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BBC uncovers lost Iraq billions - too bad America doesn't have any journalists.

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Democrat 4 Ever Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jun-11-08 10:01 AM
Original message
BBC uncovers lost Iraq billions - too bad America doesn't have any journalists.
They must all be at a cocktail party at the White House.

BBC uncovers lost Iraq billions
By Jane Corbin
BBC News


A BBC investigation estimates that around $23bn (£11.75bn) may have been lost, stolen or just not properly accounted for in Iraq.

For the first time, the extent to which some private contractors have profited from the conflict and rebuilding has been researched by the BBC's Panorama using US and Iraqi government sources.

A US gagging order is preventing discussion of the allegations.

The order applies to 70 court cases against some of the top US companies.

War profiteering

While George Bush remains in the White House, it is unlikely the gagging orders will be lifted.

To date, no major US contractor faces trial for fraud or mismanagement in Iraq.

The president's Democratic opponents are keeping up the pressure over war profiteering in Iraq.

Henry Waxman who chairs the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform said: "The money that's gone into waste, fraud and abuse under these contracts is just so outrageous, its egregious.

"It may well turn out to be the largest war profiteering in history."

In the run-up to the invasion one of the most senior officials in charge of procurement in the Pentagon objected to a contract potentially worth seven billion that was given to Halliburton, a Texan company, which used to be run by Dick Cheney before he became vice-president.

Unusually only Halliburton got to bid - and won.

Missing billions

The search for the missing billions also led the programme to a house in Acton in West London where Hazem Shalaan lived until he was appointed to the new Iraqi government as minister of defence in 2004.

http://news.bbc.co.uk:80/2/hi/middle_east/7444083.stm


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CottonBear Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jun-11-08 10:09 AM
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1. "It may well turn out to be the largest war profiteering in history."
:GRR:
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Fire Walk With Me Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jun-11-08 11:35 AM
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2. Kick.
This is why we impeach. Those are OUR tax dollars being used to control the price of oil...
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JimGinPA Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jun-11-08 11:37 AM
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3. Obama's AG Will Be Busy nt
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Hutzpa Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Wed Jun-11-08 11:56 AM
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4. Well... America do have Journalist
just that most of them are in bed with their Coporate masters.

Hence the blind loyalty....
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