An Iraqi model that fits reality

The Washington Times ^ | December 31, 2003 | William R. Hawkins

[xsysmgr]

There was a media firestorm when it was "discovered" that the United States was only going to allow American and allied companies to bid on $18.6 billion of Iraq reconstruction projects. Yet, this was old news. When the Pentagon set up its Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance, its mandate was to make contracts only with American firms. The U.S. Agency for International Development had similar rules. As USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios said in April, "Some countries have complained that they were not invited to bid for these projects, which are funded by U.S. taxpayers." He then noted that "foreign aid agencies in most countries try to award contracts to their own companies, supporting business at home while delivering assistance abroad -- just as Americans want to see their tax dollars support jobs at home."

[driftless]

I'm always amazed at the "logic" of people who say we should kiss up to countries that stabbed us in the back over Iraq by rewarding them with contracts. How much German, French, or Russian blood was shed deposing Hussein? Let them kiss up to us. They need us a lot more than we need them.

[Uncle Miltie]

"An Iraqi model that fits reality"

Darn. I was hoping for pictures.

[smith288]

Here is Iraq the Model blog...

[Atlantic Friend]

Excellent ! You read my mind...

[geedee]

I've never read a "blog" before. The Iraqi one you referred to is interesting as hell.

Forgive my stupidity but I'm still a little weak on what a "blog" is. Yes, yes, I've read all the online definitions.

Answer one question for me concerning the Iraqi blog. This fellow, or gal, lives in Iraq and they're just updating this website as though it were a diary, right? What I was reading, and I didn't get too far because I wanted to make sure I wasn't being duped, was straight, unfiltered info from the fellow maintaining the site. Is that right?

[smith288]

They are doing it from internet cafes and such. No filter at all. A blog is whatever the author wants it to be. A log for thoughts, opinions, stories...whatever.

There is more of these Iraqi bloggers too...some are complainers, some are really thankful for us.

Try this thread....
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1047902/posts

[geedee]

There is more of these Iraqi bloggers too...some are complainers, some are really thankful for us. Try this thread.... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1047902/posts

Cool. Thanks.