Canada shut out of postwar contracts in Iraq

CBC ^ | 4/14/03

[areafiftyone]

WASHINGTON - Canadian companies have been shut out of the bidding for lucrative rebuilding contracts in Iraq, with the biggest going to companies with ties to the Bush administration.

The multimillion-dollar contract to clean up the Iraqi oil fires went to Kellogg, Brown and Root, a subsidiary of Halliburton, the company U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney ran as chief executive for five years until 2000.

That had critics up in arms over who stands to profit from the war in Iraq.

"It appears that the Bush administration really doesn't get it when it comes to the appearance of conflict of interest," said Steven Weiss of the Center for Responsive Politics in Washington.

Halliburton did step out of the race for the main $900-million (US) contract to help rebuild Iraq, but could still profit from it if its subsidiary gets work from one of the two companies still in the running.

"It sends the message that if you play the game you are going to enhance your changes in the picking of the spoils," said Weiss.

Initial bids for the contract were by invitation, and there aren't many invitations going Canada's way lately.

Hussein Ibish of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee says that's likely how Canada will be treated after Ottawa didn't endorse the U.S.-led war in Iraq.

"Well, I wouldn't hold my breath if I were a Canadian NGO, a Canadian expert, a Canadian technical, for-profit corporation, because these feelings run quite deeply," said Ibish.

However, the Bush administration has said there will be opportunities for companies for other countries to rebuild Iraq.

"The U.S. already made clear that companies from all over would be welcome to participate and provide subcontracting services. I think the key is expertise," especially in peacekeeping and chemical clean-up, said Ariel Cohen of the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think-tank.

[areafiftyone]

I just hope France, Germany and Russia get the same treatment!

[goldstategop]

I think we could forgive Germany and Russia on the grounds you should keep your enemies closer but France no way, no how.

[Cuttnhorse]

The multimillion-dollar contract to clean up the Iraqi oil fires went to Kellogg, Brown and Root, a subsidiary of Halliburton, the company U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney ran as chief executive for five years until 2000.

Brown and Root are also one of the most qualified companies in the world to do this kind of work. They are well managed and extremely competent. Cheney also lost millions by severing his ties with Halliburton, and as I recall, gave the profits from his stock sales to charity.

These Canadian dummies are just sour grapes and looking for any opportunity to give Bush grief. Screw 'em.

[Darheel]

Canada is a brute.

[Cuttnhorse]

Is it true that his family crest is in the shape of a horse's patootie?

I'm saddened, deeply saddened by the comparison.

[Republican Wildcat]

The multimillion-dollar contract to clean up the Iraqi oil fires went to Kellogg, Brown and Root, a subsidiary of Halliburton, the company U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney ran as chief executive for five years until 2000.

They don't mention that there are hardly any oil fires, and that Cheney is divested from Halliburton.

[Redbob]

"'It appears that the Bush administration really doesn't get it when it comes to the appearance of conflict of interest,' said Steven Weiss of the Center for Responsive Politics in Washington."

And it also appears that the Canucks have never heard the parable concerning "biting the hand that feeds you."

Screw 'em!

[ericthecurdog]

Belly Girl: Canada, you shut the hell up. We'll save Iraq!!!

[Redbob]

"'It sends the message that if you play the game you are going to enhance your changes in the picking of the spoils,' said Weiss"

No, it sends the clear message that we're no longer going to stand for our alleged "allies" stabbing us in the back without facing SOME sort of consequences.

With "friends" like Canadians, who needs France?

[areafiftyone]

Cheney is divested from Halliburton.

I am afraid that according to the liberal Democreeps and all Creeps, Cheney will forever be associated with Halliburton! Cheney could be standing in the middle of the street with a sign saying "Down with Halliburton - You Capitalist Pig" and the Liberal would still say he was involved! They Suck!

[cynicom]

Hand wringing, whining socialists. Like vultures, waiting to pick the bones of Iraq.

[UncleSamUSA]

- "Canadian companies have been shut out of the bidding for lucrative rebuilding contracts in Iraq" --

Doesn't the Bible say something about "as ye reap, so shall ye sow".

In other words, if the Canadian companies are shut out I say: EXCELLENT. That is what the Canuks deserve. Nothing.

[Redbob]

"Even if Halliburton has "ties" to the Bush Admin, they are still the best company for the job! They are well known and respected within the industry."

AND they're located in Texas: they've got it ALL!

[Future Snake Eater]

"It sends the message that if you play the game you are going to enhance your changes in the picking of the spoils," said Weiss.

So Canada wants their money for nothing and their chicks for free? Sorry, gang, but you should've helped us out when we asked.

To the victor go the spoils--not the sideline slanderers.

[buffyt]

Canada cut off their own right hand, ey?

[goldstategop]

Something like that. They have no standing to complain. And we'll be damned if we reward them for turning their backs on us when they could have taken a stand on principle.

[buffyt]

"Note to Cretien: Life's tough. It's tougher if you're stupid."

EXCELLENT COMMENT! ROTFLMAO!!!!

[buffyt]

 

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!

[trebb]

It appears that the Bush administration really doesn't get it when it comes to the appearance of conflict of interest

Of course he understands - it would be a conflict of our interests to treat back-stabbers as friends...