Royal Dutch Shell is preparing for a federal trial…where it would face allegations that it played a role in the executions of activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and other civilians by Nigeria's former military regime. It is just the latest in a series of trials seeking to hold big oil companies liable for human rights abuses or environmental damage overseas…Oil companies say they can't be held responsible for the actions of the national governments in countries where they operate. They have, however, paid attention to the potentially damaging perception of human rights abuses, and so have company shareholders…No matter what happens in court, the attention already has forced the industry to take a harder look at its relationship with foreign governments. [also refers to Chevron, ExxonMobil, Unocal (part of Chevron)]