ABSTRACT

When George W. Bush became a presidential candidate there was much uncertainty about the future of US Middle East policy. It was not at all clear how Bush’s affiliation with oil companies-such as Arbusto Energy Inc., Spectrum 7, and Harken Energy-would influence policy. It was also unclear if the affiliation of some of Bush’s top advisors-such as his future Vice President Cheney having been the Chairman and CEO of Halliburton or National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice having served on Chevron’s board of directors-would make any difference in US policy decision making. Cheney, as mentioned in the previous chapter, was one of the oil lobbyists who had fought against sanctions imposed on Iran. Indeed, on August 3, 2000 The Jerusalem Post reported that “at a World Petroleum Congress meeting in Canada, Cheney declared his support for doing business with Iran.” The report quoted Cheney as saying “‘I would hope we could find ways to improve’ US-Iran relations.” He further stated, according to the report: “One of the ways I think is to allow American firms to do the same thing that most other firms around the world are able to do now, and that is to be active in Iran.” Also, the report stated that Cheney “reiterated his view on Sunday talk shows this week that American sanctions on Iran should be lifted and said he would try to persuade Bush of his position.” But, the report went on to say, “Bush has said his administration would take a tougher approach to Iran than US President Bill Clinton’s administration, which has made unanswered gestures of rapprochement.”