gazprom pulls out of Unocal consortium, shares re-distributed, giving Unocal 54 percent.
March 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.
June 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.
August After U.S. missile strikes against Afghanistan, Unocal suspends pipeline project and asks American staff to leave.
September Environmentalists in California ask Attorney General to dissolve Unocal for crimes against humanity, the environment, and for its relationship with the Taliban.
October 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.
November Unocal withdraws from a US$2.9 billion pipeline project to bring natural gas from Turkmenistan to Turkey.
December 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.

1999
January Turkmenistan's foreign minister visits Pakistan; says pipeline project still alive.
February Carlos Bulgheroni, co-chairman of Bridas, visits Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia for talks with leaders.
March Turkmenistan's Foreign Minister Sheikh Muradov meets with Mullah Omar in Kandahar to discuss pipeline.
April Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Taliban sign agreement to revive pipeline project.
May Taliban delegation signs agreements with Turkmenistan to buy gas and electricity.

[Wilms]

36. .

[New Dawn]

37. Kick for truth.

[donheld]

38. Yes indeed

[Cowpunk]

39. K & R. Why am I not surprised?

[slay]

40. K&R - THIS is why Afghanistan is important to us

UGH! :puke:

[tomm2thumbs]

41. I hear you can lay a pipeline in 18 months - uh oh

[snot]

42. K&R'd -- great thread.

[harun]

43. A pipeline of that size would need like 30K troops to defend it..... oh wait.

[newspeak]

45. I know I heard Obama say last night

that we're not in there to take their resources. Anyone else hear that?

I remember when we first invaded Iraq-some fool had a bumper sticker on his pick up that said "Kill Iraqis and steal their oil." It was a gross, sick bumper sticker, and I thought "this fool thinks he's going to benefit from stealing their oil."

[JohnyCanuck]

46. Ex-UK Ambassador says Afghanistan invasion was about a pipeline

Ex-UK Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Craig Murray, says Afghanistan invasion was about a pipeline and control of Caspian Basin energy resources.

Watch starting around the 3 minute mark in this Youtube video of a speech by Murray:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MQoG5wfx5g&feature=related

That's actually part 2 of the speech, part 1 is at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNYES8KOIqY

[Name removed]

47. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[jus_the_facts]

49. "Obey Your MASTERS... Master of Puppets are pullin' our strings..."

[Junkdrawer]

50. Kick

:kick:

[Echo In Light]

51. Bump

[Echo In Light]

52. Bump

[Echo In Light]

53. Bump

[JohnyCanuck]

54. Bumpity-bump.

[Echo In Light]

55. And another

[Echo In Light]

59. Bump