Andrew Sullivan reminds us that one of the Bush administrations official "benchmarks" for measuring progress in Iraq was the drafting of legislation to distribute Iraqi oil. Well, surprise, surprise, that legislation's been drafted, and the oil's been handed over to foreign companies with no bidding.

Embarrassing.

Empire: The Constant and Predatory Acquisition of Wealth

These deals were negotiated between the Iraqi government and companies able to do the job. It just happens that most of the companies capable are western. Is Andrew Sullivan suggesting that the US government meddle in the private dealings of the Iraqi government and private companies?
Personally, I would have no problem with the US government exercising complete authority over the entire nation and the oil, especially given the expense involved. However, as much as you and I would like to believe, though probably for different reasons, that isn't what is happening here.

Conquest is A-OK by you, ain't it!