Why It Matters That Kuwait Controls Daimler-Chrysler

Washington, D.C. -- America is finally waking up to the fact that our addiction to oil is a serious foreign policy threat. I'm testifying tomorrow at the first hearing of the House Select Subcommittee on Global Warming; the topic is the "Geopolitical Implications of Rising Oil Dependence and Global Warming." The other witnesses include former CIA Director Jim Woolsey, Vice Admiral Dennis McGinn, and Gen.
Gordon Sullivan. Meanwhile, a second panel of Defense Department consultants issued a report this week saying that global warming is a serious national-security threat.

You might think that by this point American industry would be rallying around any opportunity help make America safer. Unfortunately, although many companies are rallying, some are still resisting. While CONOCO Phillips has become the first oil company to call for serious action, no auto company has yet joined it. In fact, even after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. government had a legal obligation under the Clean Air Act to limit global-warming pollution, General Motors is still pursuing a case in Vermont designed to prevent the states from doing so on their own. Oddly, GM has been joined by Daimler-Chrysler. Daimler, of course, plans to sell Chrysler and, because of the nature of its vehicles, the clean-car standards at issue in Vermont really won't affect the company at all. So why is the Stuttgart firm fighting a rear-guard action against U.S. action on global warming, especially when Europe has already stepped up to the plate?

Well, one reason emerged during the court hearing in Vermont. Who owns the automaker? The controlling interest, it turns out, is exercised by the largest single shareholder -- the Government of Kuwait! So perhaps it is not so surprising that the auto industry has not been eager to help the U.S. kick its addiction to Persian Gulf Oil -- it is in part a subsidiary of Persian Gulf Oil.

More:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carl-pope/why-it-matters-that-kuwai_b_46121.html

on one hand, some in Washington want to end the dependence on foreign oil for political and/or environmental reasons, while on the other hand, some in Washington stand to personally profit in the billions by creating even more muddled, shady 'partnerships' in the Middle East...I wonder which side Congress will favor?:scared:

Do you know Ed? - I've always admired him.

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-sci-defense17apr17,1,1086874.story?coll=la-news-a_section

Climate change called a security threat
Panel of retired military leaders says food shortages, new Arctic shipping routes and disasters could affect U.S. interests.
By Karen Kaplan and Thomas H. Maugh II, Times Staff Writers
April 17, 2007

Global warming poses a "serious threat to America's national security" and the military should act now to minimize the destabilizing consequences of rising temperatures, a panel of retired generals and admirals warned Monday.

Shortages of food and water could cause weak governments to collapse, increasingly severe natural disasters could draw U.S. forces into humanitarian missions in volatile areas, and melting Arctic ice could spark territorial disputes over shipping routes and natural resources.

Even the effectiveness of sonar used by American submarines could be at risk if parts of the oceans become less salty.

The 63-page report describes climate change as a "threat multiplier" that makes dangerous situations around the world all the more menacing.

"We will pay for this one way or another," said retired Marine Gen. Anthony C. Zinni, who commanded U.S. forces in the Middle East. "We will pay to reduce greenhouse gas emissions today … or we'll pay the price later in military terms. And that will involve human lives."<snip>

"Global warming's impacts on natural resources and climate systems may create the fiercest battle our world has ever seen," said Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), chair of the newly formed House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. Markey will introduce legislation to fund climate change planning by the Department of Defense. <snip>