Bovine excrement.
Under the US "consequence management" system, there is a maximum payout of $2,500 per claim.
Any Iraqi can file a claim with US forces for loss or damage caused by military operations. In Rawah, there are twice weekly payment sessions, held at a run-down government building. Claimants, clutching photographic proof of broken doors, smashed windows and demolished homes, queue up in an effort to collect from a limited pool of money.
Some claimants are genuine; others try to claim cash for damage unrelated to US military operations.
The claims are investigated and, if found to be legitimate, payments are made according to a sliding scale. A damaged high-value car or dead family member brings $2,500, while a television destroyed by a hand-grenade is valued at $350.
One entry in the 4/14 Cavalry compensation log reads: "blown-up house, pay $1,300". Another: "destroyed boat, $20". Others include a blown-up potato field and irrigation equipment ($2,000), a damaged door in a hospital ($50) and a burned-down store ($2,500).
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=2208712005
Thank you for providing evidence for my post.