In Iraq, contractors' security costs rise

[Gunit_Sangh]

Attacks on private companies could jeopardize coalition efforts

By Mary Pat Flaherty and Jackie Spinner

Updated: 7:15 a.m. ET Feb. 18, 2004

Attacks on the private contractors rebuilding Iraq are boosting security expenses, cutting into reconstruction funds and compelling U.S. officials in Baghdad to contend with growing legions of private, armed security teams spread throughout the country.

While attacks on military targets and Iraqi citizens have received widespread attention, the assaults on the companies, which have left at least 17 dead and others wounded, are lesser known. Those attacks could jeopardize the success of the coalition efforts in Iraq, according to a Coalition Provisional Authority document reviewed by The Washington Post.

A draft of security guidance for contractors prepared by the CPA's Infrastructure Security Planning Group in Baghdad says, "Spiraling costs, excessive work delays, lost materiel and workforce casualties in the current threat environment have the potential to put Coalition success at risk." The CPA's Program Management Office is seeking to hire a central coordinator for the private security teams in anticipation of the thousands of foreign workers and hundreds of new work sites that will flood Iraq starting next month, when nearly $10 billion in U.S.-funded rebuilding contracts are due to be awarded.

More ....
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4296784/

[0007]

1. The mafia privatized the White House and used cheap labor to guard

Halliburton and the like and now this crime cabal is telling us that the cost is going up for private security forces above the $87 billion that the U.S. tax payer is already paying?

So is this building up to another $50 billion we're gonna have to cough up for Iraq? You got it!

[Mandate My Ass]

2. and remember with Halliburton

When it comes to spending taxpayer dollars, it's not just cost, it's "cost plus."

[0007]

3. How could one forget when Halliburton is counting?

[denverbill]

4. Security costs? WTF? The US Army is providing them security free.

From what I understand, one privatized KBR employee earning $200,000/years drives a armored mail delivery truck, and is protected by a squad of US troops in unarmored Hummers.

[Just Me]

5. Nearly all the core neocons are tied into private military/security cos.

So,...of course, again,...profiteering runamuck!!!