[Mr. Thorne]

Right. I know Halliburton has a contract already. They were showing this on Cavuto the other day.

Some wimpy 'can't we all get along' type was saying this looks like cronyism. Then they showed the companies who could handle the rebuilding (which, I guess, Halliburton already has the plans and equipment for, since they bought up the smaller company years ago).

The companies in question: French, German and Canadian.

Now, are we still wondering why Halliburton got the contract?

[Fresh Wind]

I've heard that Halliburton built much of the oil infrastructure in Iraq originally, they know what's there, they have all the plans, and they represent the most expedient way to get Iraq's oil industry up and running.

Learning curve = money and time wasted.

[My2Cents]

Same with Bechtel (which I learned is a subsidary of Halliburton). It may look like cronyism, but the fact is, Bechtel has a history of building infrastructure in Iraq, and they're the best company for the job.

Also, your point about the alternatives -- German, French, and Canadian companies. People say they're concerned about the US economy and US jobs. Let the spoils go to American firms and workers. (Or British.)