[Lord Nelson]

I will take your word for it that they are employing Iraqis. At the time it had the appearance of wrong doing, so I was surprised Bush didn't make an effort at that time to assure Americans that all was kosher with the deal. In this age of cynicism about politicians (we all know the lobby game that is played in Washington) it is important to communicate to the people about these things. After all it was Cheney's company.

I don't blame Bush from not wanting to give a single contract to France. At least some nations were polite about not helping in Iraq - I guess the French are never polite.

[Sonny M]

I don't blame Bush from not wanting to give a single contract to France. At least some nations were polite about not helping in Iraq - I guess the French are never polite.

There's 2 main reasons why the french didn't and couldn't get those contracts.

1)Yea, its the french, they wouldn't take part in the war, they can't now ask for and get contracts.

2)They have serious ties to Victor Bout, which escalates to many risks for all the players involved. A firm with terrorists ties, would never get clearance for a construction job like this.

[knews_hound]

Another thing to consider is that fact that Iraq was run by the Baath party. Period.

They controlled ALL commerce and independent companies were nearly nonexistent once you got out of the small business sector.

Once a business got to a certain size or profitability, it was quickly seized by Saddam or one of his henchmen.

The fact is, there simply were no companies that we COULD out-source these tasks to.

After having bled for the land, I would personally been royally pissed if we gave contracts to anyone BUT US Companies.

Cheers,

knews hound