Iran: War or Privatization: All Out War or “Economic Conquest”?
Author’s Note
This article first published in July 2008 raises important issues which are relevant to the current situation.
What is Washington’s agenda pending a final acceptance of the Iran nuclear deal?
War on Iran (in support of Israel) or the acquisition of Iran’s oil wealth through “foreign investment” in key areas of the Iranian economy?
It is worth noting that already in 2008, Iran had contemplated a divestment program which was to transfer the ownership of State assets into private hands including foreign capital.
In response to this initiative, the US Congress had called for the imposition of economic sanctions.
Under the threat of war, was this 2008 initiative by Tehran to privatize key industries intended to meet the demands of the Washington?
The issue of investing in Iran is currently (in the post-sanctions era) is a talking point on Wall Street, and among the Texas oil conglomerates.
One can assume that if the normalization of US-Iran relations goes ahead, privatization and foreign investment in Iran’s oil economy will be part of that process.
The following is what I wrote seven years ago in relation to Tehran’s State divestment program, which was applauded by the IMF.
