Halliburton Suspends Some Iraq Supply Convoys

April 13, 2004

THE WORLD
Halliburton Suspends Some Iraq Supply Convoys
After recent attacks, the firm says it will wait until security is increased, raising the risk that troops could lack food and water.

By T. Christian Miller, Times Staff Writer


WASHINGTON — Halliburton Co. has suspended some convoys delivering supplies to the military in Iraq due to escalating violence, U.S. Army and company officials said Monday, raising the danger of shortfalls in food, fuel and water supplies if the situation continues.

The company said the decision was made after supply trucks protected by U.S. soldiers were attacked Friday by Iraqi insurgents just outside Baghdad, resulting in the death of one employee from Halliburton subsidiary KBR, formerly known as Kellogg Brown & Root. Seven other employees are missing or held hostage. A soldier was also killed in the incident, and two others are missing.

Privately, company officials expressed concerns about the level of security provided to the convoy. Halliburton's fuel convoys are protected by U.S. soldiers under the terms of a contract signed in December 2001.

"For the safety and security of convoys, the Army and KBR jointly made the decision to suspend some convoys at this time until additional security efforts can be put in place by the military to provide the new level of security necessary to move supplies into Iraq," said Wendy Hall, a Halliburton spokeswoman. "KBR is resolved to continue support of the U.S. troops and to fulfill all contract obligations."

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-kbr13apr13,1,3774929.story?coll=la-headlines-world
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You can't order them to do dangerous things, like getting supplies to your troops.

A soldier would do whatever it takes to help another soldier. A private contractor will just say, see you later sucker.

and we should use this as a prime example against privatizing.

heck, the military spouses should be speaking up very, very loudly about this! But will they spout the gop party line?? "I know it's tough for my spouse without food or water, but s/he and I are so honored to be helping the iraqi people."

so the troops will be a bit hungry and dehydrated, but do as the freepers do and run to Wal-Mart and buy a flag ... that will support them in this crisis

A force majeure clause - a contract provision that excuses one or both parties from part or all of their obligations (i.e., liability) in the event of war, natural disaster, or some other event outside the parties' control (e.g., acts of God), inevitable accident, unavoidable casualty, vis major calamity, catastrophe, tragedy, disaster, cataclysm - an event resulting in great loss and misfortune; "the whole city was affected by the irremediable calamity"; "the earthquake was a disaster".

If a contractor isn't performing according to contract terms, would the US Gov't issue a 'cease and desist' order ... stop all work? It's not like manufacturing a Mil-Std widget in the US and work is stopped ... who would keep a service contracted to be provided in a war zone going seamlessly?

I'm sure Halliburton and the Pentagon have thought of everything ... or have they been blinded by their greed.