$$$ FOR IRAQ GONE-US Promoting "Tough Love" Reconstruction

THE CONFLICT IN IRAQ
'Marshall Plan' for Iraq Fades
Once the $18.6 billion for reconstruction is spent, the nation might have to rely on private investment. 'No pain, no gain,' a U.S. official says.

By Doug Smith and Borzou Daragahi, Times Staff Writers


BAGHDAD — After more than 2 1/2 years of sputtering reconstruction work, the United States' "Marshall Plan" to rebuild this war-torn country is drawing to a close this year with much of its promise unmet and no plans to extend its funding.

The $18.6 billion approved by Congress in 2003 will be spent by the end of this year, officials here say. Foreign governments have given only a fraction of the billions they pledged two years ago.


With the country still a shambles, U.S. officials are promoting a tough-love vision of reconstruction that puts the burden on the Iraqi people.

"The world is a competitive place," Tom Delare, economics counselor at the U.S. Embassy, said this month during a news briefing. "You have to convince the investor that it is worth his while to put his money in your community."


http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-aid15jan15,0,1402940.story?coll=la-home-headlines

I guess whoever fronts the money to rebuild Iraq will have first claims on owning it.

was "tough love" too. Hearts and minds, candy and flowers. Tough love.

"You have to convince the investor that it is worth his while to put his money in your community."

That's EXACTLY what CEO Bush did when he convinced the American people to 'invest' in the community of Iraq, and that is EXACTLY where he allegedly placed our 'investment dollars' (US taxpayer money), now in the multi-billions.

CEO Bush lied to his shareholders and, in his circles, THAT'S a crime that NEVER goes unpunished ...

Something New Orleans will find out about too.

rebuilding? or get screwed even more than now to let some more thieving *cronies do the job? and people think this is acceptable?

I despair of the sheeples in this country.

on what, pray tell? . . .