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Canada protests U.S. snub on Iraq
Globe and Mail ^
| 12-10-03
Posted on 12/10/2003 8:11:44 AM PST by SJackson
Washington The Pentagon drew criticism from Canada for formally barring companies from countries opposed to the Iraq war from bidding on 26 reconstruction contracts.
The ruling bars companies from U.S. allies such as France, Germany and Canada from bidding on those contracts worth $18.6-billion (U.S.) because their governments opposed the U.S.-led war that ousted Saddam Hussein's regime.
If these comments are accurate ... it would be difficult for us to give further money for the reconstruction of Iraq, Deputy Prime Minister John Manley said. To exclude Canadians just because they are Canadians would be unacceptable if they accept funds from Canadian taxpayers for the reconstruction of Iraq.
Steven Hogue, a spokesman for Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, said Canada has contributed more than $190-million to the rebuilding effort.
The directive from U.S. Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, dated Friday and posted Tuesday on a Pentagon web site, limits bidders to firms from the United States, Iraq, their coalition partners and other countries that have sent troops to Iraq. It says restricting contract bids is necessary for the protection of the essential security interests of the United States.
Administration officials have suggested publicly and privately since before the war started that countries that opposed the United States on Iraq would be cut out of at least some of the lucrative rebuilding contracts administered by Washington. The order from Mr. Wolfowitz covers contracts to manage the entire rebuilding effort, train and equip the Iraqi National Army and rebuild infrastructure including roads, sewers, power plants and oil fields.
He wrote that the restrictions would encourage other countries to join the coalition in Iraq. A Pentagon spokesman, Major Joe Yoswa, said the order does not prohibit companies from the excluded countries from getting subcontracts in Iraq.
TOPICS: Canada; Foreign Affairs; Government; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: canada; contracts; iraq; rebuildingiraq; snub
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1
posted on
12/10/2003 8:11:45 AM PST
by
SJackson
To: SJackson
I don't recall any of us asking Canada if it had an opinion.
To: SJackson
To exclude Canadians just because they are Canadians would be unacceptable Who said we were excluding canadians because they were canadians?
To: SF Republican
Really. We're excluding Canadian companies because their government has a severe cranial-rectal inversion. . .
4
posted on
12/10/2003 8:29:49 AM PST
by
Salgak
(don't mind me: the orbital mind control lasers are making me write this. . .)
To: SJackson
I just did some focus groups and found that 9 out of 10 Americans think that the Canadians are too sensitive on this matter. When asked why 9 out of 10 said that think it's because they 'feel' rejected. LOL
To: Bikers4Bush
Why should we reward Canada for not being a highly visible ally in the war on terror? Why should we reward Canada for not having greater security on their borders?
They're reaping what they've sown.
6
posted on
12/10/2003 8:38:55 AM PST
by
Made In The USA
(Where is the outrage?!)
To: Made In The USA
To: Bikers4Bush
I don't recall any of us asking Canada if it had an opinion. On a larger scale the left has abandoned logic entirely, and now insists that their opinion must be considered, just because.
Canada must be included because....well, because they're Canada for God's sake!
The EU 'allies' must be consulted because....they are 'allies'.
Anti-Bush protestors must be taken seriously because....they are protestors exercizing their right to speak.
The 'Arab street' must be considered because...they are the 'Arab street'!
Other cultures must be respected because of multiculturalism.
The UN must be consulted on matters of war because....they are the hallowed UN. No further questions, please.
Nowhere does the credibility of these institutions or the content of their arguments enter into the equation.
I'm still slightly surprised by the lack of self-respect of these nations to whine and beg for a job they decried 100%.
To: albertabound
Canada is, and has been very active in the war on terrorism. You are mixing the war on terrorism with our Governments appalling backtracking in Iraq. Iraq is the war on terrorism
9
posted on
12/10/2003 9:25:13 AM PST
by
grb
To: grb
What is afghanistan then?
To: grb
My understanding was that Iraq was invaded to remove weapons of mass destruction while in Afghanistan it was to remove El Queida and Taliban terrorists. What am I missing?
The majority of Canadians still do not want anything to do with the war - why would we want to bid on contracts there. The US blew it up - go for it - rebuild it on your own - who cares. Bush and his minions got their oil so they might as well keep everything else they can steal from Iraq.
12
posted on
12/10/2003 9:42:28 AM PST
by
kever
To: albertabound
I believe the expression is...
"What have you done for us lately?"
Said without irony.
13
posted on
12/10/2003 9:43:03 AM PST
by
headsonpikes
(Spirit of '76 bttt!)
To: albertabound
To: kever
Wow! A sleeper trool. Don't see many of those
15
posted on
12/10/2003 9:46:47 AM PST
by
paul51
To: kever
Then what the hell is your government whining about?
To: Broadside Joe
To: Broadside Joe
John Manley announced he is leaving politics over a week ago . The crouton is done this Friday. Our government whining? Maybe what was our government.
Then again , name a Canadian company that would have bid , if they were interested . If , as Maney said , it was Canadian money it would be different. It's not Canadian money so why should we care how you blow it.
Seems to me everyone is making a big deal out of this . Except Canada .
18
posted on
12/10/2003 10:03:27 AM PST
by
Snowyman
To: kever
The majority of Canadians still do not want anything to do with the war - why would we want to bid on contracts there. The US blew it up - go for it - rebuild it on your own - who cares. Bush and his minions got their oil so they might as well keep everything else they can steal from Iraq.
kever - Visit this site - Click here - It is called "Faces of Valor" - That represents the real price we in the United States are paying and have paid. Canadians gave their lives in Afghanistan as well. I doubt that you speak for all Canadians.
Stay(and rot) in Canada kever!
19
posted on
12/10/2003 10:05:25 AM PST
by
B-Cause
To: kever
Speak for yourself. Canada is split on the issue and the lack of even moral support was appalling. For you to take such a pigheaded view shows your lack of knowledge on the subject.
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