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Iraq reconstructionâs bottom-line
A protracted whine from Asia Times Online about how things are not working in the Iraq reconstruction effort and its the fault of the US companies that are the prime contractors. There is probably more than a grain of truth to this, but more than anything it reminds me of reports from Russia in the early 90s when after the collapse of socialism nothing worked, and it took years for free market systems to start to produce obvious results. I think something similar is happening in Iraq. I also think we will see mostly sullen resentment as we did in Russia rather than active opposition. severely EFLEven if the occupation were working perfectly well, it would still be wrong. This has become trite commentary among Iraqis who bitterly want the occupation of their country to fail but, at the same time, also earnestly hope that the reconstruction of their country succeeds. Still, no matter how hard the occupiers try to make the reconstruction go right, the US and its corporations still have no right staying here. A clue lies at the Najibiya power station in Basra, Iraqâs second largest city located south of Baghdad. Sitting uninstalled between two decrepit turbines were massive brand new air-conditioning units shipped all the way from York Corporation in Oklahoma. Pasted on one side of each unit was a glittering sticker proudly displaying the "Made in USA" sign, complete with the Stars and Stripes. Itâs just what the Iraqis donât need at this time. Since May, Yaarub Jasim, general director for the southern region of Iraqâs electricity ministry, has been pleading with Bechtel to deliver urgently needed spare parts for their antiquated turbines. "We asked Bechtel many times to please help us because the demand for power is very high and we should cover this demand," Jasim said. "We asked many times, many times." Two weeks ago, Bechtel finally came through. Before it could deliver any of Jasimâs requirements, however, Bechtel transported the air-conditioners, useless until the start of summer six months from now. Posted by: phil_b 2003-12-25 |
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