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08/15/2004:

"US and France Begin a Great Game in Africa"

by Julio Godoy antiwar.com
PARIS - France and the United States have begun a new race to compete for favors with undemocratic regimes in Africa. The competition is growing particularly in the oil-rich North and West Africa. full article

Ailing Shell braced for French bid
Guardian UK
Royal Dutch/Shell is bracing itself for a takeover bid, with Shell executives now conceding that it is vulnerable to a predator.

Insiders at the Anglo-Dutch oil giant fear Total, the French oil group, will launch a raid. Total, the world's fourth-largest oil firm, is considered the only predator capable of gaining regulatory approval for what would be a spectacular merger...

...Analysts say that Total's strong Middle Eastern presence would bolster that of Shell's, while a single Shell/Total business would be the dominant player in Nigeria. Unlike Shell, Total has a strong presence in Angola. full article