Canada protests U.S. snub on Iraq

Globe and Mail ^ | 12-10-03

[SJackson]

Washington — The Pentagon drew criticism from Canada for formally barring companies from countries opposed to the Iraq war from bidding on 26 reconstruction contracts.

The ruling bars companies from U.S. allies such as France, Germany and Canada from bidding on those contracts — worth $18.6-billion (U.S.) — because their governments opposed the U.S.-led war that ousted Saddam Hussein's regime.

“If these comments are accurate ... it would be difficult for us to give further money for the reconstruction of Iraq,” Deputy Prime Minister John Manley said. “To exclude Canadians just because they are Canadians would be unacceptable if they accept funds from Canadian taxpayers for the reconstruction of Iraq.”

Steven Hogue, a spokesman for Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, said Canada has contributed more than $190-million to the rebuilding effort.

The directive from U.S. Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, dated Friday and posted Tuesday on a Pentagon web site, limits bidders to firms from the United States, Iraq, their coalition partners and other countries that have sent troops to Iraq. It says restricting contract bids “is necessary for the protection of the essential security interests of the United States.”

Administration officials have suggested publicly and privately since before the war started that countries that opposed the United States on Iraq would be cut out of at least some of the lucrative rebuilding contracts administered by Washington. The order from Mr. Wolfowitz covers contracts to manage the entire rebuilding effort, train and equip the Iraqi National Army and rebuild infrastructure including roads, sewers, power plants and oil fields.

He wrote that the restrictions would encourage other countries to join the coalition in Iraq. A Pentagon spokesman, Major Joe Yoswa, said the order does not prohibit companies from the excluded countries from getting subcontracts in Iraq.

[Broadside Joe]

"My only point is that our current contribution in Afghanistan should not be discounted."

No it shouldn't nor do I think that it has. But this war will go on for years to come and the follies being played out at the UN and elsewhere only emboldens the enemy. Every nation had a chance to pony up in Iraq. 12 years and 18 resolutions worth of political gamesmanship was more than enough. Now, those that didn't want to share the pain now want to reap the gain. What's wrong with this picture?

Moreover, many of those now whining were working overtime to not just oppose, but thwart any action to remove this threat to not only us, but to the Iraqi people and others in the region. There are a great many people who should be ashamed of themselves.

[what's up]

Don't care about a fiendish dictator being gone, eh?

[Ranger Drew]

“To exclude Canadians just because they are Canadians..."

...that's precisely the reason to exclude Canadians.

[hawkaw]

But I guess from a Canadian Government (and taxpayer) point of view ... and I think it is valid ... the USA has requested and received over 100 million dollars from the Canadian Government for the reconstruction of Iraq and lets not forget the few thousand soldiers the Canadians have in "Halfganistan" and the millions of dollars spent there by the Canadians to help the Americians in that country. That is a lot of support for such a small country like ours - no matter what certain Americans think of the military.

I supported the war effort all the way as did many millions in Canada too (not the majority though). Canadians were also involved in the war effort in quiet ways as well but our two faced PM (that leaves Friday) would not recognize the help we gave.

I understand the American government attitude in all of this especially seeing it is their troops losing their lives - the utlimate giving. And I understand the American government's point of view on the absolutle shameful politics that is going on at the UN and Europe never mind with our soon to be former PM. It's so damn bizzard to me watching a Socialist PM supporting all of this Iraq stuff and a conservative USA president while a conservative French president does not for selfish industrial reasons.

I think all in all the American Government can have their cake and eat it too whether certain governments/people do not like it or not) for the simple reason that it is their show, their massive expenditure and they have lost the lives. But in the same breathe, if Canadian financial help is "preceived" as not enough to at least allow certain top notch Canadian companies bid on Iraqi projects, then that sends a clear signal to me as a Canadian taxpayer that we should remove ourselves from all AID to rebuild Iraq and stop all military operations in the Central area of Asia immediately since the USA Government is telling us, in a quiet way that they handle it on their own.

hawk

[Broadside Joe]

I'm sure that there are many Canadian companies that would bid. Iraq is a basket case and will takes years to rebuild.

Think about it, construction companies, Telecom Co's, those General Motors plants you have, cars are now selling like hotcakes over there, BIO-tech and on and on and on...

There isn't anything that Briton, Spain or South Korea has that you don't. Yet they are there.

[Sunsong]

"Canada is, and has been very active in the war on terrorism. You are mixing the war on terrorism with our Governments appalling backtracking in Iraq."

As was pointed out to you, Iraq is part of the war on terror. Canada blew it. I would prefer to see Canadians admit the truth than play this irritating game of trying to say that Canada is some kind of great ally and friend of America. Canada is not. And the "contribution" in Afghanistan is certainly not impressive -- at least not to me. I believe that we had to transport them there. And how many are there? 2,000?

