US spend on Iraqi reconstruction is fraction of earmarked funds (Powell)

[Barrett808]

BAGHDAD (AFP) - The United States has spent just 544 million dollars (450 million euros) on Iraqi reconstruction since an 18.4-billion-dollar package was approved last year, according to the office managing the US funds.

Although the Project and Contracting Office (PCO) has awarded 6.38 billion dollars of contracts, only half a billion has been spent so far, according to a PCO document obtained by AFP late Monday.

The text, a briefing document for US Secretary of State Colin Powell who made a surprise visit to Baghdad on Friday, said most of the money had been spent on law enforcement and security and admitted that the daily violence rocking Iraq had delayed the flow of funds.

"We have experienced some delays as we seek to keep our employees safe," it said.

Powell promised Iraq's interim leaders during his visit that reconstruction spending would be speeded up, saying it was essential to restoring stability.

(more)

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20040803/pl_afp/iraq_us_rebuild

[jpgray]

1. It's too unstable to reconstruct

That much should be obvious--we have another Afghanistan on our hands, wherein the areas that are too hot will simply be abandoned to their own devices.

[Barrett808]

3. Indeed, I sometimes call it the "deconstruction" of Iraq

After the WaPo story on the miles-long line of trucks carrying "salvage" to a Jordanian junkyard. Among other stories.

[0007]

6. Isn't the construction of the fourteen Military Installations

going as scheduled?

[jpgray]

7. Couldn't tell you--no one will report on them.

[Barrett808]

8. True -- I newshawk Iraq obsessively, and there is nothing on this

We hear about firebases coming under attack, but nothing on the construction of the 14 permanent bases.

[Bandit]

2. But Kerry's vote against the $87 billion dollars is killing our troops!!!

Sometimes my head just won't take anymore of this shit.

[bobbyboucher]

4. Yet US Government has borrowed $1.45 Trillion since 6/02.

Can someone please explain that?

[progressivebydesign]

5. Then can we have our money back for our schools and fire stations? N/T