U.S. bars opponents from Iraq bids

[rhino 0]

U.S. bars opponents from Iraq bids

Iraq reconstruction contracts estimated at $18.6 billion


ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 — The Pentagon has formally barred companies from countries opposed to the Iraq war from bidding on $18.6 billion worth of reconstruction contracts.

LOL

RHINO

[quade 4]

And you think that's funny?

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[newsstand 0]

I will not get sucked into this.
I will not get sucked into this.
I will not get sucked into this.
I will not get sucked into this.

"Truth is tough. It will not break, like a bubble, at a touch; nay, you may kick it about all day like a football, and it will be round and full at evening."
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes

[kmcguffee 0]

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Logitech Wireless USB Keyboard w/ iTouch Keys

I personally think it's hilarious. Who was going to protect them while they worked on the contract? They are not willing to send any troops.

"Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do." Ben Franklin

[downwardspiral 0]

LOL

www.FourWheelerHB.com

[quade 4]

We bomb a country and give our VP's former company the lion's share of the reconstruction contracts.

Yet another reason for the world to hate us.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[kmcguffee 0]

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Yet another reason for the world to hate us.

And you too. Wouldn't want to leave you out.

This is a popularity contest isn't it?

"Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do." Ben Franklin

[Jib 0]

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We bomb a country and give our VP's former company the lion's share of the reconstruction contracts.

Yet another reason for the world to hate us.

Why should we send billions of dollars to countries that did nothing to help and some even aided Iraq's former regime? Yeah, that's better than giving it to our allies. Popular opinion in France or Germany really helps our economy?

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the depth of his depravity sickens me.
-- Jerry Falwell, People v. Larry Flynt

[mikkey 0]

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We bomb a country and give our VP's former company the lion's share of the reconstruction contracts.

Yet another reason for the world to hate us.

Acually they are "only" the second largest supplier. From the BBC:

"The biggest contractor in Iraq is Bechtel, the American construction firm that has an estimated $1bn contract to rebuild Iraq's infrastructure

The other major US contractor is Kellogg, Brown & Root (KBR), a subsidiary of the oilfield services company Halliburton. "

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When people look like ants - pull. When ants look like people - pray.

[quade 4]

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This is a popularity contest isn't it?

I believe diplomacy is a bit of a popularity contest and right now the U.S. is losing badly.

On September 11, 2001 we had the support of a vast number of people on the planet . Even most of our traditional enemies were on our side of fighting a war on terrorism. Since then most of that support has steadily erroded due to our own decisions to not build a consensus to fight the war, but rather to strike out however we saw fit regardless of how the rest of the world feels.

This is just one more example of our not building a consensus and not letting the world have a say in how things are going to be done.

We are a nation of great strength, but with that strength comes the responsibility to use it in constructive ways for the betterment of all people, everywhere.

You seem to have the notion that I somehow hate the U.S. -- nothing could be further from the truth. What I hate is our leaders wasting the good will we had and instead creating animosity throughout the world.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[mikkey 0]

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And you too. Wouldn't want to leave you out.

That is below the belt.
When people use these type of arguments and "if you dont like the policy then leave the country" thing they just show their inabilityto have an intelligent discussion.

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When people look like ants - pull. When ants look like people - pray.

[downwardspiral 0]

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And you too. Wouldn't want to leave you out.

That is below the belt.
When people use these type of arguments and "if you dont like the policy then leave the country" thing they just show their inabilityto have an intelligent discussion.

Well maybe I should leave the country. I hear the USMC is giving away free trips to the middle east.

www.FourWheelerHB.com

[kmcguffee 0]

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You seem to have the notion that I somehow hate the U.S.

That is probably because the only thing you ever say on this forum about the US is negative. If I continually ridicule someone or some organization most people will eventually start to believe that I dislike them.

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Since then most of that support has steadily erroded due to our own decisions to not build a consensus to fight the war, but rather to strike out however we saw fit regardless of how the rest of the world feels.

Ultimately, we are responsible for the security of our nation, not the rest of the world. The French, Germans, and Russians did a good job of selling an economically motivated opposition to a war as a moral opposition. We didn't fight the propoganda war as well. That is the major problem.

"Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do." Ben Franklin

[Jib 0]

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Since then most of that support has steadily erroded due to our own decisions to not build a consensus to fight the war, but rather to strike out however we saw fit regardless of how the rest of the world feels.

We failed to build a consensus? Do you believe one was possible where those opposed had financial interests in maintaining the status quo in Iraq (loans, contracts)? So, when they chose to put their financial interests ahead of a consensus (was there any other reason?), we're the bad guy and when we put our financial interests ahead of them, we're the bad guy? I'm not sure their feelings have much to do with our best interests.