[XJarhead]

The Canadian government hasn't given money to the U.S. at all. That's money that Canada is contributing directly to Iraq.

What we're talking about here is the expenditure of U.S. taxpayer funds. I can't fathom the concept that Canada or any other country would claim it had some moral right to compete for contracts financed by American taxpayers. It's nuts.

The U.S. is spending truckloads of money on Iraq reconstruction, by far dwarfing the combined contributions of the rest of the world. What's wrong with reducing our costs a bit by giving a higher percentage of taxpayer financed contracts to American companies that pay U.S. taxes and hire more American workers?

[albertabound]

Agreed. Canadians that oppose our involvement and scoff, whistle past the graveyard. We were involved in Iraq, unofficially. Exchange troops were with both British and American forces, our navy was in the gulf protecting American Carriers, interdicting suspicious ship traffic and refueling U.S. warships. However since Chretien and his liberals refused to sanction their existence, the third largest contributor in terms of men and materiel is being ridiculed and relagated to the sidelines. Had we sanctioned our involvement, we might now have a say in matters and make a positive difference. I am not refering to re-building contracts, I am referring to the ongoing slaughter of American youngsters and Iraqi citizens. I have nothing but distain for those Canadians who applaude our Governments lack of action and seem to rejoice seeing Americans suffer under this international burden. I can only do my best to influence oue new Government leaders to reverse the trend and send some positive messages to Washington. Sorry for the rant but I feel better now.

[Broadside Joe]

You can get subcontracts just not prime contracts. However a small group, a hundred or so troops would put you in line for anything. That's all, go to the south with the Brits and Poles and Spaniards. South Korea has a few hundred..

[albertabound]

You have made your point with me already and I know where you stand on Canadian American relations. Until you can post something constructive on these issues other than ongoing bashin, I an done with you.

[Sunsong]

"They're reaping what they've sown."

Absolutely, you are right!

[Sunsong]

"I'm still slightly surprised by the lack of self-respect of these nations to whine and beg for a job they decried 100%."

Yeah, isn't that disgusting!

[hawkaw]

Canada blew it when it blind sided the American military because the UN did not approve of the War and then immediately sent it's troops to Halfganistan instead of Iraq.

However, it did help at sea, in AWACS planes and actually in a very small role on the ground (rotation troops) but the two faced PM that is leaving refused to acknowledge the role.

The money and the role in Halfganistan is large for our country's military.

As I said before, if the American, who have every right to do so, barr countries companies from participating in bids .... well that is fine by me. Americans loss of life justifies such action at the least. But in the same breathe, as a Canadian Taxpayer, we should not be giving any more aid to Iraq or provide and withdraw troops as this attitude by the American Government suggests that they want to go it alone with the countries they have.

hawk

[Sunsong]

"The majority of Canadians still do not want anything to do with the war - why would we want to bid on contracts there."

Yes, I understand that that is how most Canadians feel. There are Canadians here who are not that honest. So, if you have no problem not getting contracts, why are you protesting the decision?

[Sunsong]

". But in the same breathe, if Canadian financial help is "preceived" as not enough to at least allow certain top notch Canadian companies bid on Iraqi projects, then that sends a clear signal to me as a Canadian taxpayer that we should remove ourselves from all AID to rebuild Iraq and stop all military operations in the Central area of Asia immediately since the USA Government is telling us, in a quiet way that they handle it on their own."

That's cool. I would rather not have your $190 million than listen to you whine. Canada can't have it both ways. Either you're with us or you're not. And token support is just plain offensive, imo.

[Dog Gone]

If Canada wants in on the action, surely you could spare a few hundred troops to help the coalition. That's all it would take.

If Canada doesn't want to pay the admission price, then they shouldn't whine about not seeing the movie.

[Sunsong]

"You have made your point with me already and I know where you stand on Canadian American relations. Until you can post something constructive on these issues other than ongoing bashin, I an done with you."

Apparently not :-) It is not your place to decide what I should or should not post, btw. That just demonstrates more obnoxious, Canadian arrogance. Can you imagine the reaction if I were to go onto a Canadian site and tell them what is ok to post and what is not? Or perhaps that goes over your head...

[Sunsong]

"But in the same breathe, as a Canadian Taxpayer, we should not be giving any more aid to Iraq or provide and withdraw troops as this attitude by the American Government suggests that they want to go it alone with the countries they have."

That's your choice. As I said, you're either with us or against us.

[albertabound]

Agreed and their liberal whingeings only makes the situation more disgusting.It is time to put our money where our mouth is.Put up or shut up as it were.

[Sunsong]

"If Canada doesn't want to pay the admission price, then they shouldn't whine about not seeing the movie."

Don't you realize that Canada is *special*? :-) Just ask 'em. They think they should be able to get easy money from us morally inferior Americans.