Security costs lead Bush to cut funds for Iraq democratization

[Judi Lynn]

Security costs lead Bush to cut funds for Iraq democratization
Sunday, April 09, 2006

By Peter Baker, The Washington Post

WASHINGTON -- While President Bush vows to transform Iraq into a beacon of democracy in the Middle East, his administration has been scaling back funding for the main organizations trying to build democratic institutions such as political parties and civil society groups.

The administration has included limited new money for traditional democracy promotion in budget requests to Congress. Some organizations face funding cutoffs this month, while others struggle to stretch resources through the summer.

The shortfall threatens projects that teach Iraqis how to create and sustain political parties, think tanks, human rights groups, independent media outlets, trade unions and other elements of democratic society.

The shift in funding priorities comes as security costs are eating up an enormous share of U.S. funds for Iraq and the administration has already ratcheted back ambitions for reconstructing the country's battered infrastructure. While acknowledging that they are investing less in party-building and other such activities, administration officials argue that bringing more order and helping Iraqis run effective ministries contribute to democracy.
(snip/...)

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06099/680789-82.stm

[TomInTib]

1. This is a cop-out to the Base...

Security costs = Insurance costs

My family is heavily involved in one of the companies doing business in Iraq.

When they run into domestic construction problems, they always lay it out to the stockholders as "insurers' requirements" before they walk away from projects of declining profit.

Works every time.

"Security costs", my ass. There is plenty enough money for everything but losing.
And that is what is happening.

[Erika]

2. Hey W met the needs of his oil, energy, defense,etc donors

They've become rich beyond their wildest dreams. Paid for by Iraqi and U.S. citizens at the cost of innocents lives. Now the well is running dry? Wonder why.

[dweller]

3. it's just pocket change

to this cabal.

dp

[pinniped]

4. Notice they're in no hurry to find out which offshore accounts....

our missing billions got deposited into.

[radfringe]

5. looks like he's screwing Iraq

like he's screwed the rest of us...

is this his first step to "Cut and Run"? he's doing the cutting, I guess we have to wait until it's closer to Nov. (s)elections for the running part....

[HuffleClaw]

6. well, THAT sort of money doesn't go into his friends coffers so...

...of COURSE he's gonna cancel it.

[NYC]

7. Diminishing returns?

Are the corporations not maintaining their profit margins?

[Zorra]

8. We could use some money to "re-democratize" the US -

how about scrapping evoting machines and buying some paper ballots and some good pens?