According to the hedge fund and investor Hermitage Capital Management, between 1997 and 2001 the company lost 10% of its gas reserves via share dilution to partners in various joint ventures, totaling an amount equal to Exxon's entire reserves at the time.

FORBES: Energy Tsar

Similar joint ventures may be ordered to explore the untapped reserves of Eastern Siberia.

ECONOMIST: Putin versus the oligarchs

Changing the constitution, which is necessary to allow foreign companies to take a stake in the country's ample hydrocarbon reserves and for Pemex to enter into joint ventures, requires a two-thirds majority vote in Congress.

MSN: Sweeping Mexico energy reform may stumble in Congress

Coughlin, another major in the U.S. Army (Reserves), used to warn against this practice as a contractor supporting the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: None dare call it ��submission��