false 5 1 false false Sun Jun 28 16:15:01 -0700 2009 Tue Jun 09 18:59:08 -0700 2009 Mon Sep 07 01:41:33 -0700 2009 "In January 2006, the corruption [in Chad:] became so apparent that the World Bank, which helps finance Chad's oil boom, suspended $124 million in loans and grants, and stopped payment of an additional $125 million in oil royalties after the government resisted pressure to invest its oil profits in projects to aid its impoverished people, who survive on an average income of $30 a month. Chad's president, Idriss Deby, threatened to shut down the country's oil production unless the WB released the funds. The WB stood firm. Deby then demanded that Chad's oil consortium, led by U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil, pay at least $100 million to tide the country over until the WB released Chad's royalities. U.S. diplomats acted on behalf of American oil companies. Deby received his money, thank you very much, and the roads, hospitals, running water, schools remain little more than dusty dreams..." (p. 61). Learning a lot -- about writing styles, word usage, and America's attitude in world affairs as perceived first-hand by these writers. Great read thus far!]]>