Demise of Iraqi water park illustrates limitations, abuse of U.S. funding program

[cory777]

Source: Washington Post

BAGHDAD - In the spring of 2008, Gen. David H. Petraeus decided he had spent enough time gazing from his helicopter at an empty and desolate lake on the banks of the Tigris River. He ordered the lake refilled and turned into a water park for all of Baghdad to enjoy.

The military doctrine behind the project holds that cash can be as effective as bullets. Under Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq at the time, that principle gained unprecedented emphasis, and it has become a cornerstone of the war effort in Afghanistan, now under Petraeus's command.

But today the Baghdad park is nearly waterless, more than two years after a U.S. military inauguration ceremony that included a marching band and water-scooter rides. Much of the compound is in ruins; swing sets have become piles of twisted steel; and the personal watercraft's engines have been gutted for spare parts.

The troubled history of the venture speaks to the limitations and mishandling of a program that has provided U.S. military commanders with $5 billion for projects in Iraq and Afghanistan over six years. The program has allowed officers enormous flexibility to address urgent needs with few bureaucratic hassles.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/02/AR2011010202491.html?wprss=rss_world

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[Rabrrrrrr]

1. Patreus - typical scientifically ignorant asshole American. Yeah, water park in the desert.

What an asshole.

Fuck you, Betrayus.

[neverforget]

2. More money down the drain

[xchrom]

3. Well, there's some ironic amusement for you. Nt

[Sonoman]

4. Wheelchair races?

from article:

"Military officials held an opening ceremony in August 2008. It included a mini-marathon around Baghdad, wheelchair races, helium balloons and a parade of Iraqi police vehicles."

How fitting...

Sonoman

[SaveAmerica]

5. Right after they restored drinking water to all the people of Iraq, right?

[Crowman1979]

6. Well that kills another freeper argument.

You know, the one that starts off with: We're winning in Iraq! Hell, it's so safe in Baghdad, that they even have a water park in operation now.

[russspeakeasy]

7. I wish I could say I'm surprised.......

[Solly Mack]

8. ...

...

k.r

[Demeter]

9. What Were They Thinking?

"All this lovely sand, all it needs is some sparkling blue water, and we have the biggest resort in the ME?"

sounds like a cheap replay of Dubai.