THE threatened war we are told by some, has nothing to do with oil.

Then I read that, facing its most chronic shortage of oil, the US last month turned to an unlikely source of help -- Iraq.

The oil-rich state has doubled its exports to help the US replace supplies that have dwindled due to a strike in Venezuela.

Iraq has the second largest world reserves of oil, some 112bn barrels, and another 100bn estimated untouched supplies. Should the war start, priority plans have been made by the US and Britain to protect the oil fields -- special forces to be deployed.

France, Russia, China and various other countries are indicating they want a share of the spoils. It would appear weapons of mass destruction will become a secondary issue, in the true purpose of the Iraq war "The treasure beneath the sand"-- but at what price?

John S L Evans

Howard Avenue

Deane, Bolton