23 Billion Lost In Iraq

[Aaron]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7444083.stm

A BBC investigation estimates that around $23bn (£11.75bn) may have been lost, stolen or just not properly accounted for in Iraq.

For the first time, the extent to which some private contractors have profited from the conflict and rebuilding has been researched by the BBC's Panorama using US and Iraqi government sources.

A US gagging order is preventing discussion of the allegations.

The order applies to 70 court cases against some of the top US companies.

War profiteering

While George Bush remains in the White House, it is unlikely the gagging orders will be lifted.

To date, no major US contractor faces trial for fraud or mismanagement in Iraq.

The president's Democrat opponents are keeping up the pressure over war profiteering in Iraq.

Henry Waxman who chairs the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform said: "The money that's gone into waste, fraud and abuse under these contracts is just so outrageous, its egregious.

"It may well turn out to be the largest war profiteering in history."

In the run-up to the invasion one of the most senior officials in charge of procurement in the Pentagon objected to a contract potentially worth seven billion that was given to Halliburton, a Texan company, which used to be run by Dick Cheney before he became vice-president.

Unusually only Halliburton got to bid - and won.

Missing billions

The search for the missing billions also led the programme to a house in Acton in West London where Hazem Shalaan lived until he was appointed to the new Iraqi government as minister of defence in 2004.

Judge Radhi al Radhi: "I believe these people are criminals."
He and his associates siphoned an estimated $1.2 billion out of the ministry.

They bought old military equipment from Poland but claimed for top class weapons.

Meanwhile they diverted money into their own accounts.

Judge Radhi al-Radhi of Iraq's Commission for Public Integrity investigated.

He said: "I believe these people are criminals.

"They failed to rebuild the Ministry of Defence , and as a result the violence and the bloodshed went on and on - the murder of Iraqis and foreigners continues and they bear responsibility."

Mr Shalaan was sentenced to two jail terms but he fled the country.

He said he was innocent and that it was all a plot against him by pro-Iranian MPs in the government.

There is an Interpol arrest out for him but he is on the run - using a private jet to move around the globe.

He stills owns commercial properties in the Marble Arch area of London.

Well I think I can say with certainty that the GW administration is now the worst in the world. He's replaced Mugabe as my personal punching bag.

[Mikey]

You're lucky - you don't have to live under him. *to self* seven months... seven months...

[Aaron]

You're lucky - you don't have to live under him. *to self* seven months... seven months...

Unfortunately I have to live beside him and all that entails. Now I can't travel to the US, though I wasn't planning on it.

[Mikey]

Meh. Just like Canada, but two of the cities are dirtier, and we have less moose and no caribou.

[Aaron]

Meh. Just like Canada, but two of the cities are dirtier, and we have less moose and no caribou.

Probably less wackos here but definetely more French.

[Teaos]

Hmmm I thought it was more than that.

[Aaron]

Hmmm I thought it was more than that.

It probably is, I get the impression that this is just what they could find reference to.

[Monroe]

You're lucky - you don't have to live under him. *to self* seven months... seven months...

Didn't John Bolton say that he thought Bush should invade Iran right before he leaves office?

[Aaron]

Didn't John Bolton say that he thought Bush should invade Iran right before he leaves office?

I believe that was Daniel Paris.

[Monroe]

Didn't John Bolton say that he thought Bush should invade Iran right before he leaves office?

I believe that was Daniel Paris.

Both O.O cause I know Bolton said the same thing. o.o

[Aaron]

Both O.O cause I know Bolton said the same thing. o.o

Well at least we know their mouths work.

[Teaos]

Only about 6 months left for him to do what ever he is going to do.

[Aaron]

Only about 6 months left for him to do what ever he is going to do.

And without Congressional approval he'll have to withdraw after 90 days. So he can do what he wants, for 90 days.

[stitch626]

That can't be a good thing...

[colmquinn]

Well good ol George W is in Europe at the minute touring about, possibly getting one last look at some of the rest of the world before he invades Iran and makes a mess of the rest of the bits he missed the first time. Does he still hear the voice of god in his head?