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It is not really a sovereignty issue, but more a question of being able to safeguard vital supplies from attacks by terrorist and, in some cases, piracy.  

Bitsofnews.com Giving you the latest bits.
by Gjermund E Jansen (gjans1@hotmail.com) on Tue May 15th, 2007 at 02:52:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]
How exactly does a rapid-reaction military force protect against terrorism, or piracy?

Why do you think that protection by the armed forces other than the country concerned is NOT a sovereignity issue?

What does that mean, "vital" supply? What does that mean, "safeguard"?

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.

by DoDo on Tue May 15th, 2007 at 03:54:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]
<snark> What other "costs-of-doing-business" would you like the "vital" oil companies to externalize?

Hairdressers, dinner companions...  Maybe expand the military industrial complex into METO, AUSTO, ATO, AFTO, all based in DC?  Want to subsidize their exploration and drilling too before paying at the pump?</snark>

_Our knowledge has surpassed our wisdom. --Charu Saxena._

by metavision on Tue May 15th, 2007 at 03:16:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Well, ignoring the snark for a moment :), I would say that anyone has the right to protect themselves, which also includes oil companies.  That said I don't think that NATO forces are going all over the world trying to protect oil facilities or commercial property in general, that is not possible and not wanted.  Still, the need to prepare for and be ready for terrorist attacks in the future is, in my opinion, a necessity considering the vulnerability of most NATO members' states when it comes to, amongst other things, energy supplies.  Al-Qeada has demonstrated its willingness to attack such installations and infrastructures, where ever they might be, previously and have stated that this is going to be part of their strategy for the future.

Bitsofnews.com Giving you the latest bits.
by Gjermund E Jansen (gjans1@hotmail.com) on Tue May 15th, 2007 at 03:35:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]
I would say that anyone has the right to protect themselves, which also includes oil companies.

Yes, oil companies are "welcome" to hire Blackwater if it is allowed by the laws of the countries where they operate, but NATO is not a mercenary force, last time I checked.

Bush is a symptom, not the disease.

by Migeru (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Tue May 15th, 2007 at 04:57:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]
The only preparation that has a good chance to work is eliminating dependence.

*Traitor*, n.
A benighted individual who perceives an illusory distinction between serving his nation and abetting the criminals who govern it.
by DoDo on Tue May 15th, 2007 at 03:56:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Agreed, but in an interdependent world that has become almost impossible.  

Bitsofnews.com Giving you the latest bits.
by Gjermund E Jansen (gjans1@hotmail.com) on Tue May 15th, 2007 at 04:03:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Let´s cut back on the kool aid, please:

anyone has the right to protect themselves

A basic personal right, now misused by the gun lobby.

which also includes oil companies.

Comparing an individual person with an oil company is a major stretch and their duty and capacity are not comparable.  Oil companies do not even protect themselves by avoiding conflict in foreign countries or even by maintaining pipelines.  Other "vital" industries could demand the same protection:  banks, power companies, transport companies...

I don't think that NATO forces are going all over the world trying to protect oil facilities

This article does not say "only in the North Atlantic"

the need to prepare for and be ready for terrorist attacks in the future is

to stop creating terrorists by pre-emptive oil-war policies.  It has been popularly and officially acknowledged that 43&Co are the major cause of terrorism.

Al-Qeada has demonstrated its willingness to attack such installations and infrastructures

from countries that continue to attack their people and destroy their countries.

When the world powers stop being the biggest offensive threat and --get this-- create a Department of Peace, terrorism will be a rare event.

_Our knowledge has surpassed our wisdom. --Charu Saxena._

by metavision on Tue May 15th, 2007 at 05:57:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]
Well, you are entitled to your opinion, just like I am entitled to have mine.  :)

Bitsofnews.com Giving you the latest bits.
by Gjermund E Jansen (gjans1@hotmail.com) on Tue May 15th, 2007 at 06:32:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

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