Bush may delay $4 billion in Iraqi contracts

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

CRAWFORD, Texas (CNN) -- The Bush administration may set aside up to $4 billion in Iraqi reconstruction projects, a senior administration official said Wednesday.

The official said serious consideration has been given to delaying the reconstruction projects, originally set for after the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority cedes power to the Iraqis. That transfer is set for the end of June.

The official gave no reason why the money would be set aside and projects postponed.

More: http://edition.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/12/31/sprj.nirq.contracts/

[Richardo]

1. I'm thinking it's because you can't start reconstructing a house...

...that's still on fire.

[underpants]

2. Hmm set aside for Halliburton pick up when no one is looking?

Sorry but the news that Halliburton obviously can't be trusted with taxpayer money and then this caused the red flags to pop up.

Oh well in a few weeks no one will be asking about this and *poof* the money will be gone.

[nclib]

4. Bingo

They'll just wait until they can figure out a way to give Halliburton the money.

[MasonJar]

3. I bet that they got all the donations

allowed from Haliburton before they cancelled them. Looks like old Rovie-boy is trying to tie up some loose ends before he is outed for outing Mrs. Wilson.

[goforit]

5. Wow!!!..........interesting tactics.

?

[Nancy Waterman]

6. Cronyism and corruption

The Pentagon has frozen new funds approved for Iraqi reconstruction amid growing allegations of corruption and cronyism associated with the rebuilding process.

http://truthout.org/docs_03/123103B.shtml

[pinto]

7. this may be CPA "discretionary" funds...I heard last week about $4b

included in a "no bid, no paper trail" CPA fund. B*shco may be trying to stay one step ahead of the growing scrutiny in corporate contract procedures (or lack thereof)....

[Just Me]

8. Byrd warned this was a blank check,...

,...language in the $87B request pretty much allows the administration to do whatever the hell they want to with the money (so long as the "right" language is utilized when they move the money around).

[GRClarkesq]

9. A little hint to our

friends in France, Germany, Russia etc...

Play ball on debt cancellation and we have some goodies for you.