Today's Wall Street Journal reports that the US, anticipating large-scale destruction, is inviting bids from American companies to rebuild the Iraqi infrastructure it intends to bomb.
An initial one billion dollar contract, described an “optimistic estimate” by the paper, would be used to begin repairs to main roads, bridges, and electricity grids – as well as hospitals, schools, and housing. Further contracts are being prepared to administer seaports, airports, hospitals, schools, transport and storage of water and electrical equipment, and to refurbish the Iraqi oil industry, which the Journal estimates will far exceed the cost of the initial “mother contract”.
A subsidiary of Dick Cheney’s former company, Haliburton, has already been tapped to fight oil fires if that proves necessary, and may also become the lead contractor on the initial infrastructure contract. Some observers like the ubiquitous Anthony Cordesman worry that the Iraqis may be required to pay for a reconstruction effort whose main beneficiaries are seen to be US profiteers.
The WSJ is a sub-only site, but I've reproduced today's article -- as well as the earlier one on Haliburton's oil contract -- on www.supportingfacts.com. Sorry for any cross posting.