Iraq Trade Fair Postponed as Security Fears Grow

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - A high-profile U.S.-sponsored trade fair for companies rebuilding Iraq was postponed on Thursday, a day after the grisly killing and mutilation of four American contractors deepened fears that security was worsening.

Iraq's U.S. governor, Paul Bremer, vowed to hunt down those responsible for ambushing the contractors in the restive city of Falluja, and those who then torched the corpses and dragged them through the streets before hanging them from a bridge.

Organizers of the Baghdad Expo, a major trade fair that had been due to start on Monday, said it was postponed -- a blow to U.S. efforts to draw investment to Iraq and project an image of a stable country conducive to doing business.

No new date was set for the trade fair.

International companies hoping to win a slice of Iraqi reconstruction had been due to take part in the exhibition, along with U.S. companies that have won most of the contracts Washington has awarded to rebuild Iraq so far.

But many companies had expressed concern about security at the event -- the site where it was due to be held was rocketed last month, and Baghdad's main hotels have also been repeatedly attacked with mortars and rocket-propelled grenades.

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http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=UJGNQXGCN2GXCCRBAEKSFFA?type=topNews&storyID=4725004

people live in? I was just astounded when I read that the US was actually putting on a Trade Fair for businesses. The idea was probably to have businessmen walk around booths with smiling Iraqis, pick up brochures and business cards, and do a bit of name dropping and make friends. There would be a concession stand with more smiling Iraqis selling drinks and food.

In the meantime, Iraq burns and people are dying all around. Americans and Iraqis alike. Paul Bremer stands up and rattles his sword and vows revenge.

And this is a place that is open for business?

:eyes:

Just bring your flak jacket and machine gun. I hear they provide instant service, no waiting.

:-)

All is not lost.

And who would be dumb enough to attend this anyway?
I haven't checked, but are there any commercial flights going in and out of the Baghdad Airport now?