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the depth of his depravity sickens me.
-- Jerry Falwell, People v. Larry Flynt

[kmcguffee 0]

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That is below the belt.
When people use these type of arguments and "if you dont like the policy then leave the country" thing they just show their inabilityto have an intelligent discussion.

You misunderstood the tone or something. Try reading it with a slightly sarcastic rising inflection. Then if you have any further problems PM me and I'll explain further.

"Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do." Ben Franklin

[mikkey 0]

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Why should we send billions of dollars to countries that did nothing to help and some even aided Iraq's former regime? Yeah, that's better than giving it to our allies. Popular opinion in France or Germany really helps our economy?

Things are going splendid in Iraq? No US soldiers being killed or injured? Security being provided and you can pull your troops out by Christmas? Civil administration is working well and being run by the Iraqis?

If the US wants to "internationalise" the situation and get this under control they need help from countries like France and Germany. Both countries have traditionally very good connections in the Arab world including Iraq. This is not a good way of getting them involved or pay for the re-building.

There was a big "pledge" conference in Madrid a couple of month ago. I would not be surprised if some countries will pull their pledge if they get excluded from being able to bid.

Also, having this large contingent of US troops and civil administration stationed in Iraq costs an enormous amount of money. So it might be cheaper in the end involving countries like France and Germany then going it alone.

But Mr. Wolfowitz who wrote these guidelines is always right in choosing the strategy - right? Try to read what he said and predicted before the war regarding post war Iraq. He was responsible for the post combat “set-up”. The major reason for the unprepared ness of the US for the post-combat phase was his misjudgement of the situation.

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When people look like ants - pull. When ants look like people - pray.

[kmcguffee 0]

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If the US wants to "internationalise" the situation and get this under control they need help from countries like France and Germany.

The US has been trying to get their help. They've refused numerous times. Are you insinuating that we need to "pay them off" to get their help? That doesn't sound very "peace loving, let's all live together, kumbaya" to me.

"Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do." Ben Franklin

[mikkey 0]

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If the US wants to "internationalise" the situation and get this under control they need help from countries like France and Germany.

The US has been trying to get their help. They've refused numerous times. Are you insinuating that we need to "pay them off" to get their help? That doesn't sound very "peace loving, let's all live together, kumbaya" to me.

No it doesn't - and who did ever claim that. International politics is very much focussed on strategic and commercial interests. Always has and always will be. The Europeans are not better in that regard then the Americans. The US has been trying to sell this "adventure" as something that has to do with WMD, terrorism and "bringing democracy" when the major motivation is securing strategic oil interests. And yes, if you want to get the Europeans back "in the fold" then you’ve got to kiss some ass and that means $. It's a cynical world.

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When people look like ants - pull. When ants look like people - pray.

[Jib 0]

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There was a big "pledge" conference in Madrid a couple of month ago. I would not be surprised if some countries will pull their pledge if they get excluded from being able to bid.

How much did France & Germany pledge to help? The EU pledged $800M+ and $240M of it was from Italy alone. Japan coughed up $5B & the U.S. $20B. There is how much in contracts?

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the depth of his depravity sickens me.
-- Jerry Falwell, People v. Larry Flynt

[kmcguffee 0]

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And yes, if you want to get the Europeans back "in the fold" then you’ve got to kiss some ass and that means $.

You are right, it is a cynical world. But it looks like the US isn't that worried about getting them "back into the fold". They aren't that worried about it either. They are more interested in asserting their independence which is completely within their rights.

"Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do." Ben Franklin

[kallend 2,147]

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We bomb a country and give our VP's former company the lion's share of the reconstruction contracts.

Yet another reason for the world to hate us.

Why should we send billions of dollars to countries that did nothing to help and some even aided Iraq's former regime? Yeah, that's better than giving it to our allies. Popular opinion in France or Germany really helps our economy?

...

The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[kallend 2,147]

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We bomb a country and give our VP's former company the lion's share of the reconstruction contracts.

Yet another reason for the world to hate us.

Why should we send billions of dollars to countries that did nothing to help and some even aided Iraq's former regime? reply]

Well, I don't know but it seems to me that until 1990 the USA was one of Iraq's biggest supporters and arms suppliers.

...

The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

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[kmcguffee 0]

Kallend, am I missing some subtle message in your post?

"Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do." Ben Franklin

[Jimbo 0]

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We are a nation of great strength, but with that strength comes the responsibility to use it in constructive ways for the betterment of all people, everywhere.

This is the read world, Quade, not Never Never Land.

-
Jim

"Like" - The modern day comma
Good bye, my friends. You are missed.

[Gravitymaster 0]

"Things are going splendid in Iraq? No US soldiers being killed or injured? Security being provided and you can pull your troops out by Christmas? Civil administration is working well and being run by the Iraqis?"



Result of Bush's No Plan No Direction

This is for those who are discouraged at the constant bombardment of negative news about Iraq from the liberal, anti-Bush media, and also for those who just want to be critical for other reasons.

SINCE PRESIDENT BUSH DECLARED AN END TO MAJOR COMBAT ON MAY 1: ... the first battalion of the new Iraqi Army has graduated and is on active duty. ... over 60,000 Iraqis now provide security to their fellow citizens.

... nearly all of Iraq's 400 courts are functioning.

... the Iraqi judiciary is fully independent.

... on Monday, October 6 power generation hit 4,518 megawatts-exceeding the pre-war average.

... all 22 universities and 43 technical institutes and colleges are open, as are nearly all primary and secondary schools.

... by October 1, Coalition forces had rehabbed over 1,500 schools
- 500 more than their target.

... teachers earn from 12 to 25 times their former salaries.

... all 240 hospitals and more than 1200 clinics are open.

... doctor's salaries are at least eight times what they were under Saddam.

... pharmaceutical distribution has gone from essentially nothing to 700 tons in May to a current total of 12,000 tons.

... the Coalition has helped administer over 22 million vaccination doses to Iraq's children.

... a Coalition program has cleared over 14,000 kilometers of Iraq's 27,000 kilometers of weed-choked canals. They now irrigate tens of thousands of farms. This project has created jobs for more than 100,000 Iraqi men and women.

... we have restored over three-quarters of pre-war telephone services and over two-thirds of the potable water production.

... there are 4,900 full-service connections. We expect 50,000 by January first.

... the wheels of commerce are turning. From bicycles to satellite dishes to cars and trucks, businesses are coming to life in all major cities and towns.

...95 percent of all pre-war bank customers have service and first-time customers are opening accounts daily.

... Iraqi banks are making loans to finance businesses.

... the central bank is fully independent.

... Iraq has one of the world's most growth-oriented investment and banking laws.

.. Iraq (has) a single, unified currency for the first time in 15 years.

... satellite dishes are legal.

... foreign journalists aren't on 10-day visas paying mandatory and extortionate fees to the Ministry of Information for minder's and other government spies.

.. there is no Ministry of Information.

... there are more than 170 newspapers.

... you can buy satellite dishes on what seems like every street corner.

... foreign journalists and everyone else are free to come and go.

... a nation that had not one single element-legislative, judicial or executive-- of a representative government, does.

... in Baghdad alone residents have selected 88 advisory councils. Baghdad's first democratic transfer of power in 35 years happened when the city council elected its new chairman.

... today in Iraq chambers of commerce, business, school and professional organizations are electing their leaders all over the country.

... 25 ministers, selected by the most representative governing body in Iraq's history, run the day-to-day business of government.

... the Iraqi government regularly participates in international events. Since July the Iraqi government has been represented in over two dozen international meetings, including those of the UN General Assembly, the Arab League, the World Bank and IMF and, today, the Islamic Conference Summit. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today announced that it is reopening over 30 Iraqi embassies around the world.

... Shia religious festivals that were all but banned, aren't.

... for the first time in 35 years, in Karbala thousands of Shiites celebrate the pilgrimage of the 12th Imam.

... the Coalition has completed over 13,000 reconstruction projects, large and small, as part of (a) strategic plan for the reconstruction of Iraq.

... Uday and Queasy are dead - and no longer feeding innocent Iraqis to his zoo lions, raping the young daughters of local leaders to force cooperation, torturing Iraq's soccer players for losing games... murdering critics.

... children aren't imprisoned or murdered when their parents disagree with the government.

... political opponents aren't imprisoned, tortured, executed, maimed, or are forced to watch their families die for disagreeing with Saddam.

... millions of longsuffering Iraqis no longer live in perpetual terror.

... Saudis will hold municipal elections.

... Qatar is reforming education to give more choices to parents.

... Jordan is accelerating market economic reforms.

... the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded for the first time to an Iranian -- a Muslim woman who speaks out with courage for human rights, for democracy and for peace.

... he has not faltered or failed.

... Saddam is gone.

Since... Iraq is free.

Not bad for an administration with no plan, no direction, was going to be slaughtered going into Baghdad and was only in it for the oil.