I am wondering if any of this has to do with oil control and the euro. Both Iran and Chavez have indicated a desire to switch from the dollar to the
euro.
I remember some speculation about the Iraq invasion having something to do with them switching to the euro.
It seems oil control is at play here too and China and Chavez together may pose a formidable challenge in our global energy plans.
What would really raise US hackles would be if Venezuela decided to sell China its US subsidiary Citgo. Such a move would allow Chinese oil companies
to ship Venezuelan crude to refineries on the US's western seaboard, and from there on to ships across the Pacific. Observers say Chávez has
discussed a potential deal with the Chinese, but he shares with China a desire not to make relations with the US any more complicated than they are
already.
One major obstacle to increased energy cooperation between China and the region is the sheer distances involved, and the lack of straightforward
shipping routes. As well working on the Panama Canal, China is also interested in funding a pipeline through Columbia, which would take Venezuelan
crude to the Pacific.
www.globalenvision.org...
Also if Chavez sells Citgo to China, they will transport the oil along the Western coast. China is positioned to buy control of the Panama Canal and
could restrict ships that interfere with their business.
It was the first time a congressional leader has raised questions about growing Chinese influence over one of the world's most strategic waterways.
Until now, warnings were being raised primarily by a handful of conservative lawmakers, led by Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, California Republican, who plans
a fact-finding trip to Panama on Monday.
The focus of concern is Hutchinson Whampoa Ltd., a giant Hong Kong-based shipping firm with ties
to China's leadership and its armed forces, the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
Mr. Lott wrote to Mr. Cohen, "This administration is allowing a scenario to develop where U.S. national security interests could not be
protected without confronting the Chinese communists in the Americas. U.S. naval ships will be at the mercy of Chinese-controlled pilots and could
even be denied passage through the Panama Canal by Hutchinson, an arm of the People's Liberation Army.
"In addition, the Chinese
Communist Party will gain an intelligence information advantage by controlling this strategic chokepoint. It appears that we have given away the farm
without a shot being fired."
www.conservativeusa.org...
Could sending 46 ships and 7000 troops be a strategic move against Chavez, China and Iran who seem to be unifying against us
and switching to
the Euro. I'm afraid when it comes to oil control, military options remain front and center of the table for options.
If oil is truly the lifeline to the economies of developed countries, you can bet they will go to war over it.
Peace
[edit on 9-7-2010 by speculativeoptimist